Patch 1.10.163 is widely considered the most stable "Pre-Next Gen" version of
Ease of Use: It allows players to move their entire game setup—including GBs of high-resolution textures and scripts—between drives or devices without re-installing.
Compatibility & save concerns
- Save files are tied to game version; ensure all machines you plug the drive into run the same patched game version (1.10.163).
- Avoid cloud saves (Steam Cloud) when using portable install to prevent conflicting save locations; prefer local saves on the external drive.
- Frequent backups: copy the Saves folder to another drive periodically.
Fixing "Steam is not running" error
Since 1.10.163 still expects Steam, you have two choices:
- Runs from any folder (e.g.,
D:\Fallout4Portable).
- Does not require Steam to launch.
- Never updates unless you manually replace files.
- Allows multiple separate modded instances on the same PC.
Part 2: Portable Mod Manager Setup
Do not use Vortex – it relies on hardlinks and appdata. Use Mod Organizer 2 (MO2) in portable mode.
- bEnableFileSelection=1
- sLocalSavePath=<relative_or_external_path_to_Saves>