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 localhost page renders fully.

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.

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.

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.

Jump toQuickstart checklist Windows 10/11 steps macOS steps Troubleshooting FAQ

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 localhost tab to open, then bookmark it so you can launch fast during an outage.

Get the PortableMind USB Save this guide

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 server. A browser tab opens to localhost — let it finish loading before typing.
5Pin Start-PortableMind.bat to Start or Taskbar, 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. Your default browser will open to localhost; 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.

Order PortableMind See the offline AI USB build

Troubleshooting

If something blocks the launcher or the page 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 tab 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.

Blank page or slow load on localhost

Wait a full 40 seconds; models are spinning up. Keep the terminal window open.
Refresh once after 40 seconds. If it stays blank, close and re-run the launcher.
Disable VPNs or proxy tools that might block localhost (127.0.0.1).

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

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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 localhost page renders fully.
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.