Install agents from the console

You can use the Puppet Enterprise (PE) console to install agents in *nix, macOS, and Windows nodes.

Before you begin
If you're installing an agent with a different OS than your primary server, you must declare the corresponding pe_repo class on the primary server, such as pe_repo::platform::el_7_x86_64. Declare these classes in the console at Node Groups > PE Master > Classes.

You must have permission to run the pe_boostrap task to install agents on nodes. The pe_boostrap::linux task is for *nix and macOS targets, while the pe_boostrap::windows task is for Windows targets.

Refer to the Limitations section of the pe_bootstrap task's Forge page for platform, PowerShell, and Microsoft .NET Framework requirements.

  1. In the PE console, go to Nodes > Add nodes > Install agents.
    Tip: These steps use the default pe_boostrap task to immediately install agents using one transport method (SSH or WinRM). If you want to schedule the installation, use SSH and WinRM concurrently, or specify task parameters (such as a custom certname or other parameters described on the pe_boostrap task's Forge page), click Advanced install. Make sure you accept the CSRs after installing agents.
  2. Select a transport method to remotely install the agent on the target node.
    • SSH for *nix and macOS
    • WinRM for Windows
  3. Enter the target host names and the credentials required to access them. You can specify multiple targets, but only one set of credentials.
    Important: If you use an SSH key, include the begin and end tags.
  4. Click Add nodes to install agents on the specified nodes. You can click Installation job started to view the task's job details.
    Agents are installed on the target nodes and then they automatically submit certificate signing requests (CSRs) to the primary server.
  5. After installing agents, CSRs are added to the Unsigned certificates list in the console. You must accept the certificates, as explained in Managing certificate signing requests.