Portable applications do not require installation on the operating system, so all the files needed to run the application are in a single folder that can be moved and used on various computers without changing the system configuration.
The main benefits of portable apps include portability, where apps can be run from external storage devices such as USB flash drives, making them easy to carry and use on various computers. Additionally, app settings and preferences remain consistent no matter where the app is used, and leaving no trace or residual files on the computer in use increases security.
Portable apps also save storage space because they don’t require additional installation. The flexibility and mobility offered by portable apps allow users to take their favorite apps anywhere and use them on a variety of computers without the need for reinstallation.
Situations that require portable applications include use on public computers, backup and recovery of applications and their settings, and reducing the risk of personal data being left behind on the computer in use. With all these benefits, portable applications become a practical and efficient solution for modern computing needs.
Initial Preparation
Software and Tools Needed
- Cameyo: This software allows you to create portable applications using application virtualization. Cameyo is easy to use and very efficient.
- ThinApp: This tool from VMware is perfect for companies that need a more complex and integrated application virtualization solution.
- PortableApps.com: This platform provides a variety of applications that have been packaged into portable and also tools to create your portable applications.
Creating a Custom Folder for the Project
- Create a new folder on an external drive or local drive to store all the files related to the creation of portable apps. Example folder structure: D:\PortableProjects\
- Maintaining a neat folder structure helps in file management and facilitates the testing and maintenance process of portable applications.
Steps to Create a Portable App
Method 1: Using Cameyo
Download and Install Cameyo
- Visit the official Cameyo website.
- Download the Cameyo installer.
- Install Cameyo according to the instructions.
Steps to Create Portable Apps with Cameyo
- Open Cameyo: Once the installation is complete, open the Cameyo app.
- Select “Capture app locally”: Select this option to start the application virtualization process.
- Run the App Installer: Run the app installer you want to make portable, for example, Notepad++.
- Complete App Installation: Follow the installation process to completion.
- Cameyo Creates Portable Files: Cameyo will process and create portable files from installed applications.
- Save Portable Files: Store the resulting portable files in the desired location, for example on a USB flash drive.
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Method 2: Using ThinApp
Download and Install ThinApp
- Visit VMware’s official website to download ThinApp.
- Follow the installation instructions to install ThinApp on your computer.
Steps to Create Portable Apps with ThinApp
- Open ThinApp: Once the installation is complete, open the ThinApp app.
- Select “Capture Pre-Installation Snapshot”: ThinApp will take a snapshot of the system before installing the app.
- Run the App Installer: Run the app installer you want to portable, such as Firefox.
- Complete App Installation: Follow the installation process to completion.
- Select “Capture Post-Installation Snapshot”: ThinApp will take a snapshot of the system after the installation of the application.
- ThinApp Creates Portable Files: ThinApp will process and create portable files from installed applications.
- Save Portable Files: Store the resulting portable files in the desired location, for example on a USB flash drive.
Method 3: Using PortableApps.com
Download and Install PortableApps.com
- Visit the official website of PortableApps.com.
- Download the installer PortableApps.com.
- Install PortableApps.com according to the instructions.
Steps to Create Portable Apps with PortableApps.com
- Open the Platform PortableApps.com: Once the installation is complete, open the Platform PortableApps.com app.
- Select “Install a New App”: On the main menu, select the option to install a new app.
- Search and Select Apps: Find the app you want to be portable, such as VLC Media Player.
- Download and Install Apps: PortableApps.com will download and install the selected apps automatically.
- Ready-to-Use Apps: Once the installation is complete, the apps will be ready to use as portable apps.