How to create a bootable USB stick in Ubuntu

Creating a bootable USB stick allows users to install or test different operating systems without affecting their current setup. This tool is invaluable for system recovery, installations, and demonstrations, providing a convenient and portable way to deploy operating systems. It is especially useful for IT professionals who frequently work with various OS environments.

In Ubuntu, the process is facilitated by a built-in utility called the Startup Disk Creator. This tool simplifies converting a regular USB stick into an installation or testing medium for Ubuntu or other Linux distributions. The Startup Disk Creator ensures that even users with minimal technical expertise can create a bootable USB without complications.

To create a bootable USB stick, you need a USB stick with at least 2GB of free space, an Ubuntu ISO file (or another Linux distribution's ISO file), and the Startup Disk Creator utility, which is typically pre-installed in most Ubuntu versions. This preparation ensures that the USB stick can be transformed into a reliable tool for installing or testing Ubuntu on any compatible machine, providing flexibility and efficiency in managing operating systems.

1. Insert your USB stick into an available USB port.
2. Open the Startup Disk Creator application from the applications menu.
3. Click on the “Other…” button to choose the source ISO file.
4. Navigate to and select your downloaded Ubuntu or other Linux distribution's ISO file.
5. Select the USB stick you want to use from the list of available drives.
6. Click on the “Make Startup Disk” button.
7. Confirm that you wish to erase the USB stick and create the bootable drive when prompted.
8. Wait for the process to complete while the tool displays a progress bar.
9. Safely eject the USB stick once the process completes.
10. Use the USB stick to boot or install Ubuntu on any compatible machine.