This is heavy (20+ GB) but perfectly portable and immune to host OS changes.
I can then help you identify the correct compiler versions and configuration plugins you'll need to package with your IDE. MPLAB® Ecosystem Downloads Archive | Microchip Technology
Extract the XC compiler installers into a subfolder within your portable directory (e.g., MPLAB_X_v535_Portable\Compilers\ ). Launch your portable MPLAB X IDE. Navigate to .
To ensure peak performance and stability while running your portable setup, follow these tips: download mplab x ide v535 portable
Change these paths to point to a folder within your portable directory (e.g., $progdir/../user_data ). 3. Including the Compilers
What (Windows, Linux, or macOS) will you be running this on?
While the IDE and compilers are fully portable, device drivers for hardware programmers (like PICkit 3, PICkit 4, or ICD 4) still require host machine authorization. If you plug into a completely fresh computer, you may need administrative rights to allow Windows to communicate with your USB hardware tool. This is heavy (20+ GB) but perfectly portable
Why v5.35? Why portable? Version 5.35 holds a sweet spot for many engineers: it was the last release before major changes to the compiler toolchain and project structure in versions 5.40 and above. The "portable" aspect refers to the desire for a version that runs from a USB drive without installation, leaving no registry traces.
When searching for "download mplab x ide v535 portable," be wary of third-party websites offering pre-packaged .exe or .zip files. These can often contain malware or outdated drivers. The safest method is always to download the original installer from the official Microchip Technology archives and follow the extraction steps mentioned above. This ensures the integrity of your code and the safety of your hardware. Final Thoughts
However, "portable" in the context of MPLAB X IDE typically means: Launch your portable MPLAB X IDE
Run the software on restricted school or corporate computers where software installation is locked down.
Locate and edit the mplab_ide.conf file using a text editor.
Rarely works. Absolute paths, registry entries, and hardcoded NetBeans module links will break. You need to follow the fresh install method above.