Updated By - February 6, 2020

UNetbootin: Create a Live Linux USB

UNetbootin can be used to quickly create a Live Linux flash drive from an ISO file. There are versions of this cross platform Live bootable 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.

UNetbootin Live USB Creation from an ISO

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

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:

  1. Download UNetbootin (Windows version).
  2. Double-click the unetbootin-windows-###.exe file to run it.
  3. 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.

    UNetbootin Windows Live USB Creation from an ISO

  4. Once installation completes, select Reboot Now.
    Finished creating a bootable USB - Reboot Now
  5. 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:

  1. Open a terminal (press Ctrl+Alt+T).
  2. 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.
      UNetbootin on Ubuntu

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:
UNetbootin - download Linux ISO files

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

Option Two - Diskimage Method: Use an existing ISO file:
UNetbootin DiskImage - use existing ISO Option

  1. Browse to the ISO file you want to use.
  2. Select the USB drive and click OK.
  3. After installation, reboot to boot from the USB drive.
  4. 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:

  1. Download UNetbootin for macOS from the official website.
  2. Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the UNetbootin icon into your Applications folder.
  3. 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.

UNetbootin on MacOS

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.

FAQ & Troubleshooting

Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions and solutions to potential issues we've 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 USB Installer, or the YUMI multiboot USB media creation tool.
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 these steps:

  • Recreate the bootable USB using a different tool or verify the ISO file integrity.
  • Reformat your USB drive to FAT32 before creating the bootable media.
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, consider tools like YUMI or Universal USB Installer (UUI).
Is there a risk of data loss when using UNetbootin?
Yes, this tool will format the USB drive, erasing all existing data. Back up important data before proceeding.
Can I use UNetbootin on macOS?
Yes, there is a version available for macOS. Follow the steps outlined in the guide 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 boot USB.

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: Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC) and set USB as the primary boot device. If your USB drive doesn’t boot, reformat it to FAT32 or verify the ISO file integrity.
  • Additional Help: Visit the project's official GitHub page for more details and community support.

Final Thoughts

UNetbootin is a powerful and yet simple tool for creating bootable Live USB drives for Linux distributions. Whether you're a beginner trying out Linux for the first time or an experienced user looking for a portable OS solution, this guide should help you get started using it with ease.

Remember to back up your data before formatting your USB drive, and follow the troubleshooting tips if you encounter any issues. For more advanced use cases like multiboot or persistence, you may want to explore alternatives like YUMI or UUI.

If you have further questions, need help, or want to contribute to the development of this USB boot utility, visit the project page or join their community discussions for peer to peer support. Good luck, and happy booting!