How to Create a Bootable Pendrive
with Rufus
Introduction
Creating a bootable USB drive is an essential skill for anyone dealing with computers, whether you're an IT professional, a gamer, or simply someone who wants to install a new operating system on their PC. Rufus is a popular and user-friendly tool that can help you accomplish this task with ease. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to create a bootable pendrive using Rufus.
What is Rufus?
Rufus is a free, open-source software designed to help you create bootable USB drives. It is known for its simplicity and efficiency, making it a favorite choice among tech enthusiasts and system administrators. Rufus is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and others, and it supports a wide range of file formats, making it a versatile tool for different purposes.
Before You Begin
Before you start creating your bootable pendrive, there are a few things you'll need:
1. A USB drive: Ensure you have a USB drive with
sufficient storage capacity to hold the operating system or software you want
to make bootable.
2.
An ISO image: You'll need an ISO image of the
operating system or software you want to install. You can download ISO files
from the official websites of the respective operating systems or software.
3. Rufus software: Download the latest version of
Rufus from the official website https://rufus.ie/en/ Rufus is a
standalone program, so there's no need to install it; just download and run it.
Now, let's get started on creating your bootable pendrive with Rufus.
Step 1: Plug in Your USB Drive
Insert the USB drive into an
available USB port on your computer. Make sure to back up any important data on
the drive, as creating a bootable drive will erase all existing data.
Step 2: Open Rufus
Run the Rufus program by double-clicking on the downloaded executable file.
Step 3: Configure Rufus Settings
Once Rufus is open, follow these steps:
· Device: In the "Device"
dropdown menu, select your USB drive. Be sure to choose the correct drive to
avoid data loss.
· Boot selection: Click on "Select"
under the "Boot selection" section and navigate to the location of
your ISO image. Select the ISO file.
· Partition scheme: Choose the appropriate partition
scheme for your system. For most modern computers, "MBR" is suitable.
However, if you have a UEFI-based system, you may choose "GPT."
·
File system: Select "NTFS" for
Windows-based ISOs or "FAT32" for Linux-based ISOs.
·
Cluster size: Rufus will automatically select
the optimal cluster size. You can leave it as is.
·
Volume label: You can give your bootable drive
a name if you'd like, but it's optional.
·
Quick format: Check this option for a faster
format.
·
Create a bootable disk using: Ensure that "ISO Image" is selected.
Step 4: Start the Process
Double-check your settings to ensure everything is configured correctly. Once you're ready, click the
"Start" button at the bottom of the Rufus window. A warning message will appear, notifying you that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Confirm and proceed.
Step 5: Wait for Completion
Rufus will format the USB drive and copy the contents of the ISO image onto it. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB drive.
Step 6: Finishing Up
Once Rufus completes the process, you'll see a "READY" message at the bottom of the window. You can now close Rufus and safely eject the bootable pendrive from your computer.
Conclusion
Creating a bootable pendrive with Rufus is a straightforward process, and it's an essential skill for various computing tasks. Whether you're installing a new operating system, updating firmware, or troubleshooting a computer, having a bootable USB drive at your disposal can be a lifesaver. With Rufus, you can quickly and easily create
bootable drives that will help you tackle these tasks with confidence. So, don't hesitate to give Rufus a try and empower yourself with this valuable skill in the world of computing.
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