To ensure your EXE isn’t deleted again:

Downloading a standalone .exe without the accompanying game assets (textures, physics engines, audio banks) renders the software non-functional. Modern games rely on a specific directory structure and registry keys. A solitary executable file, missing its dependencies (such as DirectX runtimes, Visual C++ Redistributables, or .NET Frameworks), will result in immediate crash-to-desktop (CTD) errors.

Once you have a legitimate ForzaHorizon5.exe , you can tweak how it runs.

The game deeply integrates with Windows gaming services (Xbox Live, DirectX 12, cloud saves). It cannot run from a USB drive.

Microsoft hides protected game files by default.

: If you have an active Xbox Game Pass subscription, you can install the game directly through the Xbox App for Windows at no extra cost.