How to Create a Bootable Ubuntu USB Drive

Whether you want to install Linux as your primary operating system, dual-boot it alongside Windows, or simply test drive it using the “Live USB” environment, your first step is to create a bootable Ubuntu USB drive. Because operating systems cannot simply be copied and pasted onto a flash drive like standard files, you must use a specialized tool to “flash” the ISO image onto the drive.

In this guide, we will show you how to create a bootable Ubuntu USB drive from a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer using the industry-standard tool, Rufus (for Windows) or balenaEtcher (for Mac/Linux).

What You Will Need

Before you begin, gather the following:

• A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage. Warning: The flashing process will completely erase the USB drive. Ensure you back up any important files stored on it.
• The official Ubuntu ISO file. Navigate to the official Ubuntu website and download the latest “LTS” (Long Term Support) version for the most stable experience.
• A working computer with an internet connection.

Method 1: Creating the Drive on Windows (Using Rufus)

Rufus is the most reliable, lightweight, and widely used tool for creating bootable USB drives on Windows.

1. Download Rufus from its official website. It is a portable app, meaning you do not even need to install it—just double-click the downloaded .exe file to run it.
2. Insert your 8 GB USB flash drive into your computer.
3. In the Rufus window, ensure your USB drive is selected in the Device drop-down menu at the top.
4. Click the SELECT button next to “Boot selection”. Locate and choose the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded earlier.
5. Rufus will automatically configure the rest of the settings (Partition scheme as GPT, Target system as UEFI). Leave these as their defaults.
6. Click the START button at the bottom.
7. If Rufus prompts you to download additional Syslinux files, click Yes.
8. If Rufus asks whether you want to write in ISO Image mode or DD Image mode, keep the recommended ISO Image mode selected and click OK.
9. A final warning will appear, stating that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Click OK to confirm.

The process will take between 3 and 10 minutes, depending on the speed of your USB drive. When the status bar says “READY” in green, you can close Rufus and safely eject your drive.

Method 2: Creating the Drive on macOS or Linux (Using balenaEtcher)

If you are on a Mac or currently running another Linux distribution, balenaEtcher is the most user-friendly tool available for flashing ISO images.

1. Download balenaEtcher from its official website and install it. On a Mac, drag it into your Applications folder.
2. Insert your USB flash drive.
3. Open balenaEtcher. The interface is incredibly simple, featuring three large buttons.
4. Click the first button, Flash from file. Locate and select your Ubuntu ISO file.
5. Click the second button, Select target. Choose your USB flash drive from the list. Pay close attention to the drive name and size to ensure you do not accidentally select an external backup hard drive.
6. Click the third button, Flash!
7. macOS or Linux will prompt you to enter your administrator password to authorize the disk writing process.

BalenaEtcher will first flash the image and then validate it to ensure no data was corrupted during the transfer. Once it completes, macOS may display an error stating “The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer.” This is normal because macOS cannot natively read Linux filesystems. Simply click Ignore and unplug the drive.

How to Boot from the USB Drive

Now that your bootable USB is ready, you must tell your computer to boot from it rather than its internal hard drive.

• On a PC: Insert the USB drive and turn the computer on. Immediately and repeatedly press the Boot Menu key (usually F12, F8, F10, or Esc, depending on the manufacturer). When the menu appears, select your USB drive.
• On an Intel Mac: Insert the USB drive, turn the Mac on, and immediately press and hold the Option (Alt) key. A menu will appear displaying your internal drive and a yellow icon labeled “EFI Boot” (the Ubuntu USB). Click the EFI Boot icon.

You will now see the Ubuntu welcome screen, allowing you to try the operating system directly from the USB drive without changing your computer, or proceed with a full installation.