Google Chrome Portable for Windows

Google Chrome Portable 154.0.8037.58 is a package from PortableApps that runs Google's Chrome browser on Windows without a normal installation. You download Chrome Portable when you want to carry your browser, bookmarks and extensions on a USB stick, or use Chrome on a computer where you cannot install software.

Specifications

How the portable version works

The regular Chrome installer writes the program into the system, registers services for updates and keeps your profile in the user folder. The portable package does none of that. PortableApps wraps the official Chrome files with a launcher that keeps the program and the profile together in one folder you choose. When you start it, the launcher points Chrome to that local profile, and when you close it, nothing stays on the host computer. You can put the folder on a flash drive, a cloud-synced directory or an external SSD, plug it into another PC and continue with the same tabs, passwords and extensions. The small initial download is a setup tool that fetches the full browser files. Updates are handled by the PortableApps platform or by downloading a new package, rather than by Google's background updater.

Supported systems

Google's system requirements say that Chrome 109, released January 10, 2023, was the last version for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. Current versions need Windows 10 or later.

How to set it up

1. Download the portable package from the PortableApps project and run it.
2. Choose a destination, such as a USB drive or a folder in your documents.
3. Wait while the setup downloads Chrome, then start it with the launcher.
4. Sign in to sync, or keep everything local on the drive.

If you prefer the standard version, Google explains installation on its help page.

Security

A browser on a flash drive can be lost along with your saved passwords. Protect the profile with sync encryption or avoid storing passwords, and update the package promptly, because it is not updated automatically in the background.

Price

Chrome and the portable package are free.

Pros and cons

• Pro: no installation, no traces on the host PC.
• Pro: your profile travels with you.
• Pro: same engine and extensions as regular Chrome.
• Con: updates are manual or via the platform.
• Con: slower on cheap USB sticks.
• Con: risk of losing data with the drive.

Alternatives

Other portable browsers on our site include Mozilla Firefox Portable, SRWare Iron and Cent Browser, which have portable editions. The installed versions of Chrome Beta, Dev and Canary are also available.