Creating a bootable pendrive is essential for installing or repairing an operating system. Whether you’re setting up Windows, Linux, or macOS, a bootable USB drive allows you to install the OS without needing a CD/DVD. In this guide, we will cover everything from the basics to advanced methods, ensuring that you can create a bootable pendrive efficiently.
Table of contents
Why Create a Bootable Pendrive?
A bootable USB drive is useful for several reasons:
Operating System Installation: Install Windows, Linux, or macOS on a new computer.
System Recovery: Boot into a recovery environment if your OS fails.
Testing an OS: Run a live version of Linux without installing it.
Firmware Updates: Some firmware updates require a bootable medium.
Portable OS: Carry your OS and run it on different computers.
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Requirements for Creating a Bootable Pendrive
Before we proceed, ensure you have the following:
A USB drive with at least 8GB storage.
A bootable ISO file of the operating system.
A PC with admin access.
A reliable USB bootable software tool.
Methods to Create a Bootable Pendrive
Method 1: Using Rufus (Windows OS)
Rufus is a free, lightweight tool widely used for creating bootable USB drives.
Steps to Create a Bootable Pendrive Using Rufus
Download Rufus: Visit the Rufus official website and download the latest version.
Insert USB Drive: Plug your pendrive into your PC.
Open Rufus: Launch the Rufus application.
Select USB Device: Rufus will detect your USB drive automatically.
Choose Bootable ISO: Click on Select and browse for the ISO file.
Set Partition Scheme: Choose between MBR (for legacy BIOS) and GPT (for UEFI systems).
File System: Select FAT32 (for UEFI) or NTFS (for BIOS).
Start the Process: Click on Start and wait for Rufus to create the bootable USB.
Completion: Once finished, your USB drive is ready for use.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt (Windows Built-in Method)
If you prefer not to use third-party software, you can use Windows Command Prompt (CMD) to create a bootable USB drive manually.
Steps to Create a Bootable USB via CMD
Insert USB Drive: Connect your USB drive to the PC.
Open Command Prompt: Type cmd in the Start menu, right-click, and select Run as Administrator.
Launch Diskpart: Type diskpart and press Enter.
List Available Disks: Type list disk and note the number of your USB drive.
Select USB Drive: Type select disk X (replace X with your disk number).
Clean USB Drive: Type clean and press Enter.
Create New Partition: Type create partition primary.
Format the Drive: Type format fs=ntfs quick (or format fs=fat32 quick for UEFI compatibility).
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Assign Drive Letter: Type assign.
Make USB Bootable: Type active.
Copy OS Files: Mount your ISO file and copy all contents to the USB drive.
Your USB is now bootable and ready for installation.
Method 3: Using Balena Etcher (For Linux & macOS)
Balena Etcher is an easy-to-use tool for Linux and macOS users.
Steps to Create a Bootable USB Using Balena Etcher
Download Balena Etcher: Get it from the official website.
Launch the Application: Open Balena Etcher.
Insert USB Drive: Connect your USB to the PC.
Select ISO File: Click Flash from File and choose the ISO.
Choose Target: Select your USB drive.
Start the Process: Click Flash! and wait for completion.
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Method 4: Using UNetbootin (For Multi-Boot USB)
UNetbootin is ideal for creating multi-boot USBs with multiple OS installations.
Steps to Create Multi-Boot USB Using UNetbootin
Download UNetbootin: Install it from here.
Open the Tool: Launch UNetbootin.
Select USB Drive: Choose your USB from the list.
Pick ISO or Distribution: Either download an OS or select an ISO file.
Start Installation: Click OK and wait for completion.
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Troubleshooting Bootable USB Issues
If your bootable USB is not working, try these fixes:
Reformat the USB drive and retry.
Check BIOS/UEFI settings and enable USB booting.
Use a different ISO file in case of corruption.
Try another USB port or computer.
Update BIOS firmware if necessary.
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