In this article, we will be discussing a detailed guide on how to burn an ISO file to a USB drive on Ubuntu. This process is essential when you want to create a bootable USB drive for installing a new operating system or running a live system.
To burn an ISO to USB on Ubuntu, you can use the built-in Startup Disk Creator tool, Gnome Disks, or the dd command in the terminal. Additionally, there are third-party tools available for creating bootable USB drives.
What is an ISO File?
An ISO file is a disk image of an optical disc. In other words, it is a complete copy of everything stored on a physical optical disc like a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc. ISO files are often used to distribute large programs and operating systems.
Preparing for the Process
Before we start, ensure you have the following:
- A USB drive with enough storage space for the ISO file
- The ISO file you want to burn
- A running Ubuntu system
Warning: The process of burning an ISO to a USB will erase all data on the USB drive. Make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
Method 1: Using Startup Disk Creator
Ubuntu comes with a built-in tool called Startup Disk Creator. This tool is designed to create a bootable USB drive from an ISO file.
- Launch Startup Disk Creator: You can find this tool by searching for “Startup Disk Creator” in the Ubuntu Dash or by running the command
usb-creator-gtkin the terminal. - Choose the ISO file and USB drive: In the Startup Disk Creator window, select the ISO file and the USB drive you want to use.
- Create Startup Disk: Click on the “Make Startup Disk” button and wait for the process to complete.
Method 2: Using Gnome Disks
Gnome Disks is another utility that can be used to burn an ISO file to a USB drive.
- Launch Gnome Disks: You can find this tool by searching for “Disks” in the Ubuntu Dash or by running the command
gnome-disksin the terminal. - Select the USB drive: In the Gnome Disks window, select the USB drive from the list on the left.
- Restore Disk Image: Click on the hamburger menu in the top-right corner and select “Restore Disk Image”. Choose the ISO file and click on “Start Restoring”.
Method 3: Using the DD Command
For those who prefer using the terminal, the dd command can be used to burn an ISO file to a USB drive.
The command syntax is as follows:
sudo dd if=/path/to/your/iso/file.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && syncHere’s what each parameter does:
if=: This specifies the input file, or the ISO file you want to burn.of=: This specifies the output file, or the USB drive you want to burn the ISO file to.bs=4M: This sets the block size to 4M. It determines how much data is read and written at once.status=progress: This shows the progress of the process.sync: This ensures the command finishes completely before returning control to the terminal.
Warning: Be sure to replace /dev/sdX with the correct device name for your USB drive. Using the wrong device name could result in data loss.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Tools
There are also third-party tools available for creating bootable USB drives in Ubuntu. Some popular options include Etcher, mkusb, Universal USB Installer, Rufus, and Fedora Media Writer. These tools offer user-friendly interfaces and additional features like creating persistent drives.
Conclusion
Burning an ISO file to a USB drive on Ubuntu is a straightforward process, whether you prefer using a graphical interface or the command line. Remember to always download ISO files from official or trusted sources, and double-check the device name before executing any commands to avoid accidentally overwriting important data.
No, the methods mentioned in this article are specific to Ubuntu. However, there are similar tools available for Windows and Mac that can be used to burn ISO files to USB drives on those operating systems.
No, the process of burning an ISO file to a USB drive will erase all existing data on the drive. Make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
The time it takes to burn an ISO file to a USB drive depends on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB drive. It can range from a few minutes to several hours. The progress bar in the tools mentioned in the article will give you an estimate of the time remaining.
No, the USB drive needs to have enough storage space to accommodate the entire ISO file. Make sure the USB drive has sufficient storage space before proceeding.
Yes, you can use a USB 2.0 drive to burn an ISO file. However, the process may take longer compared to using a USB 3.0 or higher drive, as USB 2.0 has slower data transfer speeds.
No, burning multiple ISO files to the same USB drive will overwrite the previous data. Each ISO file needs to be burned to a separate USB drive.
Yes, the burned USB drive can be used on multiple computers as long as they support booting from a USB drive. It can be used to install the operating system or run a live system on different computers.
After the burning process is complete, you can compare the checksum of the ISO file with the USB drive’s checksum to ensure they match. This can help verify the integrity of the burned ISO file.
