How to create a bootable USB stick in Ubuntu (GNOME)

Creating a bootable USB stick is a critical practice for IT professionals managing multiple operating systems. This approach enables easy installations, tests, and recoveries while minimizing changes to existing system configurations. Many rely on it for deploying Ubuntu or other Linux distributions across diverse environments.

In Ubuntu, the built-in Startup Disk Creator provides a streamlined way to transform a conventional USB drive into a bootable USB medium. This utility removes the need for third-party tools, ensuring a straightforward process that accommodates various levels of technical expertise. It prepares the device for immediate use with minimal user intervention.

Typical requirements include a USB stick with at least 2GB of free space, an Ubuntu ISO, and sufficient permissions to write to external devices. The Startup Disk Creator is often pre-installed on most Ubuntu systems, but it is also available through official repositories when needed. Once prepared, a bootable USB supports quick deployment, system diagnostics, or clean installations on compatible hardware.

1. Insert the USB stick into a USB port.
2. Open the Startup Disk Creator application.
3. Click on Other… to select the source ISO file.
4. Navigate to the location of your downloaded Ubuntu ISO file and select it.
5. Select the USB stick from the list of available drives.
6. Click on Make Startup Disk.
7. Confirm the action to erase the USB stick and create the bootable drive.
8. Wait for the process to complete.
9. Safely eject the USB stick once the creation is finished.
10. Use the USB stick to boot or install Ubuntu on a compatible machine.