Booting Linux from a USB device is a great way to try out the operating system and get a feel for it before committing to a full installation. It is also useful for repairing a broken system, running a live version of Linux, or installing Linux on a computer without a CD/DVD drive.
Before we begin, you will need a USB device with a capacity of at least 2 GB, the Linux distribution you want to install, and a tool to create a bootable USB.
Step 1: Download the Linux Distribution
First, you will need to download the Linux distribution you want to install. There are many different distributions to choose from, and each one has its own particular strengths and weaknesses. Some popular distributions include Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Mint. Visit the distribution’s website and download the ISO file.
Step 2: Download a Bootable USB Creator Tool
Next, you need to download a tool that will create a bootable USB device from the ISO file. There are many different tools available, but one of the most popular is Rufus. Rufus is a free, open-source tool that is easy to use and works with most Linux distributions. Download the Rufus tool to your computer.
Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Device with Rufus
Once you have downloaded the Rufus tool, connect the USB device to your computer and launch Rufus. Rufus will show you the connected USB device, and you can select it from the drop-down menu. Next, select the Linux distribution ISO file you downloaded in Step 1. Ensure that you select the correct ISO file, as Rufus will erase everything on the drive.
After selecting the correct ISO file, click on the “Start” button to create the bootable USB device. Rufus will format the USB device and copy the contents of the ISO file to the USB device. This process may take several minutes, depending on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB device.
Step 4: Boot From the USB Device
Once Rufus has completed creating the bootable USB device, restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be accessed by pressing specific keys at boot time, depending on the manufacturer of your computer. Common keys to access the BIOS settings include Del, F2, F10, and Esc.
Once you are in the BIOS settings, locate the Boot menu and select it. In the Boot menu, change the boot order to boot from the USB device first. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
Finally, restart your computer, and it should boot from the USB device. You should see the Linux distribution logo and the option to try or install Linux.
Conclusion
In conclusion, booting Linux from a USB device on a Windows computer is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. You need to download the Linux distribution and a bootable USB creator tool, create the bootable USB device, and boot from the USB device. Following these steps will enable you to try out Linux without installing it on your computer or repair a broken system.