Welcome to the Community space, MichelleR1.

I understand that having QuickBooks Desktop installed on a portable drive makes it simple for you to work and process payroll. I'll provide more information about this.

To answer your questions is no since working with QuickBooks and processing payroll through a portable or wifi isn't possible. We're unable to install QuickBooks Desktop on a portable drive since it's designed to work only on a physical drive C. However, you can create a backup of your company file and save it on your portable drive.

Here's how:

1. In QuickBooks, go to the File menu and select Switch to Single-user Mode.
2. Go to the File menu again and hover over Back up Company. Then click Create Local Backup.
3. In the window, select Local Backup and then Next.
4. In the Local Backup Only section, select Browse and choose your portable drive to save your backup file.
5. This runs a test to ensure your backup file is in good shape before you save it.
6. When you're ready, hit OK.
7. Select Save it now and Next.

For your reference, you can read this article for more details: Back up your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

If you want to work and process payroll while you on the go, you may consider switching to QuickBooks Online. You can keep track of your records and process your payroll as long as you have an internet connection: Move your QuickBooks Desktop file to QuickBooks Online.

In addition, I've included the following resource to help you restore a company file stored on a portable drive: Restore a backup of your company file.

You're welcome to post again if you need anything else. We're always available to help you.