How to Create a Bootable USB in Linux | Everything You Need Is Here

What is a Bootable USB and Why Do You Need One? A bootable USB drive, also known as a boot drive or a live USB, is a USB flash drive that contains an operating system or a utility software that can be used to start up a computer without relying on the operating system installed on the computer's hard drive. It essentially acts as a temporary or alternative means of launching a system or performing specific tasks. There are several reasons why you might need a bootable USB: 1. **System Installation/Recovery:** If you want to install a new operating system or need to recover a corrupted one, a bootable USB can come in handy. Most modern operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux provide options to create installation media on a USB drive. 2. **Portable OS:** A bootable USB allows you to carry an entire operating system with you, which can be useful when working on different computers or in situations where you don't have access to your primary system. 3. **System Rescue Tools:** In case of system crashes or malware infections, bootable USBs with system rescue tools can help diagnose and fix issues without requiring the infected operating system to be booted up. 4. **Testing New Software:** Developers often use bootable USBs to test new software or operating system versions without affecting their main system. 5. **Data Recovery:** If your computer's hard drive fails, a bootable USB with data recovery software can help retrieve important files. 6. **Secure Booting and Privacy:** Some bootable USBs offer secure boot options, allowing you to boot into a private, encrypted environment for sensitive tasks. Creating a bootable USB is a relatively straightforward process, typically involving downloading the necessary files and using software tools to write the image to the USB drive. Just remember to backup any important data on the USB drive first, as the process will erase all its contents.

A bootable USB is a USB device that has been set up to hold all the necessary data and files to launch an operating system. When you insert this USB drive into a computer, the computer can boot from it and run the operating system stored on the USB drive.

The primary advantage of using a bootable USB drive lies in its convenience. It is significantly more convenient to carry a compact USB drive around compared to transporting a laptop or desktop computer. Moreover, you can use a bootable USB drive on any computer, regardless of whether it has an operating system installed or not.

Another benefit of utilizing a bootable USB drive is that it significantly speeds up the process of setting up a new computer compared to installing an operating system from the beginning. Moreover, should you ever need to re-install your operating system, you can simply use the bootable USB drive, sparing yourself the hassle of going through the entire installation process once more.

How to Create a Bootable USB Drive in Linux Creating a bootable USB drive in Linux is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using various tools. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a bootable USB drive in Ubuntu or any other Linux distribution: 1. **Prepare the USB Drive:** - Insert the USB drive into your Linux computer. - Open a terminal by pressing `Ctrl` + `Alt` + `T`. 2. **Identify the USB Drive:** - In the terminal, type `lsblk` to list all available block devices. Identify your USB drive by its size or name (usually `/dev/sdX`, where X is a letter representing the drive, like `/dev/sdc`). 3. **Backup Your Data:** - Make sure to backup any important data on the USB drive as the process will erase everything. 4. **Unmount the USB Drive:** - Unmount the USB drive to ensure no data corruption during the process. Use the command: ``` sudo umount /dev/sdX ``` Replace `sdX` with the actual identifier of your USB drive. 5. **Format the USB Drive:** - Format the USB drive to FAT32, a common file system for bootable USBs. Use the following command: ``` sudo mkfs.fat -F 32 /dev/sdX ``` 6. **Download the ISO File:** - Download the ISO image of the Linux distribution you want to install. For example, you can download Ubuntu from the official website. 7. **Create the Bootable USB:** - Use the `dd` command to copy the ISO file to the USB drive. This command will overwrite the entire drive, so make sure you have the correct device: ``` sudo dd if=path/to/your/downloaded.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync ``` Replace `path/to/your/downloaded.iso` with the actual path to your ISO file and `sdX` with the identifier of your USB drive. 8. **Wait for the Process to Complete:** - The `dd` command may take some time depending on the speed of your USB drive and your system. Be patient and do not interrupt the process. 9. **Eject the USB Drive:** - Once done, safely eject the USB drive using the 'Safely Remove' option in your file manager or by running: ``` sudo eject /dev/sdX ``` Now you have successfully created a bootable USB drive in Linux. You can use it to install the desired Linux distribution on any computer that supports booting from USB.

Creating a bootable USB drive in Linux is quite straightforward. To begin, you'll need to download the ISO image of the operating system you intend to install. Following that, you'll utilize a third-party application to transfer the ISO file onto your USB drive. Lastly, you'll have to set up your computer's BIOS to boot from the USB device. Here are the detailed steps for accomplishing this: 1. **Download the ISO File**: Visit the official website of the desired operating system and download the ISO image file. Make sure it's saved to a location you can easily access. 2. **Insert the USB Drive**: Plug in the USB drive into your Linux computer. Ensure it doesn't contain any important data as the process will erase its contents. 3. **Open a Terminal**: You can do this by pressing `Ctrl` + `Alt` + `T` or searching for "Terminal" in your applications menu. 4. **Install the USB Creation Tool**: There are several tools available, but one popular choice is `Etcher`. To install it, you can use the package manager for your distribution. For example, in Ubuntu or Debian, use: ``` sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install balena-etcher-electron ``` If you're using Fedora or similar, use: ``` sudo dnf install balena-etcher-electron ``` 5. **Run Etcher**: Launch Etcher from your applications menu, and it should automatically detect your USB drive. 6. **Flash the ISO**: In Etcher, click on "Select Image," navigate to the location where you downloaded the ISO file, select it, and click "Open". Then, confirm that the USB drive is correctly selected under "Target." Click "Flash" to start the process. Wait for it to complete. 7. **Reboot Your Computer**: After the flashing process is done, safely eject the USB drive and restart your computer. 8. **Access BIOS**: As your computer is restarting, press the key indicated on the screen (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del) to enter the BIOS setup. 9. **Change Boot Order**: In the BIOS settings, find the "Boot" or "Startup" section. Locate the option to change the boot order, and move your USB drive to the top of the list. 10. **Save and Exit**: Save the changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer should now boot from the USB drive and display the installer for the operating system. Remember that the exact steps might vary depending on your Linux distribution and computer model.

Step 1: Downloading the ISO Image File

The initial step involves downloading the ISO image file for the operating system you intend to install. These ISO files are typically available on the provider's official website. For instance, if you wish to install Ubuntu, you can download the ISO file directly from the Ubuntu website. After downloading, it's crucial to verify the ISO file's checksum to confirm its integrity and that it hasn't been altered in any way. You can utilize a tool such as 'md5sum' to perform this verification process.

Step 2: Copying the ISO File to the USB Drive

Once you've confirmed the integrity of the ISO file, you're prepared to transfer it to your USB drive. For this process, you'll need to utilize a utility called 'dd'. 'dd' is a command-line tool that enables the creation of precise replicas of data.

To copy the ISO file to the USB drive, open a terminal window and enter the following command:

sudo dd if=path/to/iso/file of=/dev/sdb bs=4M

?Here's an example of the command to copy an ISO file using dd: ``` sudo dd if=/path/to/input.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync ``` In this command: - `sudo` is used to run the command with superuser privileges. - `if` stands for "input file" and should be replaced with the actual path to your ISO file. - `of` stands for "output file" and should be replaced with the target device, like `/dev/sdX`, where `X` represents the drive letter (make sure to use the correct one). - `bs` sets the block size to 4 megabytes for faster transfer. - `status=progress` shows the progress of the copy process. - `oflag=sync` ensures data is written synchronously to the disk. Remember to be cautious when specifying the output device, as it can potentially overwrite data on the target drive. Always double-check the drive letter before executing the command.

Ensure you replace 'path/to/iso/file' with the actual path of the downloaded ISO file and '/dev/sdb' with the actual path to your USB drive. After entering the command, 'dd' will commence copying the ISO file to your USB drive. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB drive.

Step 3: Configuring the BIOS to Boot from the USB Drive

Once the ISO file has been copied to your USB drive, you'll need to set up your computer's BIOS to boot from the USB drive. The procedure for this varies depending on the manufacturer and model of your computer. However, it is typically a straightforward process.

First, restart your computer and look for a message that says something along the lines of 'Press F2 to enter BIOS setup' or 'Press F2 for Setup'. When you spot this message, promptly press the key specified (typically F2) to access the BIOS settings.

Once you're in the BIOS settings, look for an option labeled 'Boot Order' or 'Boot Priority'. This setting determines the sequence of devices your computer attempts to boot from when it powers on.

Ensure that the USB drive is listed as the first priority. After doing this, save your changes and restart your computer. Your computer should now boot from the USB drive.

How to Create a Bootable USB Drive in Windows

The procedure for creating a bootable USB drive in Windows is analogous to the one in Linux. Initially, you'll need to download an ISO image file for the operating system you intend to install. Following that, you'll utilize a tool called Rufus to copy the ISO file onto your USB drive. Lastly, you'll need to adjust your computer's BIOS settings to boot from the USB drive.

On a Windows computer, you have the option to create a new installation bootable USB drive or a bootable USB drive of your current system. This section will guide you through both processes step by step.

#1. Create a bootable USB drive using Rufus

Step 1. Download and install Rufus from . Next, prepare a USB drive with a minimum capacity of 8 GB.

Step 2. Open Rufus. It will automatically detect the available USB drive. Click on "Device" and select the USB drive you want to use from the drop-down menu.

Step 3. Ensure the Boot Selection option is set to Disk for ISO image. Next, click on the Select option. A file explorer window will now open, allowing you to locate the ISO image.

*You can download the ISO file from Microsoft's official page at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10.

Step 4. Typically, standard Windows installations created by Rufus are automatically detected based on the device. Hence, keep the default settings, but you can modify them if necessary.

Step 5. Give a name to the Volume label, or accept the default name provided. Additionally, maintain the File system and Cluster size settings as they are.

Step 6. After clicking "Start," Rufus might display a warning that the data on the USB drive will be erased. This is expected, so click OK, and Rufus will begin creating the bootable USB.

#2. Create a bootable USB drive using Todo Backup tools

With Rufus, you're essentially creating a bootable USB drive using an ISO image. However, you can also utilize your computer's system files to create a bootable USB. This allows you to carry your entire computer system on a USB drive, granting you the flexibility to use it wherever you go. The creation process differs from using Rufus, as Rufus copies a downloaded ISO image onto a USB drive. In contrast, to transfer your computer system to a USB drive, you need to clone your system. For this purpose, you will require a tool like Todo Backup.

Why we recommend Todo Backup: We recommend Todo Backup for several reasons. Firstly, it is a reliable and comprehensive backup solution that offers a wide range of features to ensure the safety and accessibility of your data. It provides users with the ability to create backups of their important files, system settings, and entire disks, safeguarding against data loss in case of hardware failures, accidental deletion, or malware attacks. Todo Backup also offers flexible scheduling options, allowing you to set up automatic backups at predetermined intervals, ensuring your data stays up-to-date. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and reduces the risk of forgetting to back up crucial information. Moreover, the software supports various backup types, such as full, incremental, and differential backups, providing efficient methods to save time and storage space. It also has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for both beginners and advanced users to navigate and customize their backup preferences. Another notable aspect is its compatibility with different platforms, including Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, making it a versatile tool for managing backups across multiple devices. Todo Backup also offers a swift and hassle-free restoration process, enabling you to quickly recover your data in the event of a disaster. In addition, the software provides encryption and password protection options, ensuring the privacy and security of your backed-up files. Customer support is responsive and helpful, providing assistance whenever needed. Overall, Todo Backup is a recommended tool due to its reliability, extensive functionality, flexibility, ease of use, and strong emphasis on data security, making it an excellent choice for individuals and businesses alike.

• Select your system with a single click to create a bootable USB
• On-screen wizard assists you in cloning the system to a USB drive
• Advanced backup and clone software offers additional data protection and hard drive management features

Now download the tool Todo Backup from the button below. Then follow the detailed guide to create a bootable USB drive with your own system.

Preparation:

1. Check the amount of disk space used on the system C drive. Then prepare a qualified USB drive with a size larger than the used space. 2. Ensure that the USB drive is empty, as the system clone will completely overwrite its data. 3. Connect the USB drive to your computer and confirm that it is detected.

Follow the general process to create a bootable Windows USB drive and start your computer from it:

Step 1. On the main page, locate and click on "Tools", then select "System Clone".

Step 2. The boot and system partition will be selected automatically. You just need to choose the target disk and click "Next."

*System clone does not support cloning an MBR disk to a GPT disk or vice versa. Ensure that the partition style of the source disk and the target disk are identical.

Step 3. Click on "Advanced Options", and select "Create a portable Windows USB drive".

Step 4. Click "Proceed". Todo Backup will start to create the portable USB.

Step 5. How to boot from the portable USB drive. To boot from the portable USB drive, follow these steps: 1. **Ensure the USB drive is inserted:** Insert the USB drive into your computer's USB port. 2. **Modify Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI:** Restart your computer and press the key (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del) to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings during the initial startup screen. This key may vary depending on your computer manufacturer. 3. **Access Boot Settings:** In the BIOS/UEFI menu, navigate to the "Boot" or "Startup" section. 4. **Change Boot Priority:** Look for an option like "Boot Order," "Boot Priority," or "Boot Sequence." Use the arrow keys to move the USB drive to the top of the list, ensuring it becomes the first boot device. 5. **Save and Exit:** Once the USB drive is at the top, save the changes (often by pressing F10 and confirming with 'Yes') and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer will now attempt to boot from the USB drive. 6. **OS Installation Process:** If everything is set up correctly, the computer should start from the USB drive, and you'll see the installation process for the operating system you've loaded onto the USB. 7. **Complete the Process:** Follow the on-screen instructions to install the operating system. After the installation is finished, remember to reset your computer's boot order to its original state, so it boots from your primary storage device (hard drive or SSD) by default.

Connect your portable USB drive to the computer. Restart the computer and press "Del/F2/F12/F10" to enter BIOS. Set the PC to boot from the portable USB by altering the boot order in BIOS under the "Boot" tab. Save the changes, and your system will start booting from the USB drive.

Things to Consider When Making a Bootable USB Flash Drive

Now that you're aware of how to create a bootable USB drive in both Linux and Windows, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process.

First and foremost, it's crucial to utilize a high-quality USB drive. A reliable USB drive is less prone to failure or data corruption, ensuring the safety of your stored information.

Secondly, ensure that you create a backup of your data prior to making a bootable USB drive. This ensures that in case anything goes wrong, you will still have a copy of your important files.

Thirdly, ensure that the operating system you intend to install is compatible with the computer you are using. Not all operating systems are compatible with every computer.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How do I create a bootable USB drive for Linux? To create a bootable USB drive for Linux, follow these steps: 1. Download the Linux distribution ISO file from the official website. Choose the version you prefer, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian. 2. Insert the USB drive into your computer's USB port. Make sure to backup any important data on the USB drive since the process will erase its contents. 3. Use a tool to create the bootable USB drive. There are several options available for different operating systems: - For Windows: 1. Download and install a tool like Rufus, Etcher, or balenaEtcher. 2. Launch the tool, and it should automatically detect your USB drive. 3. Select the downloaded Linux ISO file. 4. Choose the appropriate settings (e.g., partition scheme and file system), usually MBR for BIOS/legacy mode and GPT for UEFI mode. 5. Start the process by clicking "Start" or "Flash," and wait for it to complete. - For macOS: 1. Install a utility like Disk Utility, which is pre-installed, or BalenaEtcher. 2. Open Disk Utility, find your USB drive in the left panel, and select it. 3. Click on "Erase" and format the drive with the "MS-DOS (FAT)" format and Master Boot Record scheme. 4. Quit Disk Utility. 5. Open Terminal and run the command: `sudo dd if=path/to/your/Linux.ISO of=/dev/diskX bs=1m` (replace "path/to/your/Linux.ISO" with the path to your ISO file and "diskX" with the identifier of your USB drive, e.g., /dev/disk2). 6. Enter your password and wait for the process to finish. - For Linux: 1. Install a tool like UNetbootin, Disks (pre-installed in many distributions), or BalenaEtcher. 2. Using Disks or BalenaEtcher, select the USB drive and choose the ISO file you downloaded. 3. Start the process and wait for it to complete. 4. After the process is finished, eject the USB drive and restart your computer. Access your BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key during startup (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del, depending on your system). 5. Change the boot order to prioritize booting from USB, save the settings, and exit. 6. Your computer should now boot from the USB drive, and you can proceed with installing Linux.

Step 1: Download the ISO image file and save it on your computer.

Step 2: Download Etcher and install it. Connect the USB drive to your computer.

Step 3. Use the software you downloaded (Etcher) to copy the downloaded ISO file onto the USB drive.

Step 4: Click "Start" and wait for the creation process to finish.

2. Is Rufus available for Linux?

No, Rufus is not compatible with Linux. However, there are alternative software options available for creating bootable USB drives on Linux, such as Etcher and UNetbootin.

Bottom line.

Creating a bootable USB drive isn't as complicated as you might imagine. With the assistance of third-party software, you can effortlessly create a bootable USB drive in a matter of minutes. Simply adhere to the steps outlined in this article, and you'll be able to successfully make a bootable USB drive without encountering any issues. If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to leave a comment below.