How to Create an Ubuntu Installation USB

An Ubuntu installation USB is created by writing the Ubuntu ISO image file to the USB. On Windows, you can use Rufus, and since all data on the selected USB will be erased during the writing process, you should back it up and check the device first.

Requirements and Downloads

This article is about creating an Ubuntu Desktop installation USB on Windows. You need the Ubuntu ISO image corresponding to the computer to be installed, a USB drive of 8GB or more, and an internet connection. If the ISO image is larger than the USB, use a larger USB. It is also recommended to back up the files on the target computer separately before installation.

1. Download the version of the ISO file to be installed onto the Windows computer from the Ubuntu Desktop download page. If long-term support is needed, choose the LTS version, and check that the processor and image of the target machine are compatible.
2. Download the program suitable for Windows from the official Rufus website. Save the ISO on a computer, not the USB, and wait until the download is complete.
3. Copy the necessary files from the USB to another location. To reduce the risk of selecting the wrong drive, disconnect any external storage devices that you are not using.

If you suspect the download is corrupted or want to verify the integrity of the image, follow Ubuntu Image Verification Guide to check the checksum and signature for the corresponding version. Note that comparing checksums alone does not authenticate the source of the checksum file.

Writing the ISO to USB using Rufus

Simply copying the ISO file to the USB in Explorer is different from writing the image. The following procedure will erase the existing partitions and files on the USB. You can also refer to Ubuntu Bootable USB Creation Documentation.

1. Connect the USB and run Rufus. If a permission confirmation window appears, review the content and allow it.
2. Select the USB under Device. Double-check the name and capacity to ensure you are not selecting the wrong disk.
3. Press SELECT next to Boot selection to open the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file. If a download button appears, you can change it to select from the menu next to it.
4. First, leave the remaining settings at their default values and press START. When the ISOHybrid writing method selection window appears, select the ISO image mode according to the official Ubuntu guide. If additional file downloads are requested, review the content and proceed.
5. In the data deletion warning, check the device one last time and proceed. Do not remove the USB during writing, and when the status changes to READY, close the program and safely eject it.

The names of the buttons on the screen may vary depending on the Rufus version and display language. If an error occurs, check whether the ISO download is complete and ensure the USB is connected, then try again with a different USB port or memory.

Check by booting with the USB

1. Connect the completed USB to the computer where you want to install it and restart.
2. Press the manufacturer's boot menu key and select USB. Many devices use F12, but the key varies depending on the manufacturer and model, so refer to the on-screen instructions or the product manual.
3. Check whether the Ubuntu boot menu or installation screen appears. With the Desktop image, you can try it without installing if that option is provided.

Creating the USB and the actual installation are separate tasks. During the installation process, you may select a disk or change the existing operating system, so read the on-screen options carefully and back up important data before proceeding.

If the USB does not boot

• USB does not appear in the menu: Connect it to a different USB port, restart, and then check the boot menu and firmware USB boot settings.
• Boot mode mismatch: If it does not boot on a computer configured for UEFI only, try recreating it in Rufus by selecting GPT for the partition scheme and UEFI for the target system. Older devices may have different firmware settings and supported modes.
• Image or recording error: Check whether the ISO has been completely downloaded, whether the image matches the processor of the target installation device, and if necessary, verify it and write it again. You can also try with a different USB drive.

Secure boot or firmware settings vary by device. Record the existing values before changing the settings and first check the computer manufacturer's guidance and Ubuntu documentation.

After installation, to use the USB again for general storage

To use the installation USB as a general storage device again, first check that the USB contains no files you need, then check the partitions of the USB in Windows Disk Management and create a new volume or format it. This process also erases data on that USB, and if you select another disk, the data on that disk may be lost. If Windows cannot handle all partitions, refer to the device manufacturer's guidance.