Where to Download Live Linux ISO files? A Live Linux ISO repository list of some of the most popular and well recognized Live Linux ISO compilations available today. All of which can be converted into a Live Linux Bootable USB flash drive using tools like the YUMI Multiboot USB media creation tool. Each version listed contains direct link to the download page for that version.
Where to Download Live Linux ISO Files
Here are some of the most popular Linux distributions that can be converted into a Linux bootable USB and where to download each of them.
Live Linux ISO File Name & Download Page | Description of the Live Linux USB Bootable Distro |
---|---|
Alpine Linux | A security-oriented, lightweight distribution based on musl libc and busybox, widely used in containerized environments like Docker. |
Arch Linux | Known for its simplicity and customization. The Arch Linux distribution uses a rolling release model, allowing users to update their system without reinstalling the operating system. |
Bodhi Linux | A lightweight distribution featuring the Moksha desktop environment, tailored for minimal resource usage and simplicity. |
CentOS | A free, community-supported distribution often used for servers. It’s based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and offers a stable, enterprise-ready platform. |
ChimeraOS | A gaming-focused Linux distribution providing a console-like experience with Steam and other gaming platforms pre-installed. |
Clear Linux | Developed by Intel, Clear Linux is optimized for performance on Intel hardware and offers a streamlined experience. |
Damn Small Linux | A super tiny lightweight distribution designed to run on older hardware. Based on Debian (Knoppix remaster). |
Debian | One of the oldest and most stable distributions, used as the foundation for many other Linux distributions, including Ubuntu. |
Deepin | Famous for its elegant and user-friendly Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE), making it a great option for newcomers to Linux. |
Elementary OS | A beautifully designed Linux distro that emphasizes simplicity, user experience, and privacy, often compared to macOS. |
EndeavourOS | An Arch-based distribution with a focus on simplicity, offering an easy installation process and various desktop environments. |
Feather Linux | A lightweight Linux distribution, suitable for older machines. It's based on Knoppix and offers a minimalistic environment. |
Fedora | Known for its innovation, Fedora is often on the cutting edge of new Linux technologies. It serves as the upstream source for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). |
FreeBSD | While not technically Linux, FreeBSD is a powerful and flexible operating system based on BSD. It is known for performance, advanced networking, and security features. |
Garuda Linux | A performance-oriented distribution based on Arch Linux, featuring gaming tweaks and a variety of visually appealing desktop environments. |
Gentoo | Known for its extreme customization capabilities, Gentoo is a source-based distribution, allowing users to compile everything from the source. |
Kali Linux | Tailored for penetration testing and security professionals, Kali Linux comes with a suite of tools for ethical hacking and security auditing. |
Knoppix | One of the first live Linux distributions, Knoppix is known for its extensive hardware support and ability to boot from various media types. |
Kubuntu | A simple distribution that combines Ubuntu's base with KDE's modern Plasma desktop environment. |
Linux Mint | A popular Ubuntu-based distribution known for its ease of use and out-of-the-box functionality, making it great for beginners and casual users. |
LXLE | A lightweight version of Ubuntu, designed to revive older machines with an emphasis on simplicity and performance. |
Manjaro | A derivative of Arch Linux that provides a simple installation process and a variety of desktop environments to choose from. |
MX Linux | A fast, lightweight, and stable distribution based on Debian. MX Linux is known for its low resource usage and user-friendly interface. |
NixOS | An innovative Linux distribution built around the Nix package manager, emphasizing reliability and reproducibility. |
OpenSuse Live | OpenSuse is a stable and versatile distribution often used in enterprise environments. The live version allows users to experience OpenSuse without installing it. |
Parrot OS | Targeted at security professionals, Parrot OS offers tools for penetration testing, forensics, and privacy. |
PCLinuxOS | A rolling release distribution based on Mandrake (now Mandriva). It is known for being stable and easy to use. |
Peppermint OS | A lightweight and cloud-focused distribution ideal for older hardware and users who prefer web-based applications. |
Puppy Linux | A small, lightweight distribution that is extremely fast, making it a great choice for older computers. Puppy Linux runs entirely in RAM. |
Q4OS | A lightweight Debian-based distribution designed for low-resource hardware, with a focus on speed and productivity. |
Raspberry Pi OS | A Debian-based distribution optimized for the Raspberry Pi hardware, popular for educational and IoT projects. |
ReactOS | An open-source operating system designed to be binary-compatible with Windows applications. While not Linux, it’s a notable live ISO. |
Redcore Linux | A Gentoo-based distribution aiming to provide an easy-to-use desktop experience while maintaining Gentoo's power and flexibility. |
SLAX | A highly portable Linux distribution that can run from a USB drive without installation. Based on Slackware. |
System Rescue CD | A powerful live Linux distribution focused on system rescue and repair, useful for system admins and IT professionals. |
Tails | A privacy-focused distribution that routes all traffic through the Tor network, designed for secure and anonymous usage. |
Tiny Core Linux | One of the smallest Linux distributions, Tiny Core is highly efficient, running entirely in RAM with minimal resource requirements. |
UBCD (Ultimate Boot CD) | A comprehensive toolkit for system diagnostics, UBCD contains various utilities for diagnosing and repairing computer issues. |
Ubuntu | One of the most widely used Linux distributions, known for its ease of use and large community support. It's based on Debian with many user-friendly enhancements. |
Void Linux | An independent Linux distribution using the runit init system and offering a rolling release model with advanced features. |
Xubuntu | A lightweight variant of Ubuntu that uses the Xfce desktop environment, making it ideal for older hardware or users seeking a faster, simpler desktop experience. |
Zentyal Server | A small business server offering an easy-to-use interface for managing network services like mail, domain, and security. |
Zorin OS | Designed to be familiar to those transitioning from Windows. Zorin OS comes with multiple desktop layouts and a clean, simple interface. |
I hope you find this small list useful. If you do know of any unlisted downloadable Live Linux bootable USB distribution or more specific Live Linux ISO files that you feel should be added to the repository list, feel free to contact me, and I'll look into adding your suggestions, as I find the time.