##portable installer ] windows

Posted on by tiger40490 rendered_on [ Thu, 6 Mar 2025 ] 09:35 UTC

Across applications, I generally prefer portable versions for one Main_reason. They are easier to install in restricted environments , so the substantial t-investment in learning/exploration generates higher ROTI. Other benefits include

  • easier to install multiple versions
  • easier to uninstall
  • if an installation doesn’t complete, the litter is easier to remove
  • no need to worry about winUp forcing you to reinstall your apps

— file naming .. If the installer creates folder/file names including “USB” or “Portable”, then leave them as is. Now let’s assume that’s not the case.

The install dir will be under ProgramPortable (rather than ProgramUSB), so it’s optional to suffix “USB” to the dir.

The executable name had better end in “USB”. Lastly, Good to rename the visible launcher [shortcuts in StartMenu] with “xxx.USB”, to remind myself that a portable install has been working for a long time.

— chrome .. I would not try the portable for now, since I worry about synching. Main_reason doesn’t apply.
— treeSizeFree ……. has an official zip installer. No installation required 🙂
can’t install a ShellEx but it’s not really necessary 🙂
— Git …….. has a portable install for windows, but it won’t enhance context menu. No _automatic_ entry in start menu.
— notepad++ …. official download site has portable
— wordweb installer has an option to install on USB (satisfies the Main_reason), but the application GUI subsequently shows a dimmed checkbox to start with windows. I can manually start it. Maybe I can even add it to the start-up folder.
(Much) Better than having nothing, given a restricted environment like office.
— beyondCompare ….. portable is officially supported but won’t enhance ShellEx !
— For Opera … the regular download can create a portable installation. It has comparable features as regular Opera, but it can’t use the preserved bookmarks 🙁

If free space is insufficient, the aborted installation can leave behind a litter of 200MB. If you don’t clean it up manually, then in the future you won’t recognize it as litter.