Easily Create a Fedora Live USB: This walkthrough tutorial explains how to install and boot Fedora Linux from a USB flash drive from within Windows, Linux, or macOS by using Fedora Media Writer, YUMI Multiboot USB Creator, or the Linux dd command. Fedora is a free and open source Linux distribution sponsored by Red Hat and developed by a global community. It is known for integrating cutting edge technologies while remaining stable, secure, and well suited for developers, system administrators, and Linux enthusiasts who want to run or install Fedora from a bootable USB drive.
About Fedora Linux
Fedora is a well established Linux distribution favored for its balance of innovation and reliability. Whether you are testing Fedora Live, installing the operating system, or using a bootable USB drive for troubleshooting, Fedora provides a polished and powerful environment.
- Up to date software: Ships with the latest tools and technologies from the Linux ecosystem.
- Stable releases: Thorough testing ensures dependable performance.
- RPM and DNF package management: Efficient handling of software installation and updates.
- Community driven development: Built and maintained by a large global contributor base.
- Multiple editions: Includes Workstation, Server, and CoreOS for different use cases.
- Security focused: Incorporates modern security features and frequent updates.
- Open source commitment: Prioritizes free and open software.
- Highly customizable: Easily adapted for desktops, servers, and development environments.
- Strong documentation: Backed by extensive official guides and community support.
Fedora Specifications
- Homepage: Project Home Page
- Initial release: 2002
- Minimum USB size: 8 GB
- Supports persistence: Yes
What You Will Need
- A Windows, Linux, or macOS computer
- A fast and reliable USB flash drive
- The Fedora Live ISO file
- Bootable USB software such as Fedora Media Writer, YUMI, or dd
Three simple ways to make a Fedora Live USB
How to Create a Fedora Live USB
There are several reliable ways to write Fedora to a USB flash drive. Fedora Media Writer is the official recommended option for most users. Advanced users may prefer the dd command for direct ISO writing, while those wanting a multiboot USB with multiple distributions can use YUMI. Detailed instructions for each method are provided below.
Method 1: Fedora Media Writer on Windows
Fedora Media Writer is the official and recommended tool. It is fast, reliable, and verifies the image after writing.
- Download Fedora Media Writer and install it.
- Launch the program and select your Fedora edition or custom ISO.
- Select your USB drive and click Write. Warning: This will erase all data on the USB drive.
- Wait for the writing process to complete.
- Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive.
Method 2: Using YUMI for Multiboot
YUMI allows Fedora to coexist with other Linux distributions and tools on the same flash drive. It also supports persistent storage where available.
- Download YUMI from the YUMI page.
- Run the portable executable.
- Select your USB drive.
- Choose Fedora and browse to your ISO file.
- Click Create and wait for completion.
- Reboot and boot from the USB drive.
Method 3: Use dd for Windows
This command line method is intended for advanced users who want a direct and minimal approach.
- Download the Fedora ISO.
- Download dd for Windows.
- Insert the USB drive and note its drive letter.
- Open Command Prompt and navigate to the dd folder.
- Run:
dd if=pathtoFedora.iso of=\.E: bs=4M --progress --size - Eject the USB drive and reboot.
Method 4: Use dd on Linux
Linux users can write the Fedora ISO directly using the built in dd command.
- Download the Fedora ISO.
- Identify your USB device:
lsblk - Write the ISO:
sudo dd if=~/Downloads/Fedora.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync - Eject the drive when finished.
Note: This process overwrites all existing data.
Method 5: Fedora Media Writer on Linux
Fedora Media Writer provides a simple graphical way to create a Fedora Live USB on Linux systems. It supports automatic image verification and works across most modern Linux desktop environments.
- Insert your USB flash drive into the computer.
Warning: All data on the selected USB drive will be erased. - Install Fedora Media Writer using one of the following methods:
- Flatpak (recommended):
flatpak install flathub org.fedoraproject.MediaWriter - Fedora based systems:
sudo dnf install mediawriter - Debian or Ubuntu based systems:
sudo apt install mediawriter
- Flatpak (recommended):
- Launch Fedora Media Writer from your application menu or by running:
mediawriter - Select your desired Fedora edition or choose Custom Image to browse for a downloaded ISO file.
- Choose the correct USB flash drive from the device list.
- Click Write and wait for the image writing and verification process to complete.
- When finished, safely remove the USB drive.
- Restart your computer and boot from the USB flash drive to launch Fedora Live.
Tip: If your system uses Secure Boot, Fedora Media Writer produces a signed image that should boot without requiring Secure Boot to be disabled.
Method 6: Create a Fedora Live USB on macOS
macOS users can create a Fedora bootable USB using Fedora Media Writer or the built in dd command.
Option 1: Fedora Media Writer on macOS
This is the easiest and safest method for most macOS users.
- Download the Fedora Media Writer dmg file for macOS.
- Install it by dragging the app to Applications.
- Insert your USB flash drive.
- Select your Fedora ISO and click Write.
- Wait for verification to complete.
Option 2: Use dd on macOS
This advanced dd method writes the ISO directly to the device.
- Insert the USB drive and list disks:
diskutil list - Unmount the disk:
diskutil unmountDisk /dev/disk2 - Write the ISO:
sudo dd if=~/Downloads/Fedora.iso of=/dev/rdisk2 bs=4m status=progress - Eject the disk when complete.
Booting from Your Fedora USB
- Restart your computer.
- Access the BIOS or UEFI boot menu.
- Select the USB device to boot Fedora Live.
Booting Fedora on Mac Hardware
- Intel Macs: Hold the Option key during startup.
- Apple Silicon Macs: Use Fedora Asahi Remix for native support.
Final Take on Making a Bootable USB Fedora
A Fedora Live USB is an excellent way to test the operating system, check hardware compatibility, or perform installations without modifying your main system. When finished, you can restore your USB drive to reclaim full storage capacity.