How to Install Ubuntu on a USB Drive (2025)

Create a fully portable Ubuntu system that you can carry anywhere and boot on almost any PC. This guide will walk you through every step of installing Ubuntu on a USB drive—perfect for tech enthusiasts, IT professionals, and everyday users alike.


Why Install Ubuntu on a USB Flash Drive?

Installing Ubuntu on a USB drive is a powerful way to create a portable operating system. Whether you want a personal OS for privacy, a secure environment for work, or a recovery tool, a bootable Ubuntu USB offers flexibility and independence.


What You’ll Need

  • A USB drive with at least 16GB of space (32GB or more recommended).
  • A computer with internet access.
  • The Ubuntu ISO file
  • Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (macOS/Linux) for creating the bootable USB.

Step 1: Download Ubuntu

Visit the official Ubuntu downloads page and choose the version you prefer (we recommend the LTS version for stability). Download the ISO file to your computer.


Step 2: Create a Bootable USB with Rufus

  1. Insert your USB drive into the PC.
  2. Open Rufus. It should automatically detect the USB drive.
  3. In the “Boot selection” section, choose the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
  4. Use default settings (GPT for partition scheme, FAT32 for file system).
  5. Click “Start” and confirm when prompted. Rufus will format the USB drive.

Once done, the USB drive is now bootable with Ubuntu.


Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive

Now that your USB is ready, let’s boot into Ubuntu:

  1. Insert the bootable USB into your target computer.
  2. Restart the computer and enter the boot menu (usually by pressing F12, ESC, or F10 during startup).
  3. Select the USB drive as the boot device.
  4. You’ll see the Ubuntu welcome screen—click “Install Ubuntu”.

Step 4: Install Ubuntu onto Another USB Drive

Important: We are now going to install Ubuntu onto a second USB drive, not the one used for booting. This will make Ubuntu fully portable.

  1. Connect a second USB drive (the one you want Ubuntu installed on).
  2. Follow the installation wizard: select your language, keyboard layout, and network settings.
  3. When asked “Installation Type,” choose “Something Else”.
  4. Select the second USB drive (usually /dev/sdb or /dev/sdc) and manually create the following partitions:
    • Root: / — ext4 — minimum 15GB
    • Swap (optional): 2-4GB
  5. Set the bootloader to be installed on the same USB drive (e.g., /dev/sdb).
  6. Click “Install Now” and confirm changes.

Step 5: Final Setup

Follow the prompts to create your username, computer name, and password. After installation, shut down your PC and remove the bootable USB. Leave only the new Ubuntu-installed USB plugged in.


Done! Your Portable Ubuntu System Is Ready

You now have a fully installed Ubuntu system on a USB drive that you can plug into any computer and boot into your personalized OS—complete with saved files, apps, and settings.


Tips for Using Ubuntu on USB

  • Enable persistent storage if you’re not installing Ubuntu fully.
  • Use a USB 3.0+ drive for better performance.
  • Turn off secure boot in BIOS if Ubuntu fails to boot.

Conclusion

Whether you're a developer, security professional, or privacy-conscious user, running Ubuntu from a USB drive is a powerful solution. It's flexible, secure, and portable—perfect for troubleshooting, rescue operations, or carrying your OS anywhere.


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