Boot SLAX Linux from USB on older computers: The SLAX USB Boot CD allows you to start SLAX Linux from a USB flash drive on systems that cannot boot from USB on their own. This includes older PCs with legacy BIOS firmware and some Intel based Apple Mac computers, such as MacBook and MacBook Pro models, that rely on EFI instead of a traditional BIOS.
This special bootable CD was created by Tomas M, the original developer of SLAX Linux. The CD loads the required USB drivers first, then hands control over to the SLAX system stored on your USB flash drive.
SLAX USB Boot CD
What Is the SLAX USB Boot CD Used For?
The SLAX USB Boot CD is helpful if:
- Your computer BIOS does not support booting from USB
- You need a CD to help start SLAX from a flash drive
- You are working with older or legacy hardware
- You are using an older Intel based Apple Mac with EFI
Once the CD boots, it loads USB support and then starts SLAX directly from the prepared USB flash drive.
How to Create a SLAX Bootable USB Flash Drive
Before using the SLAX USB Boot CD, you must first create a bootable SLAX USB flash drive.
- Download the latest SLAX Linux ISO file from the official SLAX website
- Insert a USB flash drive (at least 1GB recommended)
- Use a USB creation tool to write SLAX to the flash drive
- Safely eject the USB drive once the process is complete
For simple bootable USB creation instructions, see: How to Create a SLAX Bootable USB
Creating and Using the SLAX USB Boot CD
- Download the SLAX USB Boot CD ISO file
- Burn the ISO file to a blank CD using CD or DVD burning software
- Insert both the SLAX USB flash drive and the SLAX USB Boot CD
- Restart the computer and boot from the CD drive
If everything works correctly, the CD will start first, load the required USB drivers, and then continue booting the SLAX Linux file system from the USB flash drive.
Important Notes
- This method is mainly intended for older computers
- Most modern systems can boot SLAX directly from USB
- Using a bootable USB only method is faster on newer hardware
Is the SLAX USB Boot CD Still Needed in 2025?
In most cases, no. Modern computers made in the last 10-15 years can usually boot directly from a USB flash drive without any help.
You may still need the SLAX USB Boot CD in 2025 if:
- You are using very old hardware that cannot boot from USB
- Your system has a locked or limited BIOS
- You are working with legacy or retro computers
- You are troubleshooting older Intel-based Macs with EFI issues
For most users today, the easiest and fastest method is to create a bootable SLAX USB and boot directly from it. Again, you can see our up to date bootable USB creation process here: How to Create a SLAX Bootable USB Flash Drive
Final Thoughts
The SLAX USB Boot CD is a useful legacy solution for systems that cannot boot from USB on their own. While modern computers no longer need this method, it remains a reliable fallback for classic hardware and older Intel-based Macs.