Last updated: June 2026
The QGIS 3.44 LTR Portable distribution has been updated to:
- automatically load the main QGIS plugins (Processing, DB Manager, MetaSearch, etc.);
- improve compatibility with a wide range of Windows environments;
- provide a more reliable startup using the official QGIS launch scripts;
- completely isolate the user profile and authentication database.
Looking for a portable version of QGIS 3.44 LTR for Windows that runs without installation or administrator privileges?
This ready-to-use portable distribution is designed for GIS professionals, students, universities, training courses and organizations where software installation is restricted.
QGIS is one of the world’s leading open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) applications. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for viewing, editing, analysing and producing high-quality maps from geographic data.
Many users need a portable version of QGIS that can be executed directly from a folder without modifying Windows.
In many environments—universities, government agencies, companies or training centres—users cannot install software because they do not have administrator privileges or simply want to use QGIS without affecting the operating system.
QGIS Portable is the ideal solution.
This updated QGIS 3.44 LTR Portable distribution provides a stable and self-contained working environment. It uses the official QGIS startup scripts to improve compatibility with modern Windows systems while keeping all user settings inside the portable folder.
The package is ready to use immediately after extraction.
Download QGIS 3.44 LTR Portable for Windows
✔ QGIS 3.44 LTR Portable – Full Version (1.2 GB)
Compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11
No installation required
| Version | Size | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|
| QGIS 3.44 LTR Portable | 1.2 GB | Production environments, training courses and general GIS work |
What’s New
- Startup based on the official QGIS launch scripts
- Core plugins automatically enabled
- Portable authentication system
- Portable Python environment
- Portable user profile
- Compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11
What is QGIS Portable?
QGIS Portable is a version of QGIS that runs directly from a folder without being installed on Windows.
Unlike a traditional installation, the entire application is contained within a single directory.
Simply:
- download the archive;
- extract it;
- launch QGIS.
No administrator rights are required and nothing is installed on the Windows operating system.
This makes it possible to run QGIS:
- from a USB flash drive;
- from an external hard drive;
- from a shared network folder;
- or on any computer where software installation is not allowed.
All settings, plugins, authentication data and user profiles remain inside the portable folder.
Why use QGIS Portable?
Try QGIS without installing it
A portable version allows you to:
- explore the interface;
- test the available tools;
- open existing QGIS projects;
- verify compatibility with your own datasets;
without making any changes to your computer.
Use QGIS without administrator privileges
In many organisations, users are not allowed to install software.
QGIS Portable allows you to:
- start QGIS immediately;
- work with GIS data;
- test projects;
without requiring installation or administrator rights.
Perfect for training
Portable versions are ideal for:
- QGIS training courses;
- university classes;
- GIS workshops.
Every participant uses exactly the same software configuration.
The portable folder can also include:
- sample datasets;
- QGIS projects;
- cartographic styles;
- required plugins.
Carry QGIS on a USB drive
QGIS Portable can be stored on a USB flash drive.
Your complete GIS working environment is always available:
- during training;
- in computer laboratories;
- on different computers;
- while travelling.
Simply plug in the USB drive and launch QGIS.
How to use QGIS Portable
After downloading:
- extract the archive;
- open the folder;
- run the launcher.
| Launcher | Function |
| launch_qgis_portable.bat | Launch QGIS |
| python-qgis.bat | Open Python/PyQGIS |
| osgeo_shell.bat | Open a console with GDAL, PROJ, Python, and the available QGIS tools |
QGIS starts immediately..
During startup, a black command window may briefly appear and startup may take a few seconds (or longer when running from a USB drive). This is normal behaviour for a portable application.
If Windows blocks the BAT launcher, right-click the downloaded archive, choose Properties, click Unblock, then extract the archive.
Plugins, settings, authentication data and user profiles are automatically stored inside the portable folder.
Limitations
Although QGIS Portable is very convenient, there are a few differences compared with a standard installation.
- Some Windows integrations (file associations, context menus, etc.) are not available.
- Updates must be installed manually.
For intensive day-to-day GIS work, a standard QGIS installation is generally recommended.
FAQ
Does QGIS Portable require installation?
No. QGIS Portable runs directly from a folder without installing anything on Windows.
Can I use QGIS Portable without administrator rights?
Yes. This is one of the main advantages of the portable version.
Can QGIS Portable run from a USB drive?
Yes. It has been specifically designed to work from removable media.
What is the difference between Portable and Installed QGIS?
The portable version does not modify Windows. User profiles, plugins, settings and authentication data remain inside the portable folder, making it easy to use on different computers.
Why is QGIS Portable so large?
QGIS includes many powerful geospatial libraries such as GDAL, PROJ, Python and Qt. These components explain the relatively large size of the portable package.
Can I develop Python scripts?
Yes.
The distribution includes a complete Python environment (Python 3, PyQGIS, GDAL and PROJ) together with launchers that open a ready-to-use Python console or an OSGeo Shell.
You can therefore develop and execute PyQGIS or GDAL scripts without installing QGIS on the computer.
Conclusion
This portable distribution has been designed to provide a complete, self-contained and ready-to-use QGIS environment without installation or administrator privileges.
It is suitable for GIS professionals, training courses, universities, government organisations and anyone who needs a portable GIS environment on a USB flash drive, an external disk or a shared network folder.
The distribution is regularly updated to follow the evolution of QGIS and improve compatibility with modern Windows environments.
Thank you for your service to the community! Please know that you are greatly appreciated!
We prefer using the Long Term Release for local production which is currently 3.44.11. But under some circumstances we need to use the portable version. Therefore, when in that situation there are incompatibilities which causes some issues.
Is it possible to get an update for this portable version, or any version compatible with 3.44.11 (LTR), that incorporates the improvements made in qgis-4-portable-windows?
Thanks again!