Insert the removable media and run the following command on Ubuntu: sudo dd if=/home/user/file.img of=/dev/sdX bs=1M Linux users can use the dd command to directly write an IMG file’s contents to a removable media device. You can also use this tool to create IMG files from USB drives and SD cards. Provide a downloaded IMG file and the tool will write it directly to your drive, erasing its current contents. Use Win32 Disk Imager to write an IMG file to a USB drive or SD card. An IMG file is a raw disk image that needs to be written directly to a USB drive. Some operating system projects provide an IMG file instead of an ISO file. For example, Ubuntu includes a Startup Disk Creator tool for creating bootable Ubuntu USB drives. You can see a full step-by-step guide here. Run the tool, select your desired distribution, browse to your downloaded ISO file, and choose the USB drive you want to use. There are many tools that can do this job for you, but we recommend a free program called Rufus-it’s faster and more reliable than many of the other tools you’ll see recommended, including UNetbootin.ĭownload the Linux distribution you want to use in.
#Bootable usb os how to#
RELATED: How to Create a Bootable Linux USB Flash Drive, the Easy Way
#Bootable usb os install#
RELATED: How to do a Clean Install of Windows 10 the Easy WayĪlternatively, if you’re installing Windows 10, you can download an ISO or burn Windows 10 installation media directly using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool. Provide the ISO file and a USB flash drive and the tool will create a bootable drive. If you don’t have one, you can download Windows 10, 8, or 7 installation media for free - you’ll need a legitimate product key to use them, though. You’ll need a Windows installer ISO file to run this tool. Use Microsoft’s own Windows USB/DVD download tool to create a bootable drive you can install Windows from. RELATED: Where to Download Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 ISOs Legally
#Bootable usb os upgrade#
And if your desktop computer doesn’t support USB 3.0 you can always upgrade it to add support. You can even get it in sizes up to 128 GB if you want.ĭon’t worry about compatibility, these faster drives are fully compatible with an old USB 2.0 system, you just won’t get the speed boosts. Split the Windows image file into smaller files, and put the smaller files onto the USB drive: Dism /Split-Image /ImageFile:D:\sources\install.wim /SWMFile:E:\sources\install.Editor’s Note: We use this Silicon Power USB 3.0 drive here at How-To Geek, and at $15 for a 32 GB version, it’s well worth the upgrade. If your image is larger than the filesize limit:Ĭopy everything except the Windows image file (sources\install.wim) to the USB drive (either drag and drop, or use this command, where D: is the mounted ISO and E: is the USB flash drive.) robocopy D: E: /s /max:3800000000 Windows USB install drives are formatted as FAT32, which has a 4GB filesize limit. Follow the instructions to install Windows. Select the option that boots the PC from the USB flash drive. Turn on the PC and press the key that opens the boot-device selection menu for the computer, such as the Esc/F10/F12 keys. For more information, see Automate Windows Setup. Optional: add an unattend file to automate the installation process. Use File Explorer to copy and paste the entire contents of the Windows product DVD or ISO to the USB flash drive. Step 2 - Copy Windows Setup to the USB flash drive If Mark Partition as Active isn't available, you can instead use diskpart to select the partition and mark it active.