Before you install MOVEit Automation, ensure that the system meets the hardware and software requirements. For more information, see the current Release Notes.

  • MySQL database. Remove any local non-MOVEit MySQL versions before you install MOVEit Automation on the server. The MOVEit Automation installation program installs the MySQL database.
  • Account requirements. Select the type of account to use for your Windows services to run under. Each account type has specific requirements:
    • Virtual Service Account
      • Created during the MOVEit Automation installation process.
      • Runs the MOVEit services without a dedicated user.
      • The operating system automatically manages the account.
      • The virtual service account is limited to the local machine and cannot be used across multiple machines.
      • To grant a Virtual user access to a remote resource, the MOVEIt server must be granted access. For example, ComputerName$.
      • No password management is required.
      • Windows authentication is not available on SQL Server.
    • Group Managed Service Account (gMSA)
      • Must be set up before installing MOVEit Automation.
      • The gMSA can be used across multiple machines within the domain.
      • Active Directory manages the account.
      • Configuration in Active Directory is required. For example, the MOVEit Automation server must be included in the PrincipalsAllowedToRetrieveManagedPassword list when the user is created.
      • Password management is automatic.
      • After a reboot, when using gMSA accounts, the MOVEit Services are set for a delayed start so that the Microsoft Key Distribution Service is stable before MOVEit attempts to start.
    • Standard Windows Account
      • Must be set up before installing MOVEit Automation.
      • The Windows account can be used locally or across a domain, depending on the account type (local or domain account).
      • System Administrators manage the Windows account.
      • Manual setup and configuration are required, including assigning permissions and roles.
      • Security policies define password complexity and expiration.
  • Database authentication and installer access (SQL Server)

    When installing MOVEit Automation using Microsoft SQL Server with Windows Authentication, the installer creates a dedicated Windows user account named moveit_installer. This account is created only when Windows Authentication is selected as the database authentication type for the MOVEit Automation service.

    The moveit_installer account is used to run future in‑place upgrades when Windows Authentication is configured. Windows Authentication does not use a stored database password. Instead, MOVEit Automation connects to the SQL Server using the Windows identity under which the service is running. During upgrade, the installer must run under a Windows account that has sufficient permissions to access and update the MOVEit Automation database.

    The moveit_installer account is used only for installation and upgrade operations. It is not used to run MOVEit Automation services and is created only when SQL Server uses Windows Authentication.