How to Run Software Directly Off a USB Flash Drive

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Learn the steps to running software from a USB on a PC or a Mac
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Windows users can run software from a USB flash drive by installing a "Platform" from PortableApps.com where they can search for and install apps. You can't install major apps like Photoshop or Microsoft Office on a USB drive, but PortableApps does have an open-source equivalent to many of those apps. Mac users can search and directly install apps to a USB drive via Source Forge. You may wish to run software directly from a USB flash drive to save space on your hard drive or avoid leaving a trace of your software on your computer.

How to Run Software Off a USB Flash Drive on PC

Go to PortableApps and install the PortableApps Platform on a USB flash drive. Access your USB flash drive files and run the PortableApps platform on your PC. Download apps to your flash drive from the PortableApps Platform app store and double-click the file names on the flash drive to run them.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using PortableApps.com's Platform on Windows

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  1. Go to http://portableapps.com in a web browser. This website provides a wide variety of open-source and free portable applications—as well as a "Platform" that helps you access and organize them.
    • PortableApps isn't the only site from which you can access software that will run on a USB flash drive—but it is free and easy to use. Alternatives include http://www.portablefreeware.com/ and LiberKey.
  2. It's the green button on the page. This takes you to the download page for the PortableApps installer. The download will begin automatically. All a few minutes for it to start.
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  3. Use the following steps to install The PortableApps Platform on your USB drive:
    • Insert your USB drive in an open USB slot on your computer.
    • Double-click the PortableApps Setup file in your Downloads folder or web browser.
    • Select your language and click Ok .
    • Click Next .
    • Click I Agree .
    • Select "New Install" and click Next .
    • Select "Portable" and click Next .
    • Select your USB drive and click Next .
    • Click Install .
    • Click Finish.
  4. Press " Win + E " to open Windows Explorer. Then click your USB drive below "This PC."
  5. This opens starts the PortableApps Platform.
    • The PortableApps Platform and App Store may launch on it's own once the installation is finished.
  6. First, click "Apps" from the menu and then click "Get More Apps."
  7. Some apps may have some additional installation steps. Follow the installation guide to complete the installation. Use the following steps to install apps on your USB drive:
    • Click the checkbox next to the apps you want to install.
    • Click Next .
  8. To run an app off of your Flash drive, click the "PortableApps" folder on your USB drive. Then open the folder for the app you want to open. Double-click the app you want to open.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using SourceForge.net for Direct Downloads on Mac

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  1. Navigate to http://osxportableapps.sourceforge.net/ in a web browser. You'll see a number of portable apps along the lefthand side and at the center of the screen. [1]
    • Portable apps are a more popular solution for Windows users, so don’t expect to find as many app options for Mac.
  2. You'll then be taken to a screen that shows you a "Download" option and offers instructions on "How to install and run."
  3. .
    • Most recently produced flash drives can house a large number of portable apps.
  4. You'll generally find this port on the front or on the side of your computer.
    • Consider the number and sizes of the app files you plan to download
  5. Begin by clicking the "Download" button associated with the portable app you've selected.
  6. Drag the portable app's file folder to your flash drive's icon.
  7. Double-click the portable app file from your USB flash drive. A small window will appear to say that the portable app opened successfully.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Once software is installed, can one safely eject the USB?
    Ammar D
    Community Answer
    Once the software is successfully installed, you can generally eject the USB without any issues.
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      Warnings

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      Tips

      • PortableApps software can also be used on a Mac or Linux operating system, but will require an additional program to enable functionality. Some of those programs include CrossOver, Wineskin, WineBottler and PlayOnMac. [2]
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      References

      1. ↑ http://osxportableapps.sourceforge.net/
      2. ↑ http://portableapps.com/download

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Download and install PortableApps from http://portableapps.com/ .
      2. Run the installer and install PortableApps on your USB flash drive.
      3. Click "Start.exe" on the USB flash drive.
      4. Go to Apps followed by "Get More Apps" in PortableApps.
      5. Click the checkbox next to the apps you want to install and click Next .
      6. Launch the App from within it's folder on the USB flash drive.

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