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To boot Ubuntu from a flash drive, first write the Ubuntu Desktop image to an 8GB-or-larger USB stick with an image-writing app, then start the target computer from that USB using its boot menu. You can choose Try Ubuntu for a live session or start the installer; simply trying Ubuntu does not install it.
What you need before you start
- An Ubuntu Desktop image downloaded to the computer you will use to prepare the drive. Get the current image from Ubuntu’s installation tutorial.
- An 8GB-or-larger USB stick, as specified in Ubuntu’s current desktop documentation.
- A USB image-writing application. Ubuntu documents several choices for different platforms, including Rufus and balenaEtcher; the appropriate option depends on the computer used to create the drive.
Back up any files on the USB stick that you want to keep. Writing the image erases the selected drive.
Create the Ubuntu bootable USB
- Download the Ubuntu Desktop image to your computer.
- Open a suitable USB image-writing application and choose the downloaded Ubuntu image.
- Select the intended USB stick as the destination. Check its identity carefully so you do not overwrite another drive.
- Start the write process and confirm the application’s warning that the USB contents will be erased.
- Wait for the application to finish, then safely eject the USB stick if you are moving it to another computer.
Do not copy the ISO file to the USB as if it were an ordinary document. The writer must write the image so the computer can start from it. Ubuntu’s bootable USB instructions provide platform-specific details.
Start the computer from the USB stick
- Insert the prepared USB stick into the computer where you want to run Ubuntu.
- Restart or power on the computer. Some systems will start from the USB automatically.
- If the computer starts its usual operating system instead, restart and open the one-time boot menu during startup.
- Select the USB device from the menu and continue. Follow the startup prompt or the computer maker’s instructions for the correct key and device label.
F12 is a common one-time boot-menu key on PCs, but Escape, F2, and F10 are also used. The key and menu labels vary by make and model; there is no universal key or firmware path.
#1 Best Overall
- UBUNTU 24.04.3 LTS MEDIA - 16GB bootable USB with Ubuntu Desktop 24.04.3 LTS for compatible x86-64 PCs.
- LIVE OR INSTALL - On supported hardware, start the Ubuntu live environment to evaluate it or launch the installer.
- PLATFORM BOUNDARY - Not designed to boot Apple Silicon or other ARM-based computers. Confirm CPU architecture and USB-boot support before purchase.
- BOOT SETTINGS VARY - Boot-menu keys and UEFI settings differ by manufacturer; consult the computer maker's instructions if the USB is not listed.
- BACK UP BEFORE INSTALLING - Disk-partition and installation choices can erase files or operating systems. Disconnect nonessential drives and preserve the USB until it is no longer needed for installation or recovery.
On a Mac
Ubuntu’s documented route for Mac is to restart or power on with the USB inserted while holding Option/Alt (⌥) to open Apple Startup Manager. If the drive is recognized, it should appear as EFI Boot. This route is not guaranteed on every Mac: hardware compatibility and the USB’s layout can affect whether it appears. See Ubuntu’s instructions for creating a USB stick on macOS.
Choose between trying Ubuntu and installing it
| Choice | What happens | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|
| Try Ubuntu | Starts a live Ubuntu session from the USB without installing the operating system. | You want to preview or use Ubuntu without beginning installation. |
| Install Ubuntu | Starts the installation process. | You are ready to install Ubuntu and follow the installer’s steps. |
The menu wording and sequence are described in Ubuntu’s guides to trying Ubuntu before installation and installing Ubuntu Desktop. Choosing the live session is separate from installing the system.
Rank #2
- Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS Features: Security features to detect threats, including malware, viruses, and ransomware protection capabilities built into the operating system
- Data Protection and Network Security: Full-disk encryption to protect your data and privacy, configurable firewall to control incoming and outgoing network traffic, and support for Secure Boot to ensure that your system boots securely
- Enhanced Performance and Speed: Improved boot times to get you up and running quickly, enhanced performance and responsiveness with faster app loading and switching, and efficient resource management to maximize system performance
- Latest Software Packages Included: Includes the latest versions of popular software applications such as LibreOffice office suite, Firefox web browser, Thunderbird email client, and VLC media player
- Wide Hardware Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of hardware configurations including UEFI and Secure Boot, USB 3.0 connectivity, SATA and NVMe storage devices, and graphics cards from major manufacturers
If the USB does not appear or Ubuntu will not start
The computer skips the USB
- Use the model-specific startup instructions and open the one-time boot menu while the computer is starting.
- Check the menu for the USB device; its label can differ between computers.
- If it is still absent, recreate the drive with an image writer supported by Ubuntu’s instructions, then try again.
The USB appears but fails to boot
Ubuntu’s bootable USB documentation suggests a Rufus troubleshooting configuration of GPT partitioning and UEFI (non-CSM) as the target system. Treat this as an option to try, not a universal setting: the right configuration can depend on the computer.
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Some PCs use Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST), which Ubuntu’s installation tutorial says is not supported in that setup. Installation may not continue until RST is disabled in firmware. Before changing storage settings, read Ubuntu’s installation guidance and the computer maker’s instructions; storage configuration changes can affect how the installed system accesses the drive.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ✅For beginners, refer image-7, its a video boot instruction, and image-6 is "boot menu Hot Key list"
- ✅16-IN-1, 64GB Bootable USB Drive 3.2 , Can Run Linux On USB Drive Without Install, All Latest versions.
- ✅Including Windows 11 64Bit & Linux Mint 22.3 (Cinnamon)、Kali 2026.02、Ubuntu 26.04、Zorin Pro 18、Tails 7.8.1、Debian 13.5.0、Garuda 2026.03、Fedora Workstation 44、Manjaro 25.06、Pop!_OS 22.04、Solus 2026.04、Archcraft 26.05、Neon 2026.06、Fossapup 9.5、Sparkylinux 8.3, All ISO has been Tested
- ✅Supported UEFI and Legacy, Compatibility any PC/Laptop, Any boot issue only needs to disable "Secure Boot"
Rank #4
- 1. 9-in-1 Linux:32GB Bootable Linux USB Flash Drive for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Linux Mint cinnamon 22, MX Linux xfce 23, Elementary OS 8.0, Linux Lite xfce 7.0, Manjaro kde 24(Replaced by Fedora Workstation 43), Peppermint Debian 32bit (being replaced by MX Linux 32bit) for older PC, Pop OS 22, Zorin OS core xfce 17. The versions you received might be latest than above as we update them to latest/LTS when we think necessary.
- 2. Try or install:Before installing on your PC, you can try them one by one without touching your hard disks.
- 3. Easy to use: These distros are easy to use and built with beginners in mind. Most of them Come with a wide range of pre-bundled software that includes office productivity suite, Web browser, instant messaging, image editing, multimedia, and email. Ensure transition to Linux World without regrets for Windows users.
- 4. Support: Printed user guide on how to boot up and try or install Linux; please contact us for help if you have an issue. Please press "Enter" a couple of times if you see a black screen after selecting a Linux.
- 5. Compatibility: Except for MACs,Chromebooks and ARM-based devices, works with any brand's laptop and desktop PC, legacy BIOS or UEFI booting, Requires enabling USB boot in BIOS/UEFI configuration and disabling Secure Boot is necessary for UEFI boot mode. Packing: The bootable USB drive comes in a colored PET/CPP zipper bag with instructions on how to get started. The box pictured is not included.
Rank #3
- 3-in-1: 16GB Multiboot USB flash drive for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS 64bit & 22.04 LTS 64bit, Lubuntu 18.04 LTS 32bit. All are LTS versions, namely, Long Terrm Support Version. The versions you received might be latest than above as we update them when we think necessary.
- Compatibility: Compatible with any brand's PC, works with both legacy BIOS and UEFI booting mode, except for Apple computers, Chromebooks and ARM-based devices.
- Popularity：Most popular linux distributions and all come with common software includes office software, web browser, image editing, multimedia, and email except Lubuntu which is desgined to targted for very old PC.
- Support: Print user guide and support available. please contact us for help if you have an issue.
- Live USB or install: You can either try on USB or install on hard drive.
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