Installing and Configuring Test Agents and Test Controllers
To run tests remotely or distribute automated tests to multiple machines, install a test agent on each test machine, and link those agents to a test controller. You can then manage those tests from Visual Studio or Microsoft Test Manager, and also set up automated build-deploy-test runs. Each test agent can perform tasks like installing software, running tests, and collecting test data. The test controller distributes tests and manages test runs by communicating with the test agents on each test machine. Also, a test controller lets you use diagnostic data adapters to collect data or impact the test machine when tests are run.
Download the installer for test controllers and test agents. The installer is available as an ISO file (virtual CD) for easy installation on virtual machines.
Use a test controller and test agent to:
Run automated tests remotely using Visual Studio
Distribute automated tests to multiple machines using Visual Studio
Run tests and collect test data remotely using Microsoft Test Manager
Run tests in a lab environment. The agent also lets you manage lab machines from Microsoft Test Manager.
Deploy an application in a lab environment using a build-deploy-test workflow
Warning
If you run tests using a third-party unit testing plugin, you can’t use a test controller or test agent to run those tests.
What operating system do I need to install my test controller and test agents?
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Tasks
To run tests using a test controller and test agents, you must also configure a test settings file after you set up those controllers and agents. In that file, you assign roles to your test agents. Those role values determine the machines that your test controller will use to run each test. See Setting Up Machines and Collecting Diagnostic Information Using Test Settings.
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Set up and manage test controllers and test agents for remote and distributed automated testing using Visual Studio. |
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Run a test controller or test agents in Microsoft Azure Cloud Services. |
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Set up test controllers and configure security for test controllers and test agents in lab environments. |
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Set up test controllers and test agents to distribute load tests to multiple machines. |
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Configure test agents to run remote or distributed tests that interact with the desktop, such as coded UI tests. |
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Reconfigure the default ports that test controllers and test agents use to communicate so you can handle firewall restrictions and software conflicts. |
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Configure test controllers and test agents on machines with multiple network adapters. |
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Specify how long a test controller or test agent must wait for a response when communicating before failing with an error. Configure these settings if the default timeout settings are causing software conflicts in your topology. |