The best free portable apps to carry on a USB stick
Portable apps run without being installed, so you can keep them on a USB stick or in a synced folder and use the same tools with your own settings on any Windows PC. The publishers of the free apps below offer portable editions, and the PortableApps.com Platform ties them together with a menu and updates. Check the files on each app page, and the publisher’s site, for the portable package.
7 apps from our catalog
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A launcher and app store for portable software: install hundreds of free apps onto a USB stick and keep them updated.
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An archiver for ZIP, 7z and many other formats with encryption, available as a portable edition.
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A secure SFTP, FTPS and SCP client that has an official portable package, ideal for admins on the move.
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An encrypted password database; the portable edition and the database file can both live on your stick.
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Free
Screenshots, screen recording and quick annotation, with a portable build for use without installing.
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A two-pane file manager with tabs and built-in archive support, offered in portable form as well.
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Free
A break-reminder app that nudges you to rest your eyes; the file offered here is the portable edition.
Setting up a portable toolkit
- Format a reasonably fast USB stick and install the PortableApps.com Platform onto it.
- Add apps from its built-in store, or extract portable packages from publishers into their own folders.
- Keep sensitive data encrypted: store passwords only in KeePass, protected by a strong master password, and use encrypted archives in PeaZip for private files.
Things to keep in mind
Portable apps still run with your permissions on the host PC, so only use them on computers you trust; a compromised machine can capture what you type. Cheap sticks can be slow and wear out; back up the drive regularly. Some apps need administrator rights for certain features even in portable mode.
Frequently asked questions
What makes an app portable?
A portable app keeps its program files and settings in its own folder instead of writing to the system, so it can run from a USB stick without installation.
Do portable apps work on macOS or Linux?
The apps listed here are mainly portable on Windows. Some have their own portable options on other systems; check each app page.
Is it safe to keep passwords on a USB stick?
A KeePass database is encrypted, so a lost stick does not reveal your passwords if your master password is strong. Keep a backup copy elsewhere.
Can I run portable apps without administrator rights?
Often yes, which is one of their main advantages, but some features or company policies may still require elevated rights.
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