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How to Create Ubuntu Live USB in Windows?

Last Updated : 07 May, 2025
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A Ubuntu live USB is a bootable flash drive that contains a full Ubuntu operating system, allowing you to run Ubuntu without touching your Windows hard drive.

In this article, we will look into the process of creating an Ubuntu live USB on a Windows machine. This USB drive can be further used to either install Ubuntu on your Windows machine or use Ubuntu directly from the USB drive.

Requirements:

  • A USB drive (8GB minimum, 16GB+ recommended)
  • A Windows PC with internet access

Create Ubuntu Live USB

Here are the steps to create a live USB to install Ubuntu.

Step 1: Download the Ubuntu ISO Image

First, you need to download the Ubuntu ISO image file, before installing it on USB. You can download any version of Ubuntu at no cost.

Step 2: Download a USB Installer Tool (Rufus)

Once you have downloaded the ISO of Ubuntu, download the latest version of Universal USB Installer. For the sake of demonstration, we will be using the Rufus USB installer.

Note: Rufus is a utility that helps format and create bootable USB flash drives, such as USB keys/pendrives, memory sticks, etc.

The user can also use the

  • Balena Etcher: User-friendly, cross-platform
  • Universal USB Installer: Lightweight but slower
  • Ventoy: Supports multiple ISOs on one USB

Step 3: Create a Bootable Ubuntu Live USB

Now we need to create a bootable USB. To do so, Plugin the USB drive in the computer and run Universal USB Installer. Follow the below steps to work with the installer:

  • Step 1: Browse to the location of the downloaded Ubuntu ISO
  • Step 2: Select the USB drive in which you want to flash Ubuntu.
  • Step 3: Click on the start button to start the process.
  • Step 4: Click OK

Now Wait for some time for the process to complete.

Once your Ubuntu live USB is prepared, it's time to start it up and try Ubuntu in live mode or install it, according to Ubuntu Official Documentation. Booting from the USB means restarting your Windows computer, entering the boot menu, and choosing the USB drive. Live mode allows you to try Ubuntu without altering your Windows system, similar to taking a test drive in a car.

Conclusion

Building a Ubuntu live USB on your Windows system is essentially availing a free ticket to explore Ubuntu Linux without venturing out of your comfort zone. Using just a USB stick, a Ubuntu ISO, and an instrument such as Rufus, you can test Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, recover Windows files, or even install a dual-boot setup in less than an hour


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