What is Booting from USB?
Booting from USB simply means starting your computer from an operating system stored on a USB drive instead of the computer’s internal hard drive. This enables you to run your chosen operating system without installing it on your computer’s hard drive.
Why Should You Boot from USB?
There are several benefits to booting from a USB drive:
- Portability: A USB drive is small and lightweight, making it highly portable.
- Multiple Operating Systems: You can carry and use different operating systems on separate USB drives.
- No Impact on Internal Storage: Booting from USB eliminates the need to install an operating system on your computer’s hard drive, saving valuable storage space.
- Security: Separating your main operating system from potentially dangerous environments can enhance security and protect your data.
How to Boot from USB?
Booting from USB is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
- Choose Your USB Drive: Select a USB drive with sufficient storage capacity. Ideally, use a USB 3.0 drive for faster performance.
- Create a Bootable USB Drive: Use a tool like Rufus or UNetbootin to create a bootable USB drive. These tools allow you to copy an operating system ISO file onto your USB drive and make it bootable.
- Access Computer’s BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and access the BIOS (or UEFI) menu. This is usually done by pressing a specific key during startup, such as F2 or Del. Consult your computer’s manual or manufacturer website for the exact key.
- Change Boot Order: In the BIOS/UEFI menu, navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section and set your USB drive as the first boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI menu.
- Boot from USB: Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer and restart it. The computer should now boot from the USB drive and load the operating system stored on it.
Running an Operating System from USB
After successfully booting from USB, you can now run the operating system directly from your USB drive. Keep in mind that running an operating system on USB may be slightly slower than running it from an internal hard drive, but the performance difference is usually negligible.
Booting and running an operating system from a USB drive offers flexibility, portability, and the ability to switch between multiple operating systems. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily enjoy the benefits of booting from USB. Say goodbye to the limitations of traditional installations and embrace the freedom of USB booting!