Some users download "portable" versions of PC games onto a USB drive. These are stand-alone files that do not require installation and can be run directly from the USB stick on a school or work computer. However, security software on restricted networks often detects and blocks executable files ( .exe ), and attempting to bypass these measures can violate acceptable use policies.

While often sought for entertainment, "unblocked" access to Plague Inc. can be framed as an academic exercise in several fields:

When official game storefronts like or the Microsoft Store are blocked by institutional firewalls (such as in schools or offices), users often seek alternative access points: