This is the killer feature. If your primary PC has a corrupted OS, you cannot install new software. You are stuck. With the portable version, you can boot the affected PC using a Bootable Media (WinPE) created by AOMEI, or simply plug your portable drive into a different working PC to fix the broken one. You can back up a dying hard drive without ever loading the broken operating system.

The portable version truly shines when using the "System Clone" feature on a live PC. Because it doesn't bog down the system with background services, the portable executable often clones your Windows OS to an SSD faster than the installed version, using fewer system resources.

You are using a friend's or public computer. You want to back up your files to your external SSD. The installed version would leave your name in the registry and recent file lists. The portable version runs, backs up your data, closes, and leaves no trace that you were ever there.

In the digital age, data is everything. Whether you are an IT professional managing a fleet of company computers or a home user protecting decades of family photos, a reliable backup strategy is non-negotiable. When discussing backup software, AOMEI Backupper consistently ranks as a top-tier solution due to its robust feature set and user-friendly interface.

However, a debate often arises among power users: Standard Installation vs. Portable Version.

After extensive testing and real-world deployment, the verdict is clear. The AOMEI Backupper Portable version is better for most mission-critical and flexible use cases. It offers superior portability, resource efficiency, and operational safety.

Here is the definitive guide to why the Portable version outshines its installed counterpart.

AOMEI Backupper Portable is "better" for mobility, on-the-spot recovery, and environments where installation is undesirable or impossible. The installed version is "better" for automation, deep system integration, and enterprise management. Choose based on whether portability or continuous integration matters more to you.

Related search terms follow to help refine further reading.

The server room hummed a low, desperate monotone—the sound of a machine trying not to die. Sarah, the freelance IT rescue specialist, stared at the blinking amber light on the RAID controller. "SMART failure imminent," the log read. Six hours of client payroll data. Gone if she sneezed wrong.

She reached for her toolkit: a hardened USB drive on a lanyard around her neck. Inside was her ghost—AOMEI Backupper Portable.

The client, a frantic office manager named Leo, hovered behind her. "Should I download the software? The free version online?"

"No," Sarah said, plugging in the drive. "That takes three minutes to install, two restarts to clear temp files, and thirty seconds of UAC prompts. I don't have three minutes."

She navigated to E:\PortableApps\AOMEI\Backupper.exe. Double-click.

The interface bloomed instantly. No "Welcome to Setup." No "Do you accept the license agreement?" No "Would you like to install Bonjour?" No registry writes. No DLL hell.

"That's it?" Leo whispered.

"That's it," Sarah said.

She selected System Backup. The source drive: the dying 500GB Seagate. The destination: a ruggedized SSD in her other pocket. She clicked Start.

Here was the first miracle of portable: while the installed version would have demanded a reboot to use "Pre-OS Recovery Environment," the portable tool simply ran live, using Windows' own Volume Shadow Copy service. It didn't fight the OS. It danced with it.

The progress bar crawled to 12%. Then the amber light went solid red. The drive stuttered.

"Uh oh," Leo said.

Sarah didn't panic. She cancelled the backup—gracefully, because the portable version writes no deep hooks. Then she enabled Intelligent Sector Backup from the advanced menu. The portable build didn't care that the registry had no AOMEI keys. All its logic was self-contained.

At 47%, the drive disconnected. Reconnected. Windows chime. Sarah held her breath.

"Installed version would have crashed there," she muttered. "Portable's session is stateless. It just retries the I/O."

At 100%, she ejected the source drive. The backup was a single .adi file on her SSD. No fragmented catalog left behind in C:\ProgramData. No leftover kernel driver. No scheduled task silently phoning home next Tuesday.

Leo exhaled. "You saved us. How much do I owe you?"

"Standard rate," Sarah said, unplugging her USB drive. "And remember: the software that saved you left no trace. No footprint. No 'trial expired' nagware. No uninstaller needed. That's the other backup I provide—backup of your system's virginity."

As she walked out, Leo glanced at his own Program Files folder, then at her vanishing silhouette. He finally understood: sometimes the best tool isn't the one that builds a house in your registry. It's the one that knocks on the door, fixes the leak, and leaves no forwarding address.

The moral: The installed version is a tenant. The portable version is a ghost—and ghosts never crash the party.

AOMEI Backupper Portable is a versatile and reliable backup solution designed for users who need a powerful tool they can carry on a USB drive. Unlike the standard version, the portable edition allows you to perform system backups, disk imaging, and file synchronization on any computer without the need for a traditional installation. Key Features

No Installation Required: Run the software directly from a removable device like a flash drive.

System Backup & Restore: Create a complete image of your Windows operating system for quick recovery.

Disk and Partition Imaging: Easily clone or back up specific drives or partitions.

File Syncing: Keep files updated across different locations or devices.

Universal Restore: Restore a system image to a computer with different hardware configurations.

VSS Support: Back up data without interrupting your current workflow or closing open programs. Why Choose the Portable Version?

Efficiency: Save time by bypassing the installation process on multiple machines.

Privacy: Leave no registry entries or leftover files on the host computer.

Emergency Recovery: Keep it on a "rescue" USB to fix crashing PCs or recover data from failing drives.

IT Management: Ideal for technicians who need to service various client computers quickly. Usage Scenarios

Technicians: Use a single USB tool to manage backups for an entire office.

Home Users: Maintain a clean Windows registry by avoiding unnecessary software installs.

Remote Work: Bring your backup settings and tools with you to different workstations.

💡 Pro Tip: Always ensure your USB drive is high-speed (USB 3.0 or higher) to significantly reduce the time required for imaging large drives. If you'd like, I can help you with:

Instructions on how to create the portable version from your current license.

A comparison between the Pro, Technician, and Portable editions. Troubleshooting common errors when running from a USB.

The Power of Portability: Why AOMEI Backupper Portable is a Game-Changer

When it comes to safeguarding your digital life, versatility is just as important as reliability. While the AOMEI Backupper desktop installation is a powerhouse for personal PCs, the portable version offers unique advantages that make it an essential tool for IT professionals, system administrators, and anyone managing multiple computers. What Makes the Portable Version Different?

Unlike the standard edition that requires a full installation on each machine, the portable version allows you to run the software directly from a removable device, such as a USB flash drive. This feature is primarily available in higher-tier editions like AOMEI Backupper Technician and Technician Plus. Why "Portable" is Often Better

No Installation Required: You can perform backups or clones on any computer without leaving a trace. This is ideal for fixing friends' computers or managing office workstations where installing new software might be restricted.

Efficiency for Multiple PCs: Instead of downloading and installing the software on ten different machines, you simply plug in your USB and start the task immediately.

System Deployment and Recovery: For IT environments, a portable version is a "first aid kit." It allows you to quickly deploy system images or recover crashed systems across different hardware without the overhead of individual licenses for every seat.

Consolidated Management: All your backup tools, recovery environments, and driver configurations can live on a single high-speed USB drive, ensuring you’re always prepared for a disaster recovery scenario. Core Features at Your Fingertips

Even in its portable form, the software retains its core strengths:

Complete System Imaging: One-click solutions to back up the operating system, applications, and settings.

Flexible Disk Cloning: Replicate entire hard drives to SSDs for instant performance upgrades.

Universal Restore: The ability to restore a system image to a computer with different hardware—a must-have for professional tech support.

While the AOMEI Backupper Standard edition is excellent for a single home PC, the portable version is significantly better for users who need a mobile, high-performance toolkit. It transforms a powerful backup utility into a versatile "Swiss Army knife" for system maintenance and data protection. If you'd like to get started with the portable version,

The specific differences in features between the Technician and Professional licenses?

Steps to create a bootable WinPE USB for emergency recovery?

The AOMEI Backupper portable version is a specialized feature that allows you to run the software directly from a removable device (like a USB flash drive) without installing it on the target computer.

While it maintains the same core backup engine as the desktop version, it is considered "better" specifically for IT maintenance, support engineers, and managing multiple PCs. Key Benefits of the Portable Version

Zero Installation: Run the full suite of backup, restore, and cloning tools directly from a USB, which is ideal for servicing client computers or systems with limited disk space.

Efficiency for IT Pros: Instead of installing and uninstalling software on every machine, a single technician can use one portable drive to handle unlimited PCs.

Disaster Recovery: It is particularly useful for performing emergency backups or restores on systems that are unstable or about to crash.

Centralized Toolset: It keeps all your configuration and backup tools in one place on your removable drive, making it a "Swiss Army knife" for field tech work. How to Get the Portable Version

The ability to create a portable version is not available in the free Standard edition. It is an exclusive feature found in the higher-tier corporate versions:

AOMEI Backupper Technician: Designed for small to medium enterprises.

AOMEI Backupper Technician Plus: The most advanced version, supporting unlimited PCs and servers, and including advanced tools like image deployment. Creating the Portable Version

If you have a compatible license (Technician or Technician Plus), you can create your portable copy by following these steps: Connect your USB or removable device to your PC. Open AOMEI Backupper and go to the Tools tab.

Select Create Portable Version under the Common Tools section.

Select your removable device as the target and click Start Creating.

How to Create a Portable Version of Backup Software - AOMEI Backupper

The server room was stifling, and for Leo, the lead IT consultant, the heat was a physical manifestation of his stress. An entire department’s workstation hub had stalled after a botched firmware update. No OS would boot, and the clock was ticking toward a massive project deadline.

Leo’s laptop was across the building, but it didn't matter. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a battered silver thumb drive.

"What’s that going to do?" the department head asked, pacing nervously. "We need to install recovery software on every single one of these, and the network is crawled."

"I’m not installing anything," Leo said, plugging the drive into the first terminal. He launched AOMEI Backupper Portable

. Because it was the portable version, it ran directly from the USB—no installation, no registry changes, and zero footprint on the already-fragile systems. Within seconds, the familiar interface flickered to life.

While a standard installation would have required Leo to sit through dozens of "Next-Next-Finish" wizards across twenty machines, he simply moved from tower to tower with his "IT Swiss Army Knife." He initiated a System Restore from the central NAS for the first five machines simultaneously.

The beauty was in the speed. By bypassing the installation process, Leo saved nearly an hour of setup time. By the time the department head returned with coffee, the first row of monitors was already showing the familiar Windows login screen. "You're done already?" the boss asked, stunned.

Leo tucked the thumb drive back into his pocket. "The best tools are the ones that don't leave a trace," he said. "No bloat, no wait—just the backup."

He walked out of the server room, the portable power in his pocket ready for the next crisis. of the portable version or how to create your own technician toolkit?

AOMEI Backupper Portable Version is often considered "better" than the standard installer for specific users—namely IT technicians and system administrators—because it allows you to run professional-grade backup and recovery tools from a USB drive without needing to install software on every target machine.

While the standard version is excellent for persistent, scheduled home backups, the portable version is a specialized feature found in the AOMEI Backupper Technician Technician Plus

editions, designed for multi-device maintenance and rapid deployment. Portable vs. Installer: Key Differences Standard Installer Version Portable Version (Technician/Plus) Personal home use on a single PC. IT pros and MSPs managing multiple clients. Installation Required on every computer. No installation; runs directly from USB. System Footprint Adds background services and registry entries. Zero footprint on the host system. License Scope Usually 1 PC per license. Unlimited PCs/Servers within a company. Deployment Manual install on each machine. Plug-and-play across entire networks. Why Portable Might Be "Better" for Your Needs Zero System Bloat

: Standard installations often run background processes or schedule tasks that remain active even when you aren't backing up. The portable version only uses system resources when the application is open. Emergency Recovery

: Because it is self-contained on a removable drive, you can carry it to any "unbootable" or crashing system to perform immediate disk imaging or data rescue without the risk of an installer failing due to system errors. Unlimited Management

: For those working in small businesses or IT repair shops, the Technician Plus

license allows you to create a "portable tool" that can be used on unlimited PCs and Servers Cleaner Troubleshooting

: Since portable software typically keeps settings in its own folder, it doesn't conflict with other installed software or leave leftover "junk" files in the Windows registry. Core Features Comparison

While the delivery method changes, the core backup engine remains powerful across both versions: AOMEI Backupper - Backup, Clone, Sync Software for Windows

Here is the piece regarding why the portable version of AOMEI Backupper is often considered the "better" choice for specific users:

Imagine a ransomware attack locks your PC, or a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) loop prevents booting. You cannot log in to uninstall the old backup software or install a new one.

The Portable Advantage: You boot from a WinPE USB or plug your drive into a second working PC. You plug in your AOMEI Portable USB. You open the folder and click the icon. You start backing up the dying drive immediately. There is no 5-minute installation wait when a hard drive is clicking.

Portable Version Better - Aomei Backupper

This is the killer feature. If your primary PC has a corrupted OS, you cannot install new software. You are stuck. With the portable version, you can boot the affected PC using a Bootable Media (WinPE) created by AOMEI, or simply plug your portable drive into a different working PC to fix the broken one. You can back up a dying hard drive without ever loading the broken operating system.

The portable version truly shines when using the "System Clone" feature on a live PC. Because it doesn't bog down the system with background services, the portable executable often clones your Windows OS to an SSD faster than the installed version, using fewer system resources.

You are using a friend's or public computer. You want to back up your files to your external SSD. The installed version would leave your name in the registry and recent file lists. The portable version runs, backs up your data, closes, and leaves no trace that you were ever there.

In the digital age, data is everything. Whether you are an IT professional managing a fleet of company computers or a home user protecting decades of family photos, a reliable backup strategy is non-negotiable. When discussing backup software, AOMEI Backupper consistently ranks as a top-tier solution due to its robust feature set and user-friendly interface.

However, a debate often arises among power users: Standard Installation vs. Portable Version.

After extensive testing and real-world deployment, the verdict is clear. The AOMEI Backupper Portable version is better for most mission-critical and flexible use cases. It offers superior portability, resource efficiency, and operational safety.

Here is the definitive guide to why the Portable version outshines its installed counterpart.

AOMEI Backupper Portable is "better" for mobility, on-the-spot recovery, and environments where installation is undesirable or impossible. The installed version is "better" for automation, deep system integration, and enterprise management. Choose based on whether portability or continuous integration matters more to you.

Related search terms follow to help refine further reading.

The server room hummed a low, desperate monotone—the sound of a machine trying not to die. Sarah, the freelance IT rescue specialist, stared at the blinking amber light on the RAID controller. "SMART failure imminent," the log read. Six hours of client payroll data. Gone if she sneezed wrong.

She reached for her toolkit: a hardened USB drive on a lanyard around her neck. Inside was her ghost—AOMEI Backupper Portable.

The client, a frantic office manager named Leo, hovered behind her. "Should I download the software? The free version online?"

"No," Sarah said, plugging in the drive. "That takes three minutes to install, two restarts to clear temp files, and thirty seconds of UAC prompts. I don't have three minutes."

She navigated to E:\PortableApps\AOMEI\Backupper.exe. Double-click.

The interface bloomed instantly. No "Welcome to Setup." No "Do you accept the license agreement?" No "Would you like to install Bonjour?" No registry writes. No DLL hell.

"That's it?" Leo whispered.

"That's it," Sarah said.

She selected System Backup. The source drive: the dying 500GB Seagate. The destination: a ruggedized SSD in her other pocket. She clicked Start.

Here was the first miracle of portable: while the installed version would have demanded a reboot to use "Pre-OS Recovery Environment," the portable tool simply ran live, using Windows' own Volume Shadow Copy service. It didn't fight the OS. It danced with it.

The progress bar crawled to 12%. Then the amber light went solid red. The drive stuttered.

"Uh oh," Leo said.

Sarah didn't panic. She cancelled the backup—gracefully, because the portable version writes no deep hooks. Then she enabled Intelligent Sector Backup from the advanced menu. The portable build didn't care that the registry had no AOMEI keys. All its logic was self-contained.

At 47%, the drive disconnected. Reconnected. Windows chime. Sarah held her breath.

"Installed version would have crashed there," she muttered. "Portable's session is stateless. It just retries the I/O." aomei backupper portable version better

At 100%, she ejected the source drive. The backup was a single .adi file on her SSD. No fragmented catalog left behind in C:\ProgramData. No leftover kernel driver. No scheduled task silently phoning home next Tuesday.

Leo exhaled. "You saved us. How much do I owe you?"

"Standard rate," Sarah said, unplugging her USB drive. "And remember: the software that saved you left no trace. No footprint. No 'trial expired' nagware. No uninstaller needed. That's the other backup I provide—backup of your system's virginity."

As she walked out, Leo glanced at his own Program Files folder, then at her vanishing silhouette. He finally understood: sometimes the best tool isn't the one that builds a house in your registry. It's the one that knocks on the door, fixes the leak, and leaves no forwarding address.

The moral: The installed version is a tenant. The portable version is a ghost—and ghosts never crash the party.

AOMEI Backupper Portable is a versatile and reliable backup solution designed for users who need a powerful tool they can carry on a USB drive. Unlike the standard version, the portable edition allows you to perform system backups, disk imaging, and file synchronization on any computer without the need for a traditional installation. Key Features

No Installation Required: Run the software directly from a removable device like a flash drive.

System Backup & Restore: Create a complete image of your Windows operating system for quick recovery.

Disk and Partition Imaging: Easily clone or back up specific drives or partitions.

File Syncing: Keep files updated across different locations or devices.

Universal Restore: Restore a system image to a computer with different hardware configurations.

VSS Support: Back up data without interrupting your current workflow or closing open programs. Why Choose the Portable Version?

Efficiency: Save time by bypassing the installation process on multiple machines.

Privacy: Leave no registry entries or leftover files on the host computer.

Emergency Recovery: Keep it on a "rescue" USB to fix crashing PCs or recover data from failing drives.

IT Management: Ideal for technicians who need to service various client computers quickly. Usage Scenarios

Technicians: Use a single USB tool to manage backups for an entire office.

Home Users: Maintain a clean Windows registry by avoiding unnecessary software installs.

Remote Work: Bring your backup settings and tools with you to different workstations.

💡 Pro Tip: Always ensure your USB drive is high-speed (USB 3.0 or higher) to significantly reduce the time required for imaging large drives. If you'd like, I can help you with:

Instructions on how to create the portable version from your current license.

A comparison between the Pro, Technician, and Portable editions. Troubleshooting common errors when running from a USB.

The Power of Portability: Why AOMEI Backupper Portable is a Game-Changer This is the killer feature

When it comes to safeguarding your digital life, versatility is just as important as reliability. While the AOMEI Backupper desktop installation is a powerhouse for personal PCs, the portable version offers unique advantages that make it an essential tool for IT professionals, system administrators, and anyone managing multiple computers. What Makes the Portable Version Different?

Unlike the standard edition that requires a full installation on each machine, the portable version allows you to run the software directly from a removable device, such as a USB flash drive. This feature is primarily available in higher-tier editions like AOMEI Backupper Technician and Technician Plus. Why "Portable" is Often Better

No Installation Required: You can perform backups or clones on any computer without leaving a trace. This is ideal for fixing friends' computers or managing office workstations where installing new software might be restricted.

Efficiency for Multiple PCs: Instead of downloading and installing the software on ten different machines, you simply plug in your USB and start the task immediately.

System Deployment and Recovery: For IT environments, a portable version is a "first aid kit." It allows you to quickly deploy system images or recover crashed systems across different hardware without the overhead of individual licenses for every seat.

Consolidated Management: All your backup tools, recovery environments, and driver configurations can live on a single high-speed USB drive, ensuring you’re always prepared for a disaster recovery scenario. Core Features at Your Fingertips

Even in its portable form, the software retains its core strengths:

Complete System Imaging: One-click solutions to back up the operating system, applications, and settings.

Flexible Disk Cloning: Replicate entire hard drives to SSDs for instant performance upgrades.

Universal Restore: The ability to restore a system image to a computer with different hardware—a must-have for professional tech support.

While the AOMEI Backupper Standard edition is excellent for a single home PC, the portable version is significantly better for users who need a mobile, high-performance toolkit. It transforms a powerful backup utility into a versatile "Swiss Army knife" for system maintenance and data protection. If you'd like to get started with the portable version,

The specific differences in features between the Technician and Professional licenses?

Steps to create a bootable WinPE USB for emergency recovery?

The AOMEI Backupper portable version is a specialized feature that allows you to run the software directly from a removable device (like a USB flash drive) without installing it on the target computer.

While it maintains the same core backup engine as the desktop version, it is considered "better" specifically for IT maintenance, support engineers, and managing multiple PCs. Key Benefits of the Portable Version

Zero Installation: Run the full suite of backup, restore, and cloning tools directly from a USB, which is ideal for servicing client computers or systems with limited disk space.

Efficiency for IT Pros: Instead of installing and uninstalling software on every machine, a single technician can use one portable drive to handle unlimited PCs.

Disaster Recovery: It is particularly useful for performing emergency backups or restores on systems that are unstable or about to crash.

Centralized Toolset: It keeps all your configuration and backup tools in one place on your removable drive, making it a "Swiss Army knife" for field tech work. How to Get the Portable Version

The ability to create a portable version is not available in the free Standard edition. It is an exclusive feature found in the higher-tier corporate versions:

AOMEI Backupper Technician: Designed for small to medium enterprises.

AOMEI Backupper Technician Plus: The most advanced version, supporting unlimited PCs and servers, and including advanced tools like image deployment. Creating the Portable Version

If you have a compatible license (Technician or Technician Plus), you can create your portable copy by following these steps: Connect your USB or removable device to your PC. Open AOMEI Backupper and go to the Tools tab. The server room hummed a low, desperate monotone—the

Select Create Portable Version under the Common Tools section.

Select your removable device as the target and click Start Creating.

How to Create a Portable Version of Backup Software - AOMEI Backupper

The server room was stifling, and for Leo, the lead IT consultant, the heat was a physical manifestation of his stress. An entire department’s workstation hub had stalled after a botched firmware update. No OS would boot, and the clock was ticking toward a massive project deadline.

Leo’s laptop was across the building, but it didn't matter. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a battered silver thumb drive.

"What’s that going to do?" the department head asked, pacing nervously. "We need to install recovery software on every single one of these, and the network is crawled."

"I’m not installing anything," Leo said, plugging the drive into the first terminal. He launched AOMEI Backupper Portable

. Because it was the portable version, it ran directly from the USB—no installation, no registry changes, and zero footprint on the already-fragile systems. Within seconds, the familiar interface flickered to life.

While a standard installation would have required Leo to sit through dozens of "Next-Next-Finish" wizards across twenty machines, he simply moved from tower to tower with his "IT Swiss Army Knife." He initiated a System Restore from the central NAS for the first five machines simultaneously.

The beauty was in the speed. By bypassing the installation process, Leo saved nearly an hour of setup time. By the time the department head returned with coffee, the first row of monitors was already showing the familiar Windows login screen. "You're done already?" the boss asked, stunned.

Leo tucked the thumb drive back into his pocket. "The best tools are the ones that don't leave a trace," he said. "No bloat, no wait—just the backup."

He walked out of the server room, the portable power in his pocket ready for the next crisis. of the portable version or how to create your own technician toolkit?

AOMEI Backupper Portable Version is often considered "better" than the standard installer for specific users—namely IT technicians and system administrators—because it allows you to run professional-grade backup and recovery tools from a USB drive without needing to install software on every target machine.

While the standard version is excellent for persistent, scheduled home backups, the portable version is a specialized feature found in the AOMEI Backupper Technician Technician Plus

editions, designed for multi-device maintenance and rapid deployment. Portable vs. Installer: Key Differences Standard Installer Version Portable Version (Technician/Plus) Personal home use on a single PC. IT pros and MSPs managing multiple clients. Installation Required on every computer. No installation; runs directly from USB. System Footprint Adds background services and registry entries. Zero footprint on the host system. License Scope Usually 1 PC per license. Unlimited PCs/Servers within a company. Deployment Manual install on each machine. Plug-and-play across entire networks. Why Portable Might Be "Better" for Your Needs Zero System Bloat

: Standard installations often run background processes or schedule tasks that remain active even when you aren't backing up. The portable version only uses system resources when the application is open. Emergency Recovery

: Because it is self-contained on a removable drive, you can carry it to any "unbootable" or crashing system to perform immediate disk imaging or data rescue without the risk of an installer failing due to system errors. Unlimited Management

: For those working in small businesses or IT repair shops, the Technician Plus

license allows you to create a "portable tool" that can be used on unlimited PCs and Servers Cleaner Troubleshooting

: Since portable software typically keeps settings in its own folder, it doesn't conflict with other installed software or leave leftover "junk" files in the Windows registry. Core Features Comparison

While the delivery method changes, the core backup engine remains powerful across both versions: AOMEI Backupper - Backup, Clone, Sync Software for Windows

Here is the piece regarding why the portable version of AOMEI Backupper is often considered the "better" choice for specific users:

Imagine a ransomware attack locks your PC, or a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) loop prevents booting. You cannot log in to uninstall the old backup software or install a new one.

The Portable Advantage: You boot from a WinPE USB or plug your drive into a second working PC. You plug in your AOMEI Portable USB. You open the folder and click the icon. You start backing up the dying drive immediately. There is no 5-minute installation wait when a hard drive is clicking.