Make your Garry USB.

Use a spare 32 GB or larger USB, a Windows computer, Rufus and the Garry Desktop ISO (1.61 GB). You will get a normal Debian XFCE desktop with a browser, files, settings and Garry. Start it by restarting a compatible PC and choosing the USB.

BIOS and UEFI boot, saved-work persistence and local AI without a network passed in virtual machines. This preview has not been tested on a physical USB or with Secure Boot. Read the exact test results.

Rufus erases the selected USB. Copy anything you need from that drive first, then check its model and capacity before pressing Start.

On Windows

1. Get Rufus from rufus.ie. Run its current Windows version. Use the site's real download links, not an advertisement. The official executable is signed by Akeo Consulting.
2. Select the spare USB under Device. Click SELECT beside Boot selection and choose the released Garry Desktop .iso. Do not select the Windows ZIP.
3. Set Persistent partition size to at least 8 GB. Use more if you can: this saves your files, browser logins, Wi-Fi settings, installed apps and optional AI model. For Debian live images, Rufus creates full-system persistence for you; no terminal commands or partition-file edits are needed. Leave the suggested filesystem and boot settings.
4. Click START. If Rufus asks how to write the image, choose ISO Image mode (Recommended) to use its persistence setup. Confirm erasing only the selected USB. Wait until Rufus says READY.
5. Keep the USB connected and restart the PC. Open its one-time boot menu, select that USB, then choose the live Garry/Debian desktop entry. The boot-menu key varies by manufacturer. This starts Linux from the USB without installing it over Windows.

If the persistence slider is missing, update Rufus and reselect both the USB and ISO. Stop there if it is still missing; a plain ISO copy or DD-mode write does not perform Rufus's persistence setup. If Windows later asks to format the USB's Linux partition, choose Cancel.

Rufus's official code creates a Debian partition named persistence with full-system saving. This image passed a full-system persistence test in a virtual machine; writing and booting a physical USB with Rufus have not yet been tested. Verify your own USB using the restart check below.

First time on the desktop

Check that saving is active: open Garry → System. Its storage card should say Saved with your workspace. If it says Temporary session storage or Persistent storage required, stop before saving important work or downloading the model.

Add a task called USB test, then use the desktop's Log Out → Shut Down. Boot the USB again and check that the task remains. That restart check is what confirms your own USB is saving correctly.

Click the panel's network icon for Wi-Fi. Firefox ESR is included for normal browsing. If you prefer Chrome, open Install Google Chrome from the Applications menu, review and accept Google's terms, and let the official download/install finish. Actual Chrome is installed at this step; it is not preinstalled in the ISO. Full-system persistence retains the installation.

Open Garry → System → Set up local model after the restart check passes. The first setup uses internet to download the verified CPU engine and about 2.5 GB of model files. Later local chats can work offline. At least 8 GB of PC RAM is a practical starting point; the PC's CPU determines speed. The local AI supports conversation, tasks and notes; it does not control other PCs or inherit Cloud Garry's tools.

In the offline test, one short local AI reply took about 22 seconds on two virtual CPUs and 5 GB of RAM. This confirms it runs without a network after setup; it does not promise the same speed on every PC.

When you finish

Use the desktop's Log Out → Shut Down, wait for the PC to power off, then remove the USB. Closing Garry or the browser alone does not shut down Linux.

What travels with you

With working full-system persistence, your saved files, browser profile, installed applications and Garry workspace stay on the USB. It is not automatically encrypted or backed up. This is a fresh local edition: cloud credentials, chat history, hotel access and remote-control permissions are not included. Sign in separately at GarryHQ to use Cloud Garry.

This image targets compatible Intel/AMD 64-bit PCs. It runs Linux applications and websites, not ordinary Windows programs. It does not promise compatibility with every graphics/Wi-Fi chip or firmware, and is not for phones, ARM PCs or Apple Silicon Macs. See the release status for actual BIOS, UEFI, persistence and Secure Boot test results.

Sources: Official Rufus downloads · Rufus FAQ · Rufus full-system persistence implementation · Debian Live manual