Google Chrome is a web browser designed for simplicity and speed. Its minimalistic appearance and capabilities can be extended with themes and extensions. The program integrates with Google's tools and services, and can sync across other signed-in devices.
Cross-platform with clients available for Mac, Linux, Android and iOS.
Google Chrome Portable is the PortableApps version of the program. It includes automatic support for jPortable to enable web-based Java apps. For users interested in the cutting edge, Beta and Development are also available. For Windows versions from XP to 8, see past versions.
Note: Starting in v125, Chrome silently stopped supporting portable versions, which noticeably stopped supporting portable printing (including saving as PDF). Starting in v126, Chrome Portable bypasses it by hardcoding the command line parameter --disable-features=PrintCompositorLPAC (see the disable-features command line).
Category: | |
Runs on: | Win10 / Win11 / Wine |
Writes settings to: | Application folder |
Stealth: ? | No. Uses Windows' certificate manager, some Settings/Extensions Locked Per PC (see "App Notes" on website). |
Unicode support: | Partial |
Path portability: | Automatic compensation for dynamic drive letter in removable storage devices |
License: | Freeware |
How to extract: |
Download the portable installer and install to a folder of your choice. Launch GoogleChromePortable.exe. NOTE:
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Similar/alternative apps: | X-Chromium, Slimjet |
What's new? | See: https://chromereleases.googleblog.com/search/label/Stable updates |
Latest comments |
Stephen Leibowitz
on 2023-07-31 09:28
“Over the years [Chrome] has gained a reputation for being something of a resource hog, gobbling up your PC’s memory like it’s going out of style.” Starting with version 108, the Chrome desktop browser has a feature called Memory Saver that deactivates tabs that aren’t currently being used. When a user accesses a deactivated tab, it automatically reloads. A user can turn Memory Saver on or off. A user can also exclude specific sites from Memory Saver, keeping tabs for those sites active. See:
lwc
on 2024-06-15 07:15
See all
24›
I've added a note (with references) that portable versions of Chrome are no longer supported. They still work, but with bypasses and an uncertain future. |
ConfigureDefender is an interface for viewing and modifying various Windows Defender settings. Individual settings can be configured or you can select from one of three pre-defined protection levels: DEFAULT, HIGH, INTERACTIVE, and MAX. You can also block a variety of native Microsoft tools and reduce Defender resource usage on low-end systems.
Note that changing one of the protection levels requires a reboot in order to take effect.
Although you can make these changes yourself via the native group policy editor and Windows registry, this program collects them all in one place.
Category: | |
Runs on: | Win10 / Win11 |
Writes settings to: | None |
Stealth: ? | No |
License: | Freeware/Open Source |
How to extract: | Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch ConfigureDefender.exe. |
Similar/alternative apps: | Firewall App Blocker |
ExifToolGUI is a tool for viewing/editing metadata inside a long list of file types including document, audio, video, image, PDF, and more. For images, the program can both view and edit metadata information such as camera/device used, settings on the device, and even map the location the picture was taken if the camera has GPS capability. The program also supports IPTC and XMP tags, has batch capability, and can import/export all tags.
For privacy (and file size), the program can remove all metadata from selected files.
The program is a front-end for the cross-platform ExifTool. It extracts the content of ExifTool.exe to a temp folder under the user's folder, along with thumbs, if enabled.
Note: This program was originally created by Bogdan Hrastnik, but has been updated to v6.x by Frank Bijnen on GitHub. The instructions to create a portable assembly with all its dependencies is rather involved (and can be found on the releases page), so I am just pointing to the PortableApps 32-bit version in this entry. A 64-bit yaP version can also be found in the forum topic for this program.
Category: | |
Runs on: | WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10 |
Writes settings to: | Application Folder |
Stealth: ? | Yes |
Unicode support: | Yes |
License: | ExifTool: Open Source: Perl License, GUI: Freeware |
How to extract: | Download the PortableApp package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch ExifToolGUIPortable.exe. |
Similar/alternative apps: | ExifDataView, JPEG and PNG Stripper |
What's new? | See: https://github.com/FrankBijnen/ExifToolGui/blob/main/Docs/changelog.txt |
Latest comments |
gms9813
on 2012-04-10 18:56
Disregard that, I just got it working. The instructions were a little confusing.
webfork
on 2012-05-02 23:01
gms9813: thanks -- updated the instructions a little, hopefully its easier
webfork
on 2013-11-17 01:18
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12›
Everytime I use it, this program surprises me away with a LOT of data about files. If ever you want to try and understand the history, author, or other details about a given file, ExifTool is a great place to start. |
NOTE: Recent press about CCleaner indicates it may represent a privacy concern.
CCleaner is a feature-rich system optimization and privacy tool. The program cleans unused, temporary and log files from your system, as well as traces of online activities such as Internet history and flash cookies. The program contains startup controls for Windows, major internet browsers and context menu entries. Includes a separate registry cleaner, duplicate search, system restore tool and can wipe both deleted files and drive free space for security.
A 64-bit version is available (within the folder). Monitoring functions are only available in the pro version.
Additional cleaner rules can be using an unofficial set of community-developed set. It should be noted that many of these rules are alpha and the developers will not provide support for these rules, a thread in the users forum is dedicated to supporting the add-on rules.
Alternatively, ccPortable is also available.
Category: | |
Runs on: | Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Win11 |
Writes settings to: | Application folder |
Dependencies: | Administrator rights |
Unicode support: | Yes |
License: | Free for personal use |
How to extract: |
If the "Portable" ZIP package is not yet available:
Don't forget to disable usage data sharing in 'Options' - 'Privacy'. |
Similar/alternative apps: | BleachBit, PrivaZer |
What's new? | See: https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/version-history |
Latest comments |
Ennovy
on 2022-08-27 15:06
See all
104›
I confirm writing to the registry (Windows 11): |
PDF2EXE converts any PDF file to EXE, making PDF readable on any computer without PDF reading software. The conversion from PDF to EXE preserves the look and feel of the original document and includes optional compression. Note that PDF2EXE is based on Cool PDF Reader, which has attracted some comments disparaging the quality of its rendering engine. If you don't like Cool PDF Reader, you will probably want to give this a miss as well.
PDF2EXE also contains security features such as encryption of the shared PDF to help prevent modification, as well as disabling printing and image conversion.
Note: linking to the last portable (and also non shareware) version.
Category: | |
Runs on: | Win98 / WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP |
Writes settings to: | None |
Unicode support: | No |
License: | Freeware |
How to extract: |
|
Latest comments |
BruceW
on 2006-11-14 06:45
Free PDF readers (Adobe's or otherwise) are so common and easy to obtain that I'm wondering how necessary it is to offer an alternative format, especially one that wouldn't work on Macs or Linux systems. If I knew for sure that my audience were all Windows users, I guess I might consider distributing .EXE files, but if it were up to me I'd prefer that everyone just had some kind of PDF reader.
decomp
on 2009-01-12 04:50
12/01/09: PDF2EXE is shareware (not freeware) as states the website.
Wolfghost
on 2010-05-20 23:17
See all
9›
Here is download link to Portable PDF2EXE 1.0.0.128 |
FileOptimizer is a broad format file compression tool used to reduce file size without changing the quality, known as "lossless." This is done via wide variety of optimization and recompression tools and techniques. Original files are sent to the recycle bin for restoration in the event the uncompressed version is preferred. A list of the 400+ supported formats include audio/video (MP3, OGG, M4A), image (GIF, JPEG, PNG), office formats (DOCX, XLSX, ODT, PDF) and system files (DLL, EXE).
Supports drag-and-drop of files into the window or onto the program icon. Note that by default the program removes metadata for many file types. This information reduces overall file size and protects privacy but is important to some users (e.g. photographers) and file search tools.
A 64-bit version is available within the folder, the author reports the program is functional in WINE, and can be used on the command line. Many images here on TPFC including our logo have been compressed using FileOptimizer.
Category: | |
Runs on: | WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Wine |
Writes settings to: | Application folder |
Stealth: ? | Yes |
Unicode support: | Yes |
License: | GNU AGPL |
How to extract: |
Download the self-extracting 7z.exe package and launch. When prompted, select a folder of your choice. Launch FileOptimizer32.exe or FileOptimizer64.exe (for 64-bit OS). At startup, the program will optionally show ads to support program development. These can be disabled at any time. Optionally, to save space:
|
Similar/alternative apps: | ArcThemALL!, PngOptimizer, RIOT |
What's new? |
- Updated libwebp to 1.4.0 RC1. - Updated pingo to 1.23.9 x64 version. - Some minor optimizations and code cleanup. - Updated to C++ Builder 12.2 Ikaria Beta. |
Latest comments |
kilouiski
on 2019-09-20 12:09
I just tried to reduce the size of a video and it has left me exactly the same and with either option: fast and the best.
webfork
on 2019-10-06 22:40
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41›
@kilouiski: FileOptimizer exists because so few programs take the time and energy to fully compress your files with available tools. It sounds like the program used to generate your video was an exception. |
FreeOffice is a fast and lightweight office suite with word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation tools. The interface supports themes, a dark mode, and classic or ribbon-style toolbars. All components include a wide variety of formatting, functions, and animation.
The program will import and export to standard Microsoft formats with reasonable fidelity. A forum post about the previous 2006 version can be found here.
NOTE: The program will eventually require email registration, but a workaround is available.
Category: | |
Runs on: | Win7 / Win8 / Win10 |
Writes settings to: | Application folder |
Stealth: ? | No |
Unicode support: | Yes |
License: | Freeware |
How to extract: |
Optionally, delete the inst/banners subfolder and the files SoftMakerUpdaterTool.exe and usbstick.exe |
Similar/alternative apps: | LibreOffice |
What's new? | See:https://www.freeoffice.com/en/download/servicepacks |
Latest comments |
freakazoid
on 2021-12-31 16:34
@webfork - The software name is FreeOffice. I think it's obvious that there is a Pro version judging by the name of the program. When using FreeOffice, some upsell will be shown within the interface of the program, so if the user is interested in their enhanced features, they can do so at their own perusal.
Antolion
on 2022-02-05 03:39
This is possibly a greatest (portable) prog-suite. I' using only the portable version. There is a serious problem/bug I1 experienced. After want to save my presentatuons in presentations-maker its failed, and the prog said: it's not possible because it's an illegal (pirate) version of a progam.. The non-portable waersion works flawlessly!(I think, the root of the the problem, that the portable-version put the samples/sablons etc. in different way. And, misfortunately, the portabilizing-process is not work for hunspell dictionaries, but its a minor problem. Thanks!
NunoSilva
on 2022-11-17 08:31
See all
39›
There is also (with the same architecure) Ashampoo Free Office: |
AutoHotkey is a powerful automation and scripting tool with an option to export to a self-contained executable. Possible uses include assigning the hotkey "Ctrl-Alt-F" to launch Firefox, making abbreviations expand to their full definition as you type them, or saving time by setting the computer to auto-click a confirmation screen.
The program can create entire applications and has been used to create many hosted here on PortableFreeware including 7plus, WallPaper Randomizer, Gridy and many more.
Note: Though it's bit outdated (from 2021), Pulover's Macro Creator can be used as a macro recorder and includes an "Export to AHK" function.
Category: | |
Runs on: | WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Win11 |
Writes settings to: | Application folder |
Stealth: ? | No. By default, it places an ahk script file in user documents. However, if you place a ahk file with the same name alongside the executable (eg. autohotkey.exe => autohotkey.ahk), it becomes stealth. |
Unicode support: | Yes |
License: | GNU GPLv2 |
How to extract: |
|
Similar/alternative apps: | AutoIt |
What's new? |
See: https://www.autohotkey.com/docs/v2/ChangeLog.htm. For major changes between v2.x and v1.x, see https://www.autohotkey.com/docs/v2/v2-changes.htm. |
Latest comments |
Ennovy
on 2023-02-12 08:41
See all
40›
v2 will be actively developed and v1 will be considered deprecated: https://www.autohotkey.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=112989 |
Rainlendar is a skinnable, easy-to-use calendar that resides on your desktop and shows the days of the current month. You can add events and tasks with customizable icons and formats to the calendar and be reminded when they occur. Rainlendar uses the standard iCalendar format to store its events and tasks so you can easily transfer them between applications.
Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, OS X).
Note: Rainlendar Lite is the freeware version of Rainlendar Pro (Payware). The lite version is missing network shared calendars, Outlook support and other features.
Category: | |
Runs on: | Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Win11 |
Writes settings to: | Application folder |
Unicode support: | Yes |
License: | Liteware |
How to extract: |
|
What's new? | See: https://www.rainlendar.net/download/Changes.txt |
Latest comments |
tomcat
on 2018-12-25 03:12
The instructions say:
hamasaki
on 2020-02-28 00:31
It's not stealth. It also creates the following:
peterburten
on 2022-05-16 04:45
See all
17›
Would it work with Windows 7, 32 bits version ? |
CherryTree is an hierarchical note-taking application. It features rich-text formatting, syntax highlighting, spell-checking, image insertion and password protection. Data is stored in a single XML or SQLite file. Import from plaintext, HTML or your favorite note-taker, including Zim, Treepad, Keynote, Mempad and RedNotebook. Export to PDF, HTML or plaintext files.
Cross platform with versions available for Linux. CherryTree Portable is a portable wrapper for CherryTree.
Category: | |
Runs on: | Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10 |
Writes settings to: | Application folder |
Stealth: ? | Yes. However, enabling spell-checking creates the folder "enchant" in AppData\Local |
Unicode support: | Yes |
License: | GNU GPLv3 |
How to extract: |
|
Similar/alternative apps: | Flashnote |
What's new? | See: https://github.com/giuspen/cherrytree/blob/master/changelog.txt |
Latest comments |
Ennovy
on 2023-12-17 09:47
How to extract 2. should be: "for portable config put config.cfg in portable folder root, beside license.txt" Source: https://www.giuspen.com/cherrytree/#downl
Andrew Lee
on 2023-12-20 07:08
@Ennovy: Though worded slightly differently, they seem to mean the same thing? Basically just create an empty "config.cfg" in the root folder, a rather typical technique used by many other portable apps.
Ennovy
on 2023-12-20 08:47
See all
6›
@Andrew: I had already changed it. Before that the instruction was to create the config file in the bin directory which is incorrect. |