UNetbootin: Create a Live Linux USB Boot Drive with Ease!

UNetbootin can be used to quickly create a Live Linux flash drive from an ISO file. There are versions of this cross platform Live USB generation utility for Windows, Linux, and MacOS X. The fact that this bootable USB creator works with every operating system is a benefit. The following guide provides a comprehensive setup process across Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms, making it easy for users on any system to get started.

Most Live Linux distributions are supported right out of the box, and there are custom install options available for ISO distributions that are not.

What is UNetbootin?

UNetbootin (short for "Universal Netboot Installer") is an open-source software application that allows users to create bootable Live USB drives for various Linux distributions from ISO files, eliminating the need for a CD or DVD media. It is a convenient tool for users who want to try out or install Linux on a computer without using a traditional installation disc. Originally authored by Geza Kovacs, it was released under the GNU GPL v2. More information can be found on the Official Project Page.

Key Features of this boot from USB media creation tool include:

Cross-Platform: Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Easy Live USB Creation: Creates a bootable Live USB drive, allowing you to run a complete operating system directly from the USB drive without installing it on the hard drive.
Supports Most ISO files: Supports various Linux distributions and other operating systems like FreeBSD and NetBSD.
Download ISO Files: Can download and install various Linux distributions directly from the internet, or use a locally available existing ISO file.

How to Install UNetbootin on Windows

To Install UNetbootin on Windows and use it to create a Live Linux USB:

Download UNetbootin (Windows version).
Double-click the unetbootin-windows-###.exe file to run it.
Prepare your USB bootable drive by following these steps:
- Select Diskimage.
- Browse to your ISO file.
- Select your target USB drive.
- Click OK to start the creation.
Once installation completes, select Reboot Now.
During reboot at the system post:
- Enter BIOS/UEFI using your motherboard’s hotkey (e.g., F2, F12, DEL, or ESC).
- Set USB boot priority and save changes (F10).
- Run your favorite Live Linux environment from the Live bootable USB.

How to Install UNetbootin on Ubuntu

Follow these steps to install and use UNetbootin on Ubuntu:

Open a terminal (press Ctrl+Alt+T).
Run the following commands from the open terminal:
1. Download the latest version:
```
wget unetbootin.sourceforge.net/unetbootin-linux-latest
```
2. Make the file executable:
```
chmod +x ./unetbootin-linux-*
```
3. Install necessary packages:
```
sudo apt-get install p7zip-full
```
4. Run UNetbootin:
```
sudo ./unetbootin-linux-*
```
  Alternatively, if an archive manager is installed, you can just double-click the unetbootin-linux-* file to run it.

Creating a Live Linux USB in Ubuntu

After inserting your USB, start UNetbootin by using step 4 in the previous section. There are two options:

Option One - Distribution Method: Select and download a Linux distribution from the internet:

Choose a Linux distribution from the drop-down menu.
Select the version.
Confirm the correct USB drive and click OK.

Option Two - Diskimage Method: Use an existing ISO file:

Browse to the ISO file you want to use.
Select the USB drive and click OK.
After installation, reboot to boot from the USB drive.
During startup (before your computer begins loading an operating system):
- Enter your system BIOS using a hotkey.
- Set the BIOS or boot menu to boot from the USB flash drive and save changes using F10.
- Proceed to boot from your USB flash drive into the Live Linux environment installed on the device.

How to Install UNetbootin on macOS

To install and use UNetbootin on macOS, simply follow these steps:

Download UNetbootin for macOS from the official website.
Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the UNetbootin icon into your Applications folder.
To open the application, you may need to override security settings:
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the icon in the Applications folder and select Open.
- If a warning appears, select Open again to confirm that you want to run the software. This step may only be necessary the first time you launch the program.

Note Some macOS versions may require you to temporarily adjust your security preferences to allow applications from "Anywhere." You can do this in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General. Remember to revert these settings after installation for security.

This concludes the process of installing and using UNetbootin to easily run your favorite Linux ISO images from a bootable USB flash drive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we have encountered:

Can I create a multi-boot USB with UNetbootin?
No, it does not support creating multi-boot USB drives. For multibooting capabilities, consider using a UNetbootin alternative such as YUMI or Ventoy.

Does UNetbootin support persistence?
At the time of the original post, it did not support persistence, meaning changes made during a Live session will not be saved after rebooting. For persistent Live USBs, you may want to use software such as the Universal bootable USB Installer, or the YUMI multiboot USB media creation tool. Both work in the same fashion to create a persistent image for saving and restoring changes between system sessions and reboots.

Why is my USB drive not recognized by UNetbootin?
Ensure your USB drive is properly formatted and connected. Sometimes, using a different USB port or reformatting the drive to FAT32 can help. Additionally, ensure that the drive is not mounted or in use by another application.

What should I do if my USB drive doesn’t boot?
Make sure your BIOS/UEFI is set to boot from the USB drive. Access the BIOS/UEFI settings during startup (usually by pressing a key like F2, F12, DEL, or ESC), and adjust the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. If the issue persists, try recreating the bootable USB with a different tool or verify the integrity of your ISO file.

Can I use UNetbootin to install Windows?
It is primarily designed for creating bootable USB drives for Linux distributions. For creating a bootable USB drive to install Windows, previously mentioned tools like YUMI or UUI are recommended.

Is there a risk of data loss when using UNetbootin?
Creating a bootable USB with this utility will format the USB drive, which will erase all existing data on it. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

Can I use UNetbootin on macOS?
Yes, there is a version made available for macOS. The process for creating a bootable USB is similar to that on Windows and Linux. Download the macOS version from the official website, and follow the same steps to create your Live USB.

What if my Linux distribution is not listed?
If your desired Linux distribution is not listed, you can still use an ISO file. Select the "Diskimage" option, browse to your ISO file, and proceed with creating the bootable USB.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you run into problems, here are some troubleshooting tips.
Booting from Custom ISO Files: Use the "Diskimage" option to select any ISO file, even if it’s not a listed distribution.
BIOS and USB Boot Troubleshooting: Be sure to enter BIOS/UEFI (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC) and set USB as the primary boot device. If your USB drive doesn’t boot, you might need to reformat it to FAT32 or verify the ISO file integrity.
Additional Help: For more details and community support, you can always visit the project's official GitHub page.