Question: How can I install Chrome for just myself?

Background
==========

By default, the Chrome installer will attempt to elevate, and install two system-wide services, as well as scheduled tasks. I need to run Chrome on a server that is not my own.

I don't want any Chrome footprint to exist outside of my user profile; and definitely not install any global services.

How can I have Chrome only for the local user?

---

Google does provide a [Alternate (offline) Google Chrome installer (Windows)](https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/126299?hl=en)

> 
> If you're downloading Chrome **for your own user account only**, use this installer: [Alternate installer for one user account](http://www.google.com/chrome/eula.html?standalone=1) »
> 
> 
> 

But this *"standalone"* installer also installs two services.

This is complicated by the fact that this is a Windows Server 2008 R2 machine, with UAC disabled. If UAC were enabled, and Google's installed *tried* to elevate, I would deny it.

Although, I know from experience, that if the current user *could* elevate, it will refuse to install. If the current user is a standard user (i.e. is already running at the `highestAvailable`) it will install just for that user.

But this is not my server; I cannot change the global UAC settings. Even if decided I should change it, it server needs a restart before the new UAC setting takes effect. And the hundreds of users of the web-server would not appreciate it.

How can I install Chrome for just me?

Answer: 
You might consider using the Portable Apps version of Chrome.

<http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/google_chrome_portable>

This version does not require "installation" and its updates are maintained by the PortableApps team instead of Google. I use it to have a 2nd version of chrome for testing.
1. Get the offline Google Chrome installer from
<https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/desktop/index.html?standalone=1>
2. Install it on another Windows box where you have full system
permissions.
3. Zip the entire app folder and transfer the archive to the box with the
restricted account.
4. On the target box unzip, create a shortcut, and benefit.

#### Chrome/Chromium derivatives

You might also want to consider chrome/chromium derivatives which offer portable versions with zero extra fiddling:

* [Iridium portable](https://iridiumbrowser.de/downloads) — [download](https://iridiumbrowser.de/downloads)
* [Ungoogled chromium](https://github.com/Eloston/ungoogled-chromium#downloads) — [download](https://ungoogled-software.github.io/ungoogled-chromium-binaries/)
* [Brave Browser](https://github.com/brave/brave-browser/releases/) — [download Brave Browser portable (windows-only)](https://github.com/portapps/brave-portable/releases)