Signal-desktop: [Feature Request] Windows Portable version

[village-icky]

• [X ] I have searched open and closed issues for duplicates

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Please create a portable version of Signal-Deskop for windows. This might help users run Signal without admin privileges, or pre-installed from a USB drive.

[leafcutterant]

Agreed. I too am interested to see a portable version!

[nikant]

+1

[bonbonboi]

+1

[nrizzio]

Please do not bump issues, and read the contributing guidelines before commenting again.

[KolyaKorruptis]

It seems to me that it would be enough if Signal.exe first looked for its data in its own folder.
And only after that in the regular location:c:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Signal\

[scottnonnenberg-signal]

@KolyaKorruptis Wanna try for a pull request? :0)

[KolyaKorruptis]

@scottnonnenberg-signal My remark originally stemmed from observing that Signal can be uninstalled and still run from any place, just as long as the data folder remains in its place (c:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Signal\)

I looked at user_config.js which already seems to offer a way to change the storageProfile path. But I couldn't that to work. Also since config.json itself resides inside the data directory it doesn't seem useful for a portable setup anyway.
I'm not confident I can solve this myself, but I might get back to it.

[rainerzufall]

Sorry, Scott, for jumping on this topic, but with the final 30 day deprecation warning in the Signal "Chrome Extension" this topic gets suddenly really important for me.

I'd like to be able to use Signal Desktop also at work, unfortunately I am not allowed to install any software on my work laptop. I know that sounds strange, but it is common practice in Europe. Ultimately, the deprecation means I won't be able to use Signal at work anymore. And I spend a considerable amount of time at work :/

I am sure that is not the use case you are aiming at and you have other priorities, but any chance you will eventually look into that feature request?

Everyone who feels the urge to contribute to the discussion please post in the community forum: https://community.signalusers.org/t/hi-is-there-a-portable-app-version-of-signal-desktop-windows/2000/2
And please use the github reactions to show your support for the need of a portable version.

[scottnonnenberg-signal]

@rainerzufall Not a high priority for us as you expect, but I'd definitely assist if someone wanted to pursue a pull request on this.

[TCB13]

+1 on this. Having the chrome extension back or some kind of web version like Whatsapp would also work.

[milada-horakova]

I would like to store Signal and its data in an encrypted VeraCrypt volume. Like @KolyaKorruptis I would be happy if I just could customize the data path.

[TCB13]

@milada-horakova

I’m on the same VeraCrypt boat. Either the app goes portable or we get the chrome app back.. that can be run in a chrome setup inside VeraCrypt.

[Alyred]

Yeah, I'm bumping into this as an issue as well. With the Chrome app depreciating, I'm going to be unable to use Signal on the Desktop and my cell phone gets really bad reception in my 1950's era cement-and-steel building. I'm unable to install it on my machine at work without admin privileges, and would like to keep the data folder off of my machine at work to be revealed by a workstation installed software audit. Otherwise, in 8 days, no more signal. :(

[encrus]

Signal now has resources to do this (thanks to the Signal Foundation).
I think either creating a pidgin plugin or create a native portable windows version can be taken up.

This would benefit the userbase and tap a new userbase and make it more usable

Thanks in advance to the SIGNAL TEAM

[wisiwig]

+1 on this.

[miguelvb]

+1 on this, very needed for EU working places where any software install is blocked on window machines.

[binkleyz]

This would be a valuable addition to the Portable Apps library, as there are many situations where the other non-secure messaging apps are simply not installable w/o admin rights.

[spvtnik]

The only reason I do not switch from Telegram to Signal right now is because it's not offered in as portable version. Why do you need to install it the traditionnal way ? This kind of software should be able to be used on a usb key from any computer...

[Hananel-Hazan]

Signal on Android/iPhone is secure.
When installing signal on desktop, the user opens a can of worms, all notion of security become useless, Signal becomes an open book and unsecure regardless of its highly valued and secure protocols.
On Desktop, the signal program store all the secure data in unsecured location (c:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Signal\). Moreover, when launching the desktop app, it will open all the storage communication and media files without any security obstacle like pin, code or any approval from the cellphone.
I don’t understand how this issue is not a high priority to signal messaging team.
Creating a portable app that stores the data in a secure and encrypts location should be a top priority to a program that takes security seriously.
ps. Firefox Signal plug in could also solve the problem, since most privacy oriented users stay out of Chrome and use Firefox under secure encrypted storage already.