How to create a bootable USB stick in Ubuntu

Creating a bootable USB stick is essential for IT professionals working with multiple operating systems. This tool allows for easy installation, testing, and recovery without altering the current system setup. It is particularly useful for deploying Ubuntu or other Linux distributions in various environments.

In Ubuntu, the Startup Disk Creator simplifies the process of converting a regular USB stick into a bootable medium. This built-in utility eliminates the need for third-party software, providing a straightforward way to create an installation or testing tool. Even those with minimal technical experience can effectively use this tool.

To create a bootable USB stick, you need a USB stick with at least 2GB of free space and an Ubuntu ISO file. The Startup Disk Creator utility, usually pre-installed in most Ubuntu versions, handles the conversion process. This ensures the USB stick is ready to deploy or test Ubuntu on any compatible machine.

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.