Lastly, we don’t recommend installing Windows on thumb drives given out at trade shows. It’s fair considering Microsoft sees the change of hardware configuration upon detection by Windows as a license transfer between systems. Note you will consistently run into licensing issues as an MS account verification process is required every time you move your bootable Windows USB stick from one machine to another. The workaround makes it possible for users to do a clean install of Windows 11 on a flash drive or to simply prepare a USB install drive. Recently, these utilities are now updated with the ability to bypass Windows 11’s TPM 2.0 requirement on a PC. While both software has a pretty good track record for performing a clean installation of Windows on external storage, WinToUSB also allows for cloning an existing system to another drive. The former provides a free version for non-commercial use whereas the latter is an open-source app. Luckily, we have no shortage of tools for that, with WinToUSB and Rufus immediately coming to mind. What portable apps do you find essential? Hit the Comments - but only if you're cool! (Yes, I'm trying to goad you.Microsoft nixing support for Windows To Go has left users with only third-party tools to create a bootable Windows on a USB Drive.

I'll second the IrfanView nomination I use the program daily to crop and resize the very artwork you see here on Business Hacks. When I wrote about it before, lots of the readers agreed that it's a great application. It's very fast to get into for tasks like working with screen captures and more. IrfanView (822K) is one of the best graphics programs I've ever used, and you can even use it to create slideshows.It also comes with limited PGP capabilities, so you can encrypt your communications if you choose to. You can use it to conduct calls over the Internet or any TCP/IP network. SpeakFreely (690K) is a small VoIP application.Web Worker Daily lists 10 free mini applications for USB drive-carrying road warriors, including: But it's also quite handy when you need to run a bit of software and you're away from your primary PC.

You already know how invaluable a USB flash drive can be for transporting files.

Portable apps flash drive