How to Run Software Directly Off a USB Flash Drive

PDF download Download Article
Learn the steps to running software from a USB on a PC or a Mac
PDF download Download Article

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

PDF download Download Article
  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.
    Advertisement
  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.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using SourceForge.net for Direct Downloads on Mac

PDF download Download Article
  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.
    8. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      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]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use an Operating System from a USB Stick
      3 Ways to Unhide Files on a USB Pen Drive: Windows & Mac
      How to
      Add the Google Play Store to an Amazon Fire Tablet
      How to
      Play Minesweeper
      How to
      Open EPUB Files
      Using Rufus to Create Bootable USB Drives: A Step-By-Step Guide
      A Step-by-Step Guide to Compare Two Excel Files
      How to
      Save an Animation in Blender
      How to
      Make an Exe File
      2 Simple Ways to Create an RSS Feed
      How to
      Add a Password to a RAR File
      How to
      Turn on Microsoft Defender in Windows 10 and 11
      How to
      Change the Hostname on Linux Without Rebooting
      How to
      Edit DLL Files
      Advertisement

      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.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 634,365 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement