By default, MPLAB X stores settings in your Windows User profile. To make it truly portable, you need to redirect these folders.

Use the IDE on work or school computers where you lack administrative privileges. How to "Portable-ize" MPLAB X IDE v5.35

First, download the official installer for v5.35 from the Microchip Archives. Instead of running the .exe to install it to your C:\Program Files directory, use a tool like 7-Zip to extract the installer's contents into a folder of your choice, such as C:\MPLAB_Portable . 2. Configure User and Cache Directories

Microchip made a significant transition after version 5.35. In subsequent releases, they dropped support for several legacy tools, most notably the MPASM assembler. For developers maintaining older codebases or using classic PIC16 or PIC18 chips, v5.35 is the final "gold standard" release. Having this specific version in a portable format allows you to keep your legacy environment intact without interfering with newer versions of MPLAB X installed on your system. The Benefits of a Portable IDE

Locate the mplab_ide.conf file within the etc folder of your extracted directory. Open it with a text editor. Find the lines for default_userdir and default_cachedir .

You can run v5.35 alongside v6.xx without driver conflicts or path errors.

MPLAB X IDE v5.35 remains a cornerstone for Microchip developers. By converting it into a portable format, you gain the flexibility to code anywhere, maintain legacy projects with ease, and keep your primary workstation clean. Whether you are a hobbyist working on a simple PIC12F project or a professional maintaining industrial systems, a portable v5.35 instance is a powerful addition to your digital toolbox.

Carry your entire development environment on a thumb drive.