Windows Firewall warnings for New App in %localappdata%

[TitleRequired]

Appreciate running the new App from %localappdata% makes it easy for non admins to install and use, however, on some systems this causes windows firewall popups that the users can't solve, then requires admin intervention to reset the firewall rules (usually for public/private networks).

If it was deployed to program files, admin could set firewall rules via policy.

 

[ChrisC_3CX]

You could try the following in command prompt but be aware that this has not been tested nor is the intended method so I cannot guarantee it will not cause issues with functionality or with future updates:

msiexec /i "MSI file name" APPLICATIONROOTDIRECTORY="PATH"

Example:

msiexec /i 3CXDesktopApp-18.7.10.msi APPLICATIONROOTDIRECTORY="C:\Program Files (x86)\3CX Desktop App"

If you face any issues with it, I suggest uninstalling completely and installing as normal.

 

[TitleRequired]

Yes that installs but I have seen that when an update is applied, or even when launching from that location the app copies over to %localappdata% / C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Programs\3CXDesktopApp

And you can't set policies on those locations in the firewall through GPO or Intune.

 

[ChrisC_3CX]

As mentioned previously, I'd suggest sticking with the defaults since you had issues.

Just as an FYI, the only way for the path to be set to Program Files is if the 3CX Desktop App is deployed via the Windows Terminal Server.

 

[TitleRequired]

But the default, with the non admin installs is what is generating the firewall notifications.

 

[NickD_3CX]

If you use this way of deploying the 3CX Desktop App, I believe it also automatically adds the Firewall Rules required:
https://www.3cx.com/docs/desktop-app-windows-terminal-server/