Avoid for real work. If you rely on SolidWorks for a job, freelance project, or academic submission, the portable version will corrupt files, crash mid-save, or simply refuse to open a complex model. The security risk alone outweighs any convenience.
Running a high-end CAD program from a USB 3.0 drive (let alone USB 2.0) creates massive I/O lag. Even on a fast internal SSD, the "portable" wrappers add overhead. Regeneration times for complex sketches or features can be 3–5x slower than a legit install. SolidWorks Premium 2015 Portable X64
While the concept of "Portable" software is appealing, it comes with risks. Often, these releases are modified from the original vendor source. For professional work, it is always recommended to use a licensed, officially installed version to ensure file stability and security. Additionally, running software without official support means you miss out on critical security patches and compatibility updates for newer operating systems. Avoid for real work