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How to Create a Bootable USB for Ubuntu

Edited 6 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Creating a bootable USB drive for Ubuntu is an essential skill for installing or trying out this popular Linux distribution on your computer. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step through the process, making it as easy as possible to follow. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience with bootable drives, this guide is designed to cater to different levels of expertise. By the end of this document, you will be confident in creating a bootable USB drive for Ubuntu.

Understanding the basics

Before getting into the actual process, it's important to understand what a bootable USB drive is and why you should create one. A bootable USB drive contains a complete installer for an operating system, in this case, Ubuntu. It allows you to boot your computer from a USB drive instead of your regular hard drive. This is especially useful for installing Ubuntu on a new system or trying it out without affecting your existing setup.

Prerequisites

To create a bootable USB for Ubuntu you will need a few things:

Steps to create a bootable USB drive

Step 1: Download the Ubuntu ISO file

First, you'll need to download the Ubuntu ISO file. This is a direct copy of the contents of a CD or DVD, perfect for creating a bootable USB drive.

Visit the official Ubuntu website and go to the downloads section. You'll see options for the latest version of Ubuntu - the LTS (long-term support) version is usually recommended for more stable performance. Click to download the .iso file, and save it to your computer.

Step 2: Select USB creation tool

To create a bootable USB drive from an Ubuntu ISO file, you will need a USB creation tool. Different tools can be used depending on the operating system you are currently using. Below are the recommended tools:

Step 3: Creating a bootable USB

Using Rufus for Windows

Rufus is a lightweight application that allows you to create a bootable USB drive with just a few clicks. Follow these steps:

  1. Download and install Rufus from its official website.
  2. Insert your USB drive into your computer.
  3. Open Rufus: Your USB drive should appear in the "Devices" dropdown menu.
  4. Select the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded earlier by clicking the “SELECT” button.
  5. Make sure the "Partition Scheme" is set to MBR for most computers, or GPT if your computer uses UEFI.
  6. Make sure the "File System" is set to FAT32.
  7. Unless you have any special needs, leave the other settings at default.
  8. Click "START" to begin the process. You will be warned that all data on the USB drive will be deleted. Confirm to proceed.

Using Etcher for macOS

Etcher is a neat and user-friendly application that supports multiple platforms. How to use it:

  1. Download and install Etcher from its official website.
  2. Insert the USB drive into the computer.
  3. Open Etcher.
  4. Click “Select Image” and choose the Ubuntu ISO file from your downloads.
  5. Select your USB drive as the target.
  6. Click “Flash” to begin the process. You may need to enter your password to allow this.

Using Startup Disk Creator for Linux

If you are already using Ubuntu or another Linux distribution, the Startup Disk Creator tool may be already installed. Follow these steps:

  1. Insert the USB drive into the computer.
  2. Open Startup Disk Creator. This is usually accessible from the system applications menu.
  3. Select the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file as the source.
  4. Select the USB drive as the disk to use.
  5. Click "Create a startup disk" to begin the process. Confirm any warnings that appear.

During these processes, it may take some time to complete. Be patient, as the system is transferring the ISO contents to your USB drive and making it bootable. Once done, you will receive a confirmation message.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Despite the clear instructions, you may encounter problems during the process. Here are common problems and their solutions:

Testing a bootable USB

Once your USB drive is ready, it's time to check if it boots and works properly. Follow these steps:

  1. Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer.
  2. Restart your computer.
  3. Access the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing a special key during startup, often F2, F12, or Delete. Look for the "Boot" section and set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
  4. Save your settings and exit the BIOS/UEFI menu.
  5. Your computer will now boot into the Ubuntu installer, which you can use to install Ubuntu or just try it live without installing.

Understanding boot modes: BIOS vs. UEFI

Understanding boot modes is important when creating a bootable USB drive. Computers can use either legacy BIOS mode or the newer UEFI mode to boot. Most modern systems are UEFI, but there may be cases when it is necessary to toggle between these modes for your drive to work.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): This is an older standard used to boot a computer by executing code from a pre-specified location on the hard drive. Its capabilities are limited but it is widely used.

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface): This is the modern replacement for BIOS that provides additional capabilities, such as faster booting times and enhanced security features. UEFI is commonly used in modern systems and allows booting from larger drives.

When creating a bootable USB, you may need to select the appropriate partition scheme in your USB creation tool, based on whether your system uses BIOS or UEFI. Choosing GPT for UEFI systems ensures compatibility.

Solutions to additional challenges

There are a few more challenges you may face while creating a bootable USB for Ubuntu. Here are some additional tips:

Dealing with compatibility issues:

If your USB is not recognized, first check if you have formatted the USB drive to FAT32, which is more widely accepted, especially for systems using UEFI. Also, confirm your computer's boot order and see if additional peripherals are interfering during the boot process.

Dealing with slow bootup from USB:

Sometimes booting from USB is slow. Use USB 3.0 ports and drives to speed up the boot process. Disable unnecessary peripherals from BIOS/UEFI settings that may not be needed during boot to speed up the process.

Secure boot considerations:

Some UEFI systems have a feature called "Secure Boot" that allows only approved operating systems to boot. Ubuntu is generally compatible with Secure Boot; however, if you encounter problems, try temporarily disabling Secure Boot in the BIOS/UEFI settings to complete the installation.

Using a bootable USB stick

Exploring Ubuntu live mode:

With your bootable USB drive, you have the option to run Ubuntu in "live mode." This allows you to explore Ubuntu, test hardware compatibility, and even use utilities or install software without installing the operating system on your hard drive.

Installing Ubuntu:

If you decide to install Ubuntu using your bootable USB, simply follow the on-screen instructions provided by the Ubuntu installer. You can choose to install Ubuntu alongside your existing operating system (dual-boot) or as a standalone OS by erasing your existing hard drive data.

Conclusion

Preparing a bootable USB drive for Ubuntu opens the door to a world of possibilities, including installation, repair, testing, and more. The steps outlined in this guide are designed to guide you through the process, no matter your starting platform, and ensure a seamless experience. With an understanding of the tools, potential pitfalls, and troubleshooting techniques, you're well-equipped to perform this technical task with confidence.

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