**Update (May 2026):**
This version includes major fixes for Python, SIP and authentication system issues.
Update on October 8, 2025
Resolved: Core plugins are not enabled.
See details at the bottom of this page.
You can download a portable version of QGis 3.44.0 from this link
The compressed file is 1.2 GB. Once decompressed, it will occupy 2.91 GB on disk.
What is a portable application?
A portable application (or portable software) is a computer program characterized by its portability, i.e. its ability to run in different execution environments. It requires no prior installation, does not depend on external components, and does not cause any lasting modification to the system through its operation.
These applications are useful for working on a computer whose security policy does not allow installations, or for avoiding lasting modifications to a computer used temporarily. The application can then be used from a removable storage device such as a USB key.
Instructions for use
Download the .7z file.
Unzip it onto the desired medium: USB key, external disk, PC directory. The only requirement is that you have read and write access to the directory created: /QGIS 3.44.0
To run QGis, double-click on the file \launch_qgis_portable.bat
That’s all there is to it!
Plugin installation
The downloaded version works in the same way as the installer version: the plug-ins are installed in a directory under the key: \QGIS3.44.0\QGIS_PROFILE
If you want to take the plug-ins with you from your PC, as well as all QGis customizations, you’ll need to copy the C:\Users\user_name\AppData\Roaming\QGIS\QGIS3\profiles directory into this key directory: \QGIS3.44.0\QGIS_PROFILE\profiles
Update on October 8, 2025
Resolved: core plugins are not enabled.
The current zip file has been modified and the issue is resolved.
For the previous version, if you want to resolve the issue manually:
- – Open the QGIS Python console
- – Run the following code:
from qgis.utils import unloadPlugin, loadPlugin, startPlugin
core_plugins = [“processing”, “db_manager”, “MetaSearch”, “grassprovider”]
for plugin in core_plugins:
try:
print(f”Rechargement du plugin : {plugin}”)
unloadPlugin(plugin)
loadPlugin(plugin)
startPlugin(plugin)
print(f”✅ {plugin} rechargé avec succès\n”)
except Exception as e:
print(f”❌ Erreur lors du rechargement de {plugin}: {e}\n”)
print(“Terminé — les plugins devraient maintenant être actifs.”)
🆕 May 2026 : “What’s new in this update”
Major improvements in this release
This updated version of QGIS Portable 3.44 introduces several important fixes and enhancements to improve stability, compatibility, and usability in real-world environments.
1. Python environment fixes (critical)
Several issues affecting Python initialization have been resolved:
- Fixed incorrect handling of Windows paths (e.g.
\a,\tinterpreted as special characters) - Resolved errors such as:
ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'qgis'- SIP module loading failures
- Improved compatibility with systems where multiple QGIS versions are installed
👉 Result: Python support is now fully functional in portable mode.
2. Improved environment detection
The launcher has been updated to correctly initialize:
- QGIS internal paths (prefix, plugins, resources)
- environment variables required by GDAL, GRASS and Qt
👉 Result:
- more reliable startup
- no hidden misconfigurations
- better cross-machine compatibility
3. Authentication system now supported
The QGIS authentication system is now properly initialized in portable mode.
Previously, users could encounter the message:
Authentication System: DISABLEDThis has been fixed by:
- correctly configuring the QGIS profile environment
- ensuring required paths are detected
- enabling authentication database initialization
👉 Result:
- secure connections (PostgreSQL, WMS, APIs) now work
- authentication settings accessible in QGIS
4. Fully isolated portable environment
The portable setup is now more robust and self-contained:
- no interference with system-installed QGIS versions
- isolated Python environment
- dedicated user profile
- consistent behavior across machines
5. Improved launcher script
The launch_qgis_portable.bat script has been significantly improved:
- better handling of paths with spaces
- safer environment variable configuration
- improved reliability in enterprise environments
Tested environments
This version has been tested on:
- Windows 10 / 11
- systems with multiple QGIS installations (MSI + portable)
- environments with restricted permissions
📥 Download
⚠️ Important notes
- It is still recommended to extract the portable version to a simple path (e.g.
C:\QGIS_Portable) for best compatibility. - On first launch, QGIS may initialize its profile and authentication system.
