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To make a bootable USB drive, write the operating-system image to the drive with a suitable image-writing tool; copying an ISO file onto it is not enough. Choose the method for both the operating system you want to install and the computer you will use to prepare the USB. Back up the USB first: writing an image erases its contents.
Choose the right method for your computer and operating system
The writer depends on what you are preparing and which computer you have available. These approaches are documented by the relevant operating-system publishers.
| Computer used to prepare the USB | Media to create | Documented approach | Important caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu or another Linux desktop | Ubuntu image | Disks or Startup Disk Creator; KDE ISO Image Writer is documented for Ubuntu/Kubuntu 26.04 LTS and later | Startup Disk Creator is intended for Ubuntu and Ubuntu-derived images. Ubuntu describes dd as an advanced option; a wrong device path can destroy the running system. |
| Windows PC | Ubuntu image | Rufus | Select the intended USB carefully; writing destroys its data. Ubuntu says GPT with UEFI (non-CSM) can help on modern systems that disable legacy compatibility. |
| Mac | Ubuntu image | balenaEtcher or command-line dd |
Ubuntu says this USB works on Windows PCs and older Intel Macs. Apple Silicon support is a separate community project, and hardware support varies. |
| Mac | macOS installer | Apple’s version-specific createinstallmedia command |
Use the command for the macOS version and installer app you have. Mac boot selection differs between Apple silicon and other Macs; some T2-equipped Macs may require external-media startup to be enabled. |
| Windows PC | Windows 11 installation media | Microsoft’s Windows 11 ISO and installation-media instructions | Microsoft advises using an empty USB because its contents are erased. The target computer must meet Windows 11 requirements. |
For current Ubuntu media, Canonical specifies a USB stick of 8 GB or larger. That is an Ubuntu requirement, not a universal minimum for every operating-system image. Canonical’s bootable USB instructions also explain the available writers and platform-specific limitations.
Prepare before writing the image
- Get the correct image. Decide which operating system you need and download its image from the publisher’s official source to the preparation computer. Wait for the download to finish.
- Back up the USB. The writing process overwrites the selected drive and destroys existing files. Copy anything you need elsewhere first.
- Identify the target drive. Check its name or capacity before confirming. Disconnecting unrelated USB storage can make the right device easier to spot.
- Match the tool to the image. Disks can write images for other operating systems; Startup Disk Creator is for Ubuntu-based images. For macOS installers, use Apple’s dedicated process rather than generic Ubuntu image-writing steps.
Create the bootable USB
- Open the appropriate writer. Use a method from the platform table above for your preparation computer and intended operating system.
- Select the downloaded image and USB device. Check both selections before proceeding, especially if several removable drives are connected.
- Review the erase or overwrite confirmation, then start writing. Proceed only if the selected USB is the drive you intend to erase. If using a command-line tool, verify the output device path; Ubuntu warns that a mistaken
ddtarget can destroy the running system. - Wait for completion and eject the USB safely. Do not remove it while the writer is still working.
- Connect it to the target computer and restart. If the computer starts its existing operating system instead, open its startup or boot menu and select the USB.
For Windows-based Ubuntu media, Ubuntu documents Rufus: select the USB and downloaded image, keep the defaults unless a boot failure calls for a change, then write and confirm. On modern PCs that disable legacy compatibility, Ubuntu notes that GPT with UEFI (non-CSM) can help.
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Make a macOS installer USB on a Mac
Apple’s installer workflow is distinct from writing a general-purpose ISO. It uses the installer app for the macOS version you want and Apple’s corresponding createinstallmedia command. Follow the command for that version on Apple’s bootable macOS installer instructions; the page lists releases including Tahoe 26, Sequoia 15, Sonoma 14, and Ventura 13. The command asks for confirmation before erasing the named volume, so check the volume name carefully.
To start from the installer, use the boot-selection procedure for your Mac type: it differs on Apple silicon and other Macs. Some Macs with a T2 chip may also need external-media startup enabled. If the command fails, verify that the installer app is in Applications under the expected name and that you copied the full command for its macOS version. Apple documents repairing the startup disk or erasing the volume with Disk Utility for specified failure cases.
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Boot from the USB drive
Some computers start from bootable USB media automatically; otherwise, restart and open the startup menu to choose the drive. The key varies by computer model. Ubuntu gives F12 as a common example, but check the manufacturer’s instructions if that key does not open the menu. If you are installing Windows 11, Microsoft also directs users to firmware boot settings and the computer manufacturer’s instructions.
Troubleshoot common problems
The computer starts its existing operating system
Open the startup menu during restart and select the USB. The key and timing are device-specific; F12 is one common example in Ubuntu’s instructions.
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The USB does not appear in the boot menu
Check the computer maker’s guidance and firmware boot settings. Ubuntu notes that modern Windows PCs configured for UEFI may require a compatible partitioning scheme. For a Windows 11 installation, consult Microsoft’s installation instructions as well.
The writer says the drive is too small, or writing fails
Use a drive at least as large as the image and follow the operating-system publisher’s stated requirement. For Ubuntu media, Canonical’s current guide calls for 8 GB or larger. Ubuntu also warns that an undersized drive can cause image writing to fail silently when using dd.
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The Mac installer command fails
Confirm that the installer app is in Applications with the expected name, that the command matches its macOS version, and that the named volume is the one you intend to erase. Apple lists repair or Disk Utility options for specified failure cases on its installer support page.
You want to boot Ubuntu on Apple silicon
Ubuntu’s standard USB instructions do not describe ordinary Ubuntu booting on Apple silicon. They point instead to Ubuntu Asahi, a separate community project that Canonical does not support; hardware support varies, so general compatibility should not be assumed.
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