Burn ISO To USB On Linux & Ubuntu: Ultimate Guide!

Linux is the most popular server-side operating system and the third most popular desktop OS for PCs. If you knew how to use Linux at business or at home, it may be really beneficial. On desktop operating systems, creating a bootable USB stick from an ISO image is a fundamental task. Now comes the crucial question: which burning instrument should you use? Well, Linux provides a few built-in utilities, such as the dd command, which will assist you in reaching your objective. Not only these tools but there are also other third-party programs that produce results in a flash. Now, let’s examine all the Linux OS ways required to burn ISO to USB.

Method 1: Burn ISO to USB using the DD command on Linux (Universal)

In Linux OS, the command takes precedence over the graphical user interface. At the early beginning of Linux development, there is no GUI. All tasks are accomplished using commands or scripts. This is therefore the universal approach for burning ISO to USB on Linux across all distributions. Using the dd program, it is possible to generate a bootable USB drive from an ISO file. This method does not allow for reversal, therefore you must execute the task attentively and enter each command correctly.

1. Insert the USB disk device into your computer and then run the dd command line tool software.
2. Obtain the list of drives that are associated with the computer. The term Sda refers to the internal hard disc, whereas Sdb refers to the attached USB drive. Enter the following command: lsblk
3. You need to execute the following command. It is expected that the ISO file is located in the download folder; if it is located elsewhere, replace the path with the proper one. Sdb is the name of the USB drive obtained from the previous command.

sudo dd bs=4M if=Downloads/ubuntu-19.04-desktop-amd64.iso of=/dev/sdb conv=fdatasyncNow, you must wait for some time. You will soon receive a brief summary of the process, which will include information written to the USB, elapsed time, and more.

This strategy is primarily for Linux users who have a solid command of the language. Because each command has its own significance, if incorrect input is provided, the desired outcome will not be achieved. Therefore, proceed with caution while unlocking the dd utility door.

Method 2: Burn ISO to USB using Startup Disk Creator on Ubuntu Linux

Linux has numerous variations, with Ubuntu being the most impressive among them. Startup Disk Creator is the name of Ubuntu’s ISO burning utility. It is a default application on Ubuntu Linux used to burn ISO on a USB stick. Because only the USB drive’s name and an ISO file will be required, the interface is quite intuitive, and accomplishing the objective is simple.

1. Insert a USB disc with a minimum size of 4 GB into your computer. This contributes significantly to the file size of the intended ISO file.
2. Press the Super key (often the Windows key) to bring up the search box, then type “Startup Disk Creator” and press the Enter key.
3. The Startup Disk Creator main screen will open, and the ISO file will be immediately detected from the download location. And the identical file can be found under the Source disc image section. If you wish to upload an additional ISO file, however, click the Other button.
4. You will discover that Ubuntu has automatically detected the USB disc. Make sure to verify the same, and if everything is in order, click the option labeled Create Startup Disk.
5. Next, a dialogue box will appear informing you that all of the data on the disc will be deleted; click the Yes option.

Now the procedure has begun, and after it is concluded, you will receive a notification. Click on the OK button, and then press the Esc key to exit Startup Disk Creator.

Startup Disk Creator is an intelligent application that comes with Ubuntu 8.04 or later, and it is much simpler to burn ISO to a USB drive than the dd command we discussed in the first section. Using this tool, you will have a bootable USB stick in no time, and you won’t need to conduct any additional manual steps.

Method 3: Burn ISO to USB using USB Image Writer on Linux Mint

USB Image Writer is a free third-party tool that allows Linux Mint users to burn ISO to USB. This is the official software for producing bootable USB drives from ISO images. To access the functions of USB Image Writer, you do not need to exert any further effort because the interface is intuitive and you will find everything you need on the primary screen alone.

1. Download the USB Image Writer from the official website to your PC.
2. Insert the USB drive into the computer and launch the application.
3. If everything is in order, click the Write button in Step 3. The process has begun and will require some time.
4. Once the procedure is complete, the message “Success!” will appear on the screen. Close USB Image Writer and remove the USB disc, which is now bootable.

USB Image Writer excels in burning Linux-based ISO image files, but has a low success rate with Windows ISO and third-party rescue disc image files.

Method 4: Burn ISO to USB using Media Writer on Fedora Linux

Fedora Media Writer is an open-source application designed to create bootable USB drives by burning ISO files onto USB. This application does not format USB drives, setting it apart from other similar tools. And unlike other apps, you need not worry about data loss while USB formatting. It supports many Fedora versions and allows users to burn ISO to USB more effectively.

1. Download and install Fedora Media Writer on your PC in the first step. Launch the command utility line and type the following line in the dd command to install the application: sudo dnf install mediawriter
2. After installation, you must launch the application by entering the command: mediawriter
3. Insert the USB drive into the computer, followed by the Fedora Media Writer executable. On the homepage, there are three options; choose Fedora Workstation.
4. Click the “Create Live USB” button. The application will begin downloading the required ISO file, and if you already have it in the downloads folder, Fedora will begin detecting it and begin the operation.

Click the red-colored Write to disc button to go to Step 5. That’s it; Fedora Media Writer will quickly burn ISO to USB.

Fedora Media Writer has undergone periodic updates, and users can now access Fedora Workstation and Fedora Server from the primary interface. In addition, the most recent version of Fedora features custom image options that enable users to burn ISO files faster.

Method 5: Burn ISO to USB with MX Live USB Maker on Linux

MX Live USB Maker is a highly recommended way for burning ISO files on MX Linux. In addition, you can use the bootable USB to access the Linux features without installing the operating system, although the Live session does not support storing. Briefly, if you save files on Live USB Linux, they will be saved, but when you reboot the USB, they will be deleted.

1. Insert the USB drive into the computer. And the MX will automatically detect the USB and mount the USB disc shortly after. /p>
2. Locate the MX Linux menu in the bottom-left corner, click it, search for MX Live USB Maker, and then open it.
3. On the homepage, you will see a few prominent alternatives, with which you must interact. First, check that the USB is chosen in the Select Target USB device box.
4. Navigate to the “Select ISO” option and import the ISO file. After completing the preceding steps, navigate to the mode section and select Full-featured mode. Afterward, click the Next button.
5. That’s it; the burning process has begun, and after it’s complete, the confirmation message will appear on the screen.

MX Linux USB Maker is a potent application for burning ISO to USB on MX Linux. Through this bootable USB device, many PCs can access Linux. In addition, if you desire a read-only functionality while building MX Linux, you can utilize image mode instead of full-featured mode.

Closing Thoughts

These are the top five Linux ways for burning ISO to USB. The final approach grants you complete access to Linux OS through a USB device. However, if you use the dd command, you must perform the commands with care. Literally, you can use any way to complete the assignment because they are all effective and productive.