What you need
- A USB drive (8 GB minimum, 32 GB recommended)
- Your downloaded Linux file (.iso)
- A tool called Rufus
Step 6 / 13
Create a Bootable USB Drive
Prepare your USB so your computer can start Linux from it.
You will copy the Linux file onto your USB in a way that makes it bootable. This is not a normal file copy. A tool is required.
What is Rufus
Rufus is a small program that prepares your USB drive correctly.
It makes the USB bootable so your computer can start from it.
Step 1 - Insert your USB drive
Plug your USB into your computer.
If it contains files, move them elsewhere first.
This process will erase everything on the USB.
Step 2 - Open Rufus
- Run Rufus
- It should detect your USB automatically
If multiple drives are shown, select the correct one carefully.
Step 3 - Select your Linux file
- Click Select
- Choose your .iso file
Rufus will now fill in the settings automatically.
Step 4 - Check the settings (important)
After selecting the file, check the following:
In most cases, you should see:
- Partition scheme: GPT
- Target system: UEFI (non-CSM)
Do not change these unless you know your system requires something different.
If your computer is older
If your USB does not boot later, come back and try again with:
- Partition scheme: MBR
- Target system: BIOS (or UEFI-CSM)
Only do this if the first attempt fails.
Step 5 - Start the process
- Click Start
- If prompted, keep the default options
- Confirm when asked
Wait until the process completes.
Step 6 - When it is finished
You will see a completion message.
Your USB drive is now ready.
Important
- Everything on the USB is erased
- Do not remove the USB during the process
- If it fails, try again or use another USB
What happens next
You will restart your computer and boot from this USB.