SETUP GUIDE · Windows 10/11 USB & macOS USB
Offline AI USB setup guide for Windows 10/11 and macOS
This offline AI USB setup guide gets PortableMind running without cloud logins so you have a local AI assistant when the internet is down. Follow the quickstart, pick your platform steps, then use the troubleshooting and FAQ below to stay ready for bad signal days.
Quickstart checklist
- Plug in your PortableMind offline AI USB (Windows or macOS edition).
- Open the PORTABLEMIND drive in File Explorer or Finder.
- Run the launcher (Start-PortableMind.bat on Windows, Start-PortableMind.command on macOS).
- Approve the SmartScreen or blocked-app prompt — PortableMind runs locally with no cloud calls.
- Wait for the PortableMind app to open (15-40 seconds), then pin the launcher or make an alias so it stays ready for outages.
After you boot (Firmware 1.4)
Once the PortableMind app opens, Firmware 1.4 loads the new offline tools automatically.
- SCOUT (Vision) to describe images and stash field notes offline
- Chat History threads you can filter, rename, and delete locally
- Import/Export packs with optional AES file security
- Disaster Mode toggle with Clear History / Import / Export quick actions
- Offline Field Manual (Water/Fire/First Aid/Shelter/Signal/Food)
All of the above live in the PortableMind UI and keep running offline.
Windows 10/11 steps
- 1Insert your PortableMind Windows USB into a USB-A or USB-C port (an adapter is fine). Avoid loose hubs when possible.
- 2Open File Explorer, click the PORTABLEMIND drive, and double-click Start-PortableMind.bat.
- 3If SmartScreen appears, click More info → Run anyway. PortableMind runs on this PC; nothing is sent to the cloud.
- 4Give it 15-40 seconds to boot the local AI service. The PortableMind desktop app opens; let it finish loading before typing.
- 5Pin Start-PortableMind.bat to Start or Taskbar so the app is one click away, and keep the USB in your go-bag so you can launch offline in seconds.
Tip: if Windows hides file extensions, confirm you're running Start-PortableMind.bat from the PORTABLEMIND drive.
macOS steps
- 1Insert your PortableMind macOS USB and open Finder → PORTABLEMIND.
- 2Double-click Start-PortableMind.command. If macOS asks, allow Terminal to control the session.
- 3If you see “app is from an unidentified developer,” open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Open Anyway, then run again.
- 4Wait 15-40 seconds while the local AI server starts. The PortableMind app opens; give it a moment to render.
- 5Drag the launcher to the Dock or create an alias. Keep Wi-Fi off if you want; the offline AI USB runs fully local.
Tip: if the launcher opens in the wrong shell, Control-click → Open With → Terminal. Keep the PORTABLEMIND drive mounted while you use the AI.
Stay ready for outages
Keep PortableMind in your go-bag and practice the launcher once so you can bring the offline AI assistant online when the cloud disappears.
Troubleshooting
If something blocks the launcher or the app looks blank, use the fixes below to get your offline AI USB running.
Windows SmartScreen or Defender warning
- Click More info → Run anyway to start the local launcher.
- If Defender quarantines the file, restore it and add the PORTABLEMIND drive as allowed/Trusted.
- Keep the USB plugged in while the app opens; closing the terminal stops the local AI server.
macOS says the app is blocked
- Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Security. Click Open Anyway for Start-PortableMind.command.
- Run the launcher again; if prompted, allow Terminal or zsh to control the app.
- If Gatekeeper keeps blocking, Control-click the file → Open, then confirm.
App window blank or stuck loading
- Wait a full 40 seconds; models are spinning up. Keep the terminal window open.
- Close and re-run the launcher to restart the app if it looks frozen.
- Disable VPNs or proxy tools only if they interfere with local apps.
- If the UI still will not render, open the local URL printed by the launcher as a fallback.
Antivirus or permissions issues
- Mark the PORTABLEMIND drive as allowed in your antivirus.
- On Windows, run the launcher as your user (admin not required) unless your policy blocks scripts.
- On macOS, ensure Full Disk Access is not restricting Terminal, then retry.
USB not showing up
- Try a direct port instead of a bus-powered hub; check USB-A vs USB-C adapters.
- On macOS, open Disk Utility and click Mount if the volume is listed; in Finder, enable external disks in Preferences.
- On Windows, open Disk Management to assign a drive letter if it appears without one.
More offline AI guides
FAQ
- Does PortableMind need internet to run?
- No. The offline AI USB runs locally on Windows 10/11 or macOS — no cloud, no account, no API key.
- Do I need admin rights every time?
- No. Run the launcher as a normal user. You might need admin once if a corporate policy blocks scripts.
- How long should startup take?
- Usually 15-40 seconds. Leave the terminal open until the PortableMind app window finishes loading; first boot can take a little longer.
- Can I move the USB between computers?
- Yes. PortableMind is preloaded; plug it into any compatible Windows 10/11 PC or Mac and run the matching launcher.
- What if I close the terminal window?
- The local AI server stops. Re-run Start-PortableMind to bring the offline assistant back online.
- How do updates work?
- We ship optional update packs. If you skip them, the offline AI USB still runs with the preloaded models.
- Is my data leaving the machine?
- No. Prompts and answers stay on the laptop in front of you; nothing is sent to external servers.