ClaudePortable manages your workspace files for Claude Desktop, Cowork projects, and Claude Code. This software creates local backups without requiring cloud storage accounts or external API keys. You hold your data in your own folders, and you choose how to store or transport those files.
Visit the official releases page to access the software. Select the latest version and download the ZIP file.
- Create a new folder on your computer.
- Open the ZIP file you downloaded.
- Move the files from the ZIP folder into your new folder.
- Double-click the ClaudePortable executable file to start the application.
This program does not require installation. You can run it from any folder, external drive, or USB thumb drive.
This tool offers several functions designed to protect your work:
- Offline Storage: The tool writes data directly to your local drive. Use your own synchronization services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive if you want to move these backups between computers.
- Automatic Discovery: The application finds Cowork userSelectedFolders for you. You do not need to hunt for deep system paths or hidden configuration files.
- Version Control: The system maintains a 7/3/2 retention schedule. It keeps seven daily backups, three weekly backups, and two monthly backups. This prevents storage bloat while keeping your recent work safe.
- Cross-Machine Migration: Move your data to a new computer without losing your configuration. The tool rewrites usernames automatically, which ensures your settings remain active on new hardware.
- Interface Options: Use the graphical interface for point-and-click backups. Use the command-line interface if you prefer to automate your workflow through scripts.
ClaudePortable runs on standard Windows systems. You need the following:
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11.
- Framework: The application includes the necessary files to function on a clean Windows install. You may need to click "Run anyway" if the Windows SmartScreen filter appears on the first launch.
- Storage: A minimum of 100 megabytes of free space remains recommended. The tool keeps backups in a local folder, so ensure that the target disk has enough space for your project files.
Open the ClaudePortable application to view the main dashboard.
- Click the "Backup" tab.
- Confirm the source path for your Claude Desktop or Cowork files. The application usually detects these paths on its own.
- Select your destination folder. You can store these inside a folder synced by your preferred cloud provider.
- Click the "Create Backup" button.
The status bar shows the progress of the operation. Once complete, you will see a confirmation message.
If you need to recover a previous version of your project:
- Click the "Restore" tab.
- Select the date or version you want to retrieve from the list.
- Confirm the location where you want to place the restored files.
- Click the "Start Restore" button.
The software handles any required username adjustments to ensure the project files align with your current user account on the new machine.
The command-line interface exists for users who require automation. Open your terminal or Command Prompt. Navigate to the folder containing your files. Run the program using the command ClaudePortable.exe --help to see a list of available flags.
Some users prefer to schedule these backups. You can combine ClaudePortable with the Windows Task Scheduler. Configure the task to run the executable with the --silent flag to perform backups in the background without opening the window.
Managing disk space remains a priority. The retention policy ensures you always have access to recent work without filling your hard drive:
- Daily: The software keeps the most recent seven days of data. This allows you to revert changes made during the current week.
- Weekly: The software keeps the last three weeks. This provides a buffer for longer-term revisions.
- Monthly: The software keeps the last two months. This serves as a long-term archive for your projects.
Older files meeting the limit get deleted automatically. Ensure your storage target remains large enough to hold the volume of data generated by your projects.
This tool does not connect to any servers. It does not use telemetry. It does not store your authentication tokens or project data in the cloud. All file operations occur locally between your source directory and your backup directory. Because this tool handles project files, keep your backup folder in a secure, encrypted location if your work contains sensitive information.
If you encounter issues, check these common items:
- Permissions: Run the app as an administrator if it cannot access system folders.
- Antivirus: Some security software flags new executables. If the file fails to launch, add an exclusion in your security settings for the folder containing the software.
- Path Lengths: Windows occasionally struggles with very long file paths. Ensure your backup folder resides in a location with a shallow path, such as
C:\Backups\Claude. - File Locks: Close Claude Desktop or Cowork projects before starting a backup. This ensures the application captures every file without conflicts.