topic Re: Global protect windows shortcut broken when update in GlobalProtect Discussions

Global protect windows shortcut broken when update

Soporte-IT — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:43:56 GMT

When we update global protect windows client in our organization the shortcut pinned to the taskbar is broken.

Any solution for this?

It is very annoying for users

Re: Global protect windows shortcut broken when update

Mudhireddy — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:02:47 GMT

This happens because Windows uses absolute paths for taskbar shortcuts, and when GlobalProtect updates, it installs a new version in a different folder, breaking the existing shortcut. Here are a few solutions to prevent or fix this issue.

Use a Static Shortcut Path

Instead of relying on the default installation path (which changes after updates), create a permanent shortcut that always points to PanGPA.exe using the Program Files static directory.

Delete the broken shortcut from the taskbar.
Manually create a new shortcut:

C:\Program Files\Palo Alto Networks\GlobalProtect\PanGPA.exe

Right-click PanGPA.exe → Send to Desktop (Create Shortcut).
Drag this shortcut to the taskbar.

Test by updating GlobalProtect to see if the shortcut remains intact.

or Deploy GlobalProtect with a Stable Path
Some IT admins package GlobalProtect using MSI installers with a fixed path. If possible, use a static installation directory during deployment.

Example MSI install command
msiexec /i GlobalProtect64.msi INSTALLDIR="C:\GlobalProtect" /qn
Then, use a shortcut pointing to C:\GlobalProtect\PanGPA.exe

Re: Global protect windows shortcut broken when update

Soporte-IT — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:48:18 GMT

I have thought about that solution but it is valid to implement global protect from scratch, currently I have many users who already have shortcut configured in the other way: Shortcut type: application and start "C:\Program Files\Palo Alto Networks\GlobalProtect\"

Likewise, thank you very much for your help.