on
1

Make a Bootable USB Pendrive: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

on

How to Create a Bootable USB (Step-by-Step)

If you’ve ever installed Windows, tried Linux, or rescued a broken PC — you know a bootable USB can save the day. This simple guide covers exactly how to create one using Rufus, Ventoy, balenaEtcher, or Terminal.

Before You Start (2-Minute Prep)

  • USB drive: 8GB minimum (will be erased).
  • ISO file: Windows 10/11 or Linux ISO (from official source).
  • Machine: Windows/macOS/Linux — any works.
  • Tool: Rufus, Ventoy, balenaEtcher, or Terminal.
  • Firmware: Most PCs use UEFI; older use Legacy BIOS.
Quick note: If ISO is above 4GB, FAT32 can’t hold it; use NTFS or Ventoy.

Pick Your Tool (Plain-English Summary)

ToolGood ForWhy People Like It
Rufus (Windows)Windows & Linux ISOsFast, tiny, GPT/MBR choice, UEFI support
VentoyMulti-ISO USBInstall once → copy ISOs directly, no re-flash
balenaEtcherAll OSSimple 3-click flashing
TerminalmacOS/LinuxFull manual control

Method 1 — Windows: Bootable USB via Rufus

  1. Download ISO from Microsoft or Linux site.
  2. Open Rufus (no install needed).
  3. Insert USB (back up data).
  4. Set options:
    • Device: your USB
    • Boot Selection: ISO
    • Partition scheme: GPT for UEFI / MBR for BIOS
    • File System: FAT32 (<4GB ISO) or NTFS (>4GB ISO)
  5. Click START → confirm → wait for “READY”.

Quick presets:

  • Modern PC → GPT + UEFI (NTFS if large ISO)
  • Old BIOS → MBR + Legacy/CSM
Tip: If Rufus offers TPM/SecureBoot bypass options, leave defaults unless needed.

Method 2 — Microsoft Media Creation Tool

  1. Download Media Creation Tool.
  2. Choose Create installation media (USB).
  3. Pick language + edition → select your USB.
  4. Wait for completion → eject.

No ISO/format confusion—just works!

Method 3 — macOS: Two Options

A) Create macOS Installer (Official)

  1. Get macOS installer from App Store.
  2. Erase USB (Mac OS Extended + GUID).
  3. Run Terminal:
    sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled
  4. Wait till done → eject.

B) Flash Any ISO via balenaEtcher

  1. Open balenaEtcher → select ISO.
  2. Pick target USB → click Flash.
  3. Wait → eject.
If Mac doesn’t show USB on boot: hold Option ⌥ (Intel) or Power (M1/M2) to select it.

Method 4 — Linux: Ventoy or dd

A) Ventoy (Multi-ISO Setup)

  1. Install Ventoy → choose USB → “Install Ventoy”.
  2. Copy ISOs into the drive like normal files.
  3. Boot from USB → choose ISO.

B) Using dd Command (Advanced)

sudo dd if=/path/to/image.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync
sync
⚠️ Caution: Check device name carefully; dd erases target completely.

Booting from USB

  1. Plug USB → power on PC.
  2. Press Boot key (F12/F10/F2/Esc/Del).
  3. Select UEFI: USB entry for modern systems.
  4. If not visible → enable USB boot in BIOS or disable Secure Boot temporarily.

Common Problems & Fixes

  • USB not detected: Try another port (USB-A 2.0 works best).
  • UEFI error: Rebuild USB with GPT + FAT32.
  • Large ISO (>4GB): Use NTFS or Ventoy.
  • Install fails: Verify ISO checksum (SHA-256).
  • Spinning dots: Recreate USB; disable Fast Boot in BIOS.
  • Mac not booting: Hold Option (Intel) or Power (Apple Silicon).
  • Linux black screen: Add nomodeset at boot options.

Final Thoughts

A bootable USB is your rescue key — easy, portable, and reliable. With Rufus or Ventoy, you can make one in minutes and install any OS hassle-free. Remember: choose GPT for UEFI, MBR for Legacy BIOS, and place the ISO on a good USB stick for best results.

Comments

Post a Comment