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Yes. Create a live USB from a Linux distribution’s ISO, boot your computer from it, and choose the live or “try” option rather than the installer. Linux then runs from the USB without installing the operating system to the computer’s internal drive. You do still use an ISO file to make the USB; if you want to avoid ISO boot media altogether, WSL, a virtual machine, or a cloud shell are alternatives, but they work differently.
What “run Linux without installing it” means
An ISO is a disk-image file. For a live session, you write that image to bootable removable media, restart the computer, and select the USB drive (or, on supported systems, a DVD) in the firmware boot menu. The computer then runs Linux from that media instead of installing it to internal storage. Microsoft outlines the general download, bootable-USB, restart, and boot-menu process in its Linux installation guidance; Rufus is one Windows utility that can write bootable USB drives from Linux ISOs.
On Ubuntu, the documented choice is “Try Ubuntu without installing.” Canonical describes the live session as not changing the computer configuration, and says restarting without the USB or DVD returns the machine to its previous state. Its older live-session tutorial notes that it has been replaced by the current “Try Ubuntu Desktop” documentation, so labels and screens can vary by release. See Canonical’s live-session guide and the current Try Ubuntu Desktop documentation.
How to start a Linux live session
- Choose a distribution and download its ISO. Use the distribution’s official download and current live-session instructions.
- Write the ISO to a USB drive. Use a bootable-media writer such as Rufus on Windows. This prepares the selected drive as boot media, so check the target drive carefully and keep any files you need elsewhere. Microsoft’s guide for its described workflow typically recommends a USB drive of at least 16 GB; that is not a universal Linux minimum.
- Restart and open the boot menu. Select the USB device. The key varies by computer; F12 is common, while Escape and F2 are used on some machines. Watch the startup screen or check the computer maker’s instructions.
- Choose the try/live option, not installation. On Ubuntu, the documented wording is “Try Ubuntu without installing.” Follow your distribution’s current on-screen instructions.
Once the live desktop loads, you can try the interface, browse, access files, and check some hardware. It is a useful real-machine test, but not every device, driver, peripheral, or application is guaranteed to work. Microsoft notes that hardware compatibility and driver issues can occur with Linux devices; see its Linux installation guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Will files and settings be saved?
Do not assume so. Treat an ordinary live session as temporary unless the distribution and the media setup explicitly support persistence. Save work to another location if you need to keep it, and consult the distribution’s current instructions for persistent live media.
A live session can access and edit files on the computer’s internal storage. The fact that the try session avoids installing Linux does not make every action harmless: do not choose installation, partitioning, or disk-writing actions unless you intend to make those changes. Windows users with BitLocker should retrieve and store their recovery key before live-booting or dual-booting Linux, as Microsoft advises in its Linux installation guidance.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which way to run Linux fits your goal?
| Option | Hardware access and desktop | Persistence and dependencies | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live USB/DVD | Boots Linux directly on the computer, making it the closest option for testing the actual hardware. Windows or macOS is not visible alongside the Linux desktop during the live boot. | Changes may not persist by default. Requires bootable media and restarting into it. | Trying a Linux desktop and checking how it works on the real machine. |
| WSL | Runs Linux files, command-line tools, and GUI apps alongside the Windows desktop; it is not a direct live boot of the computer. | Requires installing or enabling WSL and a Linux distribution. See Microsoft’s WSL installation guide and WSL FAQ. | Using Linux tools while continuing to work in Windows. |
| Local virtual machine | Runs an isolated Linux computer in a window through a hypervisor; it does not directly test the computer as a live boot does. | Requires VM setup and allocated system resources. Display-driver or hardware-integration issues may arise. See Microsoft’s Linux installation guidance. | Exploring Linux in an isolated environment while keeping the main desktop open. |
| Cloud shell | Provides Linux command-line access in a browser, not a desktop booted on your computer. | Requires internet and service access. Google Cloud Shell runs a managed, temporary Debian-based Linux VM. Its default home storage is 5 GB of free persistent disk storage, available across sessions; ephemeral mode deletes session files when the VM ends. See Google Cloud Shell concepts and Cloud Shell documentation. | Running Linux commands without setting up local boot media or a local VM. |
Choose live media when your main question is whether Linux will work on the actual computer. Choose WSL for Linux tools alongside Windows, a virtual machine for an isolated local environment, or a cloud shell when browser-based command-line access is enough.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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