Easiest way to create a Bootable Pendrive in Linux

How to create Bootable Pendrive in Linux using Balena Etcher.

If you are using Linux as your operating system and have already installed it on your computer, but now you want to explore and install another operating system like windows, or any Linux based distros, you will need to create a bootable USB drive. To help you through this process.

 

 

I have prepared a detailed step-by-step guide on how to create a bootable USB drive on your Linux operating system using Balena Etcher—an incredibly user-friendly and reliable software application that simplifies the task at hand.

 

 

 

To successfully create a bootable USB drive, it's important to ensure that your pendrive meets certain requirements. Here are the key specifications to consider:

1. Storage Capacity: Your pendrive should have a minimum capacity of 8GB or higher. This will provide ample space to accommodate the operating system and any additional files.

2. USB Version: It is recommended to use a USB 2.0 or higher version for optimal compatibility and performance. Higher USB versions may offer faster data transfer speeds, enhancing the overall efficiency of the bootable USB drive.

By selecting a pendrive that meets these specifications, you'll be well-prepared to create a bootable USB drive that offers sufficient storage capacity, compatibility, and faster read/write speeds.

 

1. Start by downloading Balena Etcher on your computer. You can download it from the official website at https://etcher.balena.io/#download-etcher. Make sure to choose the version compatible with your operating system. For Linux, I recommend downloading the AppImage.

2. Next, install "AppImage Launcher" on your system by running the following commands in the terminal: 

   sudo add-apt-repository ppa:appimagelauncher-team/stable
   sudo apt-get update
   sudo apt-get install appimagelauncher

3. Once you have completed these steps, open Balena Etcher by launching the application.
   

4. Connect the USB flash drive to your computer. Make sure it is recognized and accessible.

5. Launch Balena Etcher from your applications menu or by executing the command "balena-etcher" in the terminal.

   
   
    

6. In the Balena Etcher application, you will see a simple and intuitive interface. Click on the "Select image" button to choose the ISO file of the operating system you want to install. Navigate to the location where the ISO file is stored and select it.

7. After selecting the image file, Balena Etcher will automatically detect the connected USB drive. Verify that the correct USB drive is selected as the target device. Be careful not to select the wrong drive, as it will be overwritten during the process.

8. Once you have verified the image and target device, click on the "Flash!" button to start creating the bootable USB drive. Balena Etcher will display a warning message notifying you that all data on the USB drive will be erased. Confirm by clicking on "Yes" or "Continue" to proceed.

9. The flashing process will begin, and you will see a progress bar indicating the status of the write process. The time required for the process will depend on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB drive.

10. Once the flashing process is complete, Balena Etcher will display a "Flash Complete!" message. You can now safely remove the USB drive from your computer.

     

    
     Congratulations! You have successfully created a bootable USB drive using Balena Etcher on your Linux operating system. You can now use this USB drive to install the desired operating system on another computer.

 

If you prefer a visual guide to complement the instructions, you can watch the tutorial video below. It provides a clear demonstration of how to create a bootable USB drive on Linux using Balena Etcher. The video will help simplify the process and give you a better understanding of each step.