A Friend asked me how to use cygwin binaries (executables and/or dlls) standalone. The procedure is very simple and actually worked for me with a lot of execs. Install cygwin (if you don't have already the files that you need) and move your executable(s) and the related cygnus dlls that are necessary. For sure you will need cygwin1.dll! (for anything) Use dependency walker (application) to check for other needed files (suggested method) or just run awk and see the errors of the missing dlls. You shouldn't need to reinstall cygnus after moving awk and the dlls in the same folder.