How to install MusicBee Portable

[sveakul]

How to install MusicBee Portable as packaged:

1.  Download the zip file from the "Get MusicBee Portable" button on the official download page.

2.  Unzip the file inside, currently "MusicBeePortable_3_6.exe."

3.  Double-click MusicBeePortable_3_6.exe (it is a self-extracting zip file) and in the dialog window that appears hit Next, and agree to the License terms.

4.  In the next window, "Choose install location", CHANGE the default destination folder to a new folder you've made that's not in the Windows Users or Program Files heirarchy;  choose something like "C:\MusicBee," or "C:\MB Portable."  This will help prevent problems with Windows "Permissions" issues.

5.  Hit "Install", then "Finish."  Now you can delete the downloaded file "MusicBeePortable_3_6.exe."

6.  The complete Portable MusicBee will now be properly installed in your new folder--ALL of its files and subfolders, and with no entries made to the Windows registry.  Note that now any backups of MusicBee you care to make can be done by simply copying that one folder elsewhere.  Run MusicBee by double-clicking the file "MusicBee.exe" now inside its folder that you made in Step #4.

7.  To be sure you have the latest file versions and fixes, download the latest 3.6 update patch at https://getmusicbee.com/patches/MusicBee36_Patched.zip and extract it into your Portable version's main folder, allowing it to overwrite any existing files of the same name.

Edit: Modified 3/17/2025 to reflect the full release of MusicBee 3.6.

[phred]

Thanks sveakul. This will be helpful to some of the New Bees.

[nyskyhi]

How to install MusicBee Portable as packaged:

1.  Download the zip file from the "Get MusicBee Portable" button on the official download page.

2.  Unzip the file inside, currently "MusicBeePortable_3_5.exe."

3.  Double-click MusicBeePortable_3_5.exe (it is a self-extracting zip file) and in the dialog window that appears hit Next, and agree to the License terms.

4.  In the next window, "Choose install location", CHANGE the default destination folder to a new folder you've made that's not in the Windows Users or Program Files heirarchy;  choose something like "C:\MusicBee," or "C:\MB Portable."  This will help prevent problems with Windows "Permissions" issues.

5.  Hit "Install", then "Finish."  Now you can delete the downloaded file "MusicBeePortable_3_5.exe."

6.  The complete Portable MusicBee will now be properly installed in your new folder--ALL of its files and subfolders, and with no entries made to the Windows registry.  Note that now any backups of MusicBee you care to make can be done by simply copying that one folder elsewhere.  Run MusicBee by double-clicking the file "MusicBee.exe" now inside its folder that you made in Step #4.

Thanks. This was indeed helpful

[Música]

Thank you, also.

I recently installed the portable version for the first time on my now-fourth install of the software. This was on a revived Win 7 Toshiba Portege which has a built-in CD drive as I'm consider making this my standard (or backup, depending on how it works) ripping machine. A USB-A connection will also be handy for use with my 512GB thumb drive for transferring music and redundant backups. I look forward to adjusting to this version and will probably reinstall on my other 3 devices as I find it as worthy and reliable.

What I don't understand is why the "portable" version is not the lead and default install at getmusicbee.com given that "every" Hero member recommends the superior features of this version on "every" occasion. I presume Steven would concur, though I don't recall reading any version "pitch" of his. Even just highlighting its features, if not advantages, on the download page seems appropriate.

[sveakul]

What I don't understand is why the "portable" version is not the lead and default install at getmusicbee.com given that "every" Hero member recommends the superior features of this version on "every" occasion. I presume Steven would concur, though I don't recall reading any version "pitch" of his. Even just highlighting its features, if not advantages, on the download page seems appropriate.

The "installer" approach to applications has become so traditional that I think Steven does not want that huge body of users to feel intimidated by not seeing that method offered and feeling MusicBee is not for them.  As far as the Windows Store edition, I do feel there should be a note on the download page that brings attention to its significant limitations that one-click fans may be unaware of, namely the inability to apply patch-based fixes/improvements between pushed major updates and the lack of manual access to important components.

The advantages of the Portable version--effortless one folder backups, no digging through Windows system hierachies to find settings files, and being the answer to the constantly asked "how do I migrate MusicBee to my new computer and preserve all my settings?" could also stand a note   .

[boroda]

The "installer" approach to applications has become so traditional that I think Steven does not want that huge body of users to feel intimidated by not seeing that method offered and feeling MusicBee is not for them.  

"installer" version must be definitely available for download. we are talking about notes on the download page.

[Música]

I like sveakul's "traditional" label --respect and admire that it is. And yes, I meant that at most the portable should be the "lead" version on the page, given the informed, experienced "consensus" on its advantages. I think part of the issue is rhetorical ; that is, that "installer" is the lead and "loaded" word, and the portable just reads as the "other", and not as an alternative. But, again, I indeed respect the tradition, and the sense that an absence w/could unsettle a generation: absence of "Installer" would not be appropriate nor necessary. Just much better than "for a partition or USB drive" status of the "Portable" is what I mean to recommend for potential and all users, elevating and illuminating what Heroes and even Jr.s have learned about this great program over time.

This is what I'd recommend or could be considered now:

fist box: "Traditional Installer" --leaving current "will install..." language
second box: "Alternative Portable Installer" with improved richer and informative language, and possibly noting its advantages, but without a hint of superiority.

BTW, I appreciate the opportunity to raise this lingering qualm (only) in this "Tips" thread and I will not elsewhere, except perhaps as a response to SE's query or suggestion.