Last updated: June 2026
The Full and Lite portable versions have 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 for Windows that runs without installation or administrator privileges?
I provide two ready-to-use QGIS Portable distributions: a Full version and a Lite version, suitable for professionals, students, universities and training courses.
QGIS is one of the world’s most popular open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) applications. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for viewing, editing, analysing and producing high-quality maps from geographic data.
Many users are looking for a portable version of QGIS that can be run without installing the software.
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 test QGIS without modifying their computer.
A portable version is the ideal solution.
This updated QGIS 4.0 Portable distribution provides a stable and self-contained working environment, fixes several Python startup issues found in previous releases, and is suitable for professional use, training sessions or execution directly from a USB flash drive.
I currently provide two portable versions of QGIS 4 for Windows, ready to use immediately without installation.
Download QGIS 4 Portable for Windows
✔ QGIS 4.0.0 portable – full version (1.2 GB)
✔ QGIS 4.0.0 portable – lightweight version (362 MB)
Compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11
No installation required
| Version | Size | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|
| Full | 1.2 GB | Complete QGIS environment including GRASS, SAGA and OTB |
| Lite | 362 MB | Training, education and everyday GIS work |
What’s new
- Startup now uses the official QGIS launch scripts
- Core plugins are 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?
A portable version of QGIS is particularly useful in several situations.
Try QGIS without installing it
Many users simply want to evaluate QGIS before 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 makes it possible to:
- start QGIS immediately;
- work with GIS data;
- test projects;
without requiring installation or administrator rights.
Perfect for training courses
Portable versions are ideal for:
- QGIS training;
- university courses;
- 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
A portable version can be stored on a USB flash drive.
Your complete GIS environment is always available:
- during training;
- in computer labs;
- on different computers;
- while travelling.
Simply plug in the USB drive and launch QGIS.
Download QGIS Portable
Two portable editions are available.
Full Version
The Full version contains the complete QGIS environment.
It is recommended for:
- general GIS work;
- testing all QGIS features;
- advanced users.
👉 Download 4.0.0 full version (1.2 GB)
Lite Version
The Lite version has been optimized to reduce the download size (approximately 362 MB instead of 1.2 GB).
It still includes all essential QGIS functionality together with the main plugins (Processing, DB Manager and MetaSearch).
The following components have been removed:
- GRASS GIS;
- SAGA GIS;
- Orfeo Toolbox;
- translation files;
- documentation;
- non-essential Python development components.
It is particularly suitable for:
- training courses;
- students;
- low-specification computers;
- USB flash drives.
👉 Download 4.0.0 lightweight version (362 MB)
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 appear briefly and startup may take a few seconds (or longer when running from a USB drive). This behaviour is normal for a portable version.
If Windows blocks the BAT launcher, right-click the downloaded archive, select Properties, click Unblock, then extract the archive.
Plugins, settings and user profiles are automatically stored inside the portable folder.
Limitations
Although QGIS Portable is very convenient, there are a few differences compared to a standard installation.
- Some Windows integrations (file associations, context menus, etc.) are not available.
- Some advanced components are not included in the Lite version.
- Updates must be installed manually.
For intensive day-to-day 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, PROJ…) together with launchers that open a ready-to-use Python console or an OSGeo Shell.
You can therefore develop and execute PyQGIS and 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 training courses, students, organisations and GIS professionals who need a portable GIS environment on a USB flash drive, external disk or shared network folder.
Both the Full and Lite editions are regularly updated to follow the evolution of QGIS and improve compatibility with modern Windows environments.
Hi Atilio, I’m very interested in downloading these versions of QGIS, but I’ve tried several times and the download never completes. I’ve tried on two different PCs and on different networks, and the same thing happens.
Could you share the files with me via Google Drive or a similar method?
Thanks
Sergio
It’s not clear what are exactly the components that are missing in the “QGIS portable – lightweight version”. Could you please list the missing components?
It’s also not clear which QGIS 4.0.x version is included in the portable version. Could you please specify it?
Thank you for your feedback and for reporting these issues.
The errors and the missing Processing functionality that you observed were related to an earlier build of the portable package. Since then, both the Full and Lite editions have been updated and the startup path issues affecting core Python plugins have been corrected.
The portable package currently includes QGIS 4.0.0 “Norrköping”.
Regarding the Lite edition, it is intentionally reduced in size by removing several optional components such as GRASS GIS, SAGA GIS, Orfeo Toolbox and other non-essential files. A detailed description of the included and removed components is available in the updated article.
Could you please download the latest version and test it again? The Processing toolbox and the other core plugins should now be available by default.
If you still encounter issues with the latest build, please let me know which package you downloaded (Full or Lite) and provide the startup log so I can investigate further.
I’ve downloaded today the 7z file from https://www.sigterritoires.fr/QGis4.0Lite, then unarchived it and then launched launch_qgis_portable.bat: various errors occurs https://dcmnt.eu/pad/#/2/pad/view/-6FZXEyJYV4SyZmDWWE4XW6M7l-1JGp0V67X4tBTdjg/embed/ and the core Processing plugin functionalities are not available.
Hola Atilio, podrias volver a compartirme el archivo por google drive? me interesa decargar esta nueva versión pero se autocancela la descarga.