Transform any Windows application into a portable, self-contained package
PortableXE Professional is a comprehensive tool that converts Windows executables and installers into portable applications that can run from any location without installation. Perfect for creating USB-portable software, testing applications in isolated environments, or maintaining clean systems.
- Multi-format Support: 7-Zip, Inno Setup, MSI, NSIS, InstallShield, and more
- Intelligent Detection: Automatically identifies installer types and extraction methods
- Fallback Mechanisms: Multiple extraction strategies ensure maximum compatibility
- PE Structure Analysis: Deep inspection of executable architecture and subsystem
- Installer Detection: Recognizes setup files vs. standalone applications
- Hash Verification: SHA256 checksums for file integrity
- Standard Directory Layout: App/, Data/, Documentation/, Plugins/
- Environment Isolation: Redirects AppData, Registry, and Temp folders
- Multiple Launchers: Batch, PowerShell, and conversion scripts included
- System Dependencies: Automatic Visual C++ Redistributable inclusion
- Registry Backup: Optional registry key preservation
- Compression Options: Configurable compression levels
- Detailed Logging: Comprehensive operation tracking
- Operating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit recommended)
- Python: 3.8 or higher
- Memory: 4GB RAM minimum, 8GB recommended
- Storage: 500MB for application + space for portable apps
- 7-Zip: For advanced archive extraction
- innoextract: For Inno Setup installer processing
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/LMLK-seal/portablexe.git
cd portablexe
# Install required packages
pip install customtkinter tkinter pathlib configparser
# Install optional dependencies for enhanced functionality
pip install pywin32
Download the pre-compiled executable from the Releases page.
- Launch PortableXE.py or the executable
- Select your installer or executable file
- Configure app name and output directory
- Click "Create Portable App"
- Done! Your portable app is ready
python PortableXE.py --input "installer.exe" --output "C:\PortableApps" --name "MyApp"
MyApp_Portable/
├── 📁 App/ # Core application files
│ ├── MyApp.exe
│ ├── Dependencies/ # System libraries
│ └── ...
├── 📁 Data/ # Portable data storage
│ ├── AppData/ # Redirected AppData
│ ├── Registry/ # Registry backups
│ └── Profile/ # User profile data
├── 📁 Documentation/ # User documentation
├── 📁 Plugins/ # Application plugins
├── 🚀 RUN.bat # Quick launcher
├── ⚙️ MyApp.bat # Advanced launcher
├── 🔧 ConvertInstaller.bat # Installer converter
└── 📄 README.md # Usage instructions
Format | Support Level | Notes |
---|---|---|
Inno Setup | ✅ Excellent | Full extraction with innoextract |
NSIS | ✅ Excellent | 7-Zip based extraction |
MSI | ✅ Excellent | Native Windows Installer support |
InstallShield | 🟨 Good | 7-Zip extraction |
WiX Toolset | 🟨 Good | Standard MSI handling |
ZIP/RAR Archives | ✅ Excellent | Native support |
Standalone EXE | ✅ Perfect | Direct portable conversion |
PortableXE stores configuration in %USERPROFILE%\PortableXE\config.ini
:
[General]
default_output_dir = C:\PortableApps
theme = dark
auto_analyze = true
[Advanced]
include_dependencies = true
create_launcher = true
compression_level = 6
[Extraction]
timeout_seconds = 300
use_7zip = true
use_innoextract = true
Extraction Failed
- Ensure 7-Zip and innoextract are installed and in PATH
- Try running as administrator for system-level installers
- Check installer isn't corrupted or password-protected
Application Won't Start
- Verify all dependencies are in the Dependencies folder
- Check Windows version compatibility
- Review creation logs for missing files
Large File Sizes
- Adjust compression level in settings
- Exclude unnecessary language packs or documentation
- Use selective extraction options
- Check the Creation Log tab for detailed error messages
- Review generated README.md in the portable app folder
- Enable detailed logging in configuration
- Consult the ConvertInstaller.bat for manual conversion guidance
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
- 7-Zip project for archive extraction capabilities
- innoextract for Inno Setup installer support
- CustomTkinter for the modern GUI framework
- Microsoft for Windows Installer technology
Made with ❤️ by LMLK-seal