How to Make a Ubuntu Bootable USB
In this digital age, having a bootable USB drive is an essential tool for various tasks such as installing operating systems, troubleshooting, or running portable applications. Ubuntu, being a popular Linux distribution, is often the go-to choice for many users. Creating a Ubuntu bootable USB drive is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using free and open-source software. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make a Ubuntu bootable USB drive.
Step 1: Download Ubuntu ISO Image
The first step is to download the Ubuntu ISO image from the official Ubuntu website. You can choose the version of Ubuntu that suits your needs, such as Ubuntu Desktop, Ubuntu Server, or Ubuntu for other architectures. Once downloaded, save the ISO file to a location on your computer where you can easily access it.
Step 2: Choose a USB Drive and Format It
Next, you will need a USB drive with sufficient storage space. It is recommended to use a USB drive with at least 4GB of storage. Connect the USB drive to your computer and format it using the FAT32 file system. This will ensure compatibility with both Windows and macOS systems.
Step 3: Install a USB Flash Drive Creator
To create a bootable USB drive, you will need a USB flash drive creator tool. There are several free and open-source options available, such as Rufus, balenaEtcher, and Unetbootin. In this example, we will use Rufus, which is a lightweight and user-friendly tool.
Download Rufus from its official website and install it on your computer. Once installed, connect your USB drive to the computer and launch Rufus.
Step 4: Configure Rufus for Ubuntu
In Rufus, you will see several options to configure the USB drive. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Select the USB drive from the “Device” dropdown menu.
2. Choose “ISO Image” from the “Boot selection” dropdown menu.
3. Click on the “Select” button next to “ISO Image” and navigate to the location where you saved the Ubuntu ISO file.
4. Ensure that the “Partition scheme” is set to “MBR (Master Boot Record)” and the “Target system” is set to “BIOS or UEFI”.
5. Click on the “Start” button to begin the process.
Step 5: Wait for the Process to Complete
Rufus will now start creating the bootable USB drive. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the speed of your USB drive and your computer. Once the process is complete, you will see a message indicating that the USB drive has been successfully created.
Step 6: Test the Bootable USB Drive
To ensure that the USB drive is working correctly, insert it into a computer and restart the system. During the boot process, you may need to press a key (such as F2, F10, or Del) to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. Once inside, navigate to the boot menu and select the USB drive as the boot device. Save the changes and restart the computer.
If everything is set up correctly, the Ubuntu installer should launch, allowing you to install Ubuntu on your computer or run it from the USB drive.
Congratulations! You have successfully created a Ubuntu bootable USB drive. Now you can use it for various purposes, such as installing Ubuntu, running portable applications, or troubleshooting your computer.
