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Asked: 2024-09-26T22:49:05+05:30 In:

What steps should I follow to create a bootable USB drive for Ubuntu 24.04?

I’ve been wanting to install Ubuntu 24.04 on my laptop, but I’m stuck on how to create a bootable USB drive. I know it sounds simple, but I keep second-guessing myself about the steps involved. I’ve read a few guides online, but they seem to gloss over certain details, and I’m worried I might mess something up.

Like, first off, what tools do I even need? I’ve seen mentions of Rufus and Etcher, but are those my only options? And what exactly do I have to download from the official Ubuntu site? I assume I’ll need the ISO file, right?

Once I have the ISO, what’s the process like to get it onto the USB drive? Should I format the USB stick beforehand? I’ve got a 16GB USB drive lying around, but I’d love to make sure I don’t accidentally erase something important on it—I’m not ready to lose those family vacation photos!

Also, there’s this whole thing about partition schemes and file systems. It’s a total headache; I keep thinking, do I need to choose MBR or GPT? What’s the difference, and how do I know which one to pick for my laptop? I’ve read that it might depend on whether I’m booting in UEFI or legacy mode, and honestly, I’m nervous I’m going to screw that part up.

Once I’ve actually got the bootable USB created, what’s next? Do I just stick it in my laptop and power it on, or do I have to change something in the BIOS settings? And if so, how in the world do I get into the BIOS?

It feels like a lot of little details I need to get right, so if anyone can break down the process step-by-step, I’d really appreciate it! I could even use some reassurance that I won’t end up with a bricked laptop. Just looking for some guidance from those who’ve done this before! Thanks a ton!

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    2 Answers






    1. Creating a Bootable USB for Ubuntu 24.04


      How to Create a Bootable USB for Ubuntu 24.04

      Creating a bootable USB can seem a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry! I’ll take you through the steps one by one. Let’s break it down:

      1. What You Need

      You’ll need a few things:

      • A USB drive (your 16GB one will work just fine).
      • The Ubuntu 24.04 ISO file.
      • A tool to create the bootable USB – Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (for Windows, macOS, or Linux) are good options.

      2. Download Ubuntu ISO

      Go to the official Ubuntu website and download the Ubuntu 24.04 ISO. Yes, you’ll definitely need this file!

      3. Prepare the USB Drive

      Before you use the USB drive:

      • If you have important files on the USB drive, make sure to back them up somewhere else. Creating a bootable USB will erase all data on it.
      • You can format the USB drive using the built-in tool on your computer, but when using Rufus or Etcher, they usually handle formatting for you.

      4. Create the Bootable USB

      Now the fun part! Here’s how to create the bootable USB:

      - Open Rufus or Etcher.
- Select your USB drive from the list of devices.
- Choose the Ubuntu ISO you downloaded.
- If using Rufus, pick MBR if your laptop is older (legacy mode) and GPT if it’s newer (UEFI mode).
- Click Start and wait until the process finishes.

      5. Boot from USB

      Once the USB is ready, here’s what to do next:

      • Insert the USB drive into your laptop.
      • Power it on and immediately press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI settings (it’s usually something like F2, F12, or DEL, but check your laptop’s manual if unsure).
      • In BIOS, look for the Boot menu and set your USB drive as the first boot device.
      • Save the changes and exit BIOS.

      6. Install Ubuntu

      Your laptop should now boot from the USB! Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu.

      Just remember, take your time and double-check each step! You’ve got this, and with careful execution, you won’t end up with a bricked laptop. Happy installing!


    2. To create a bootable USB drive for installing Ubuntu 24.04, you will need a few key tools and files. First, download the ISO file for Ubuntu from the official Ubuntu website (https://ubuntu.com/download). You can use software like Rufus (for Windows) or Balena Etcher (cross-platform, including macOS and Linux) to create the bootable drive. Before you start, it’s crucial to back up any important files from your 16GB USB drive, as the process will delete all data on it. Formatting the USB stick isn’t strictly necessary when using these tools since they will automatically handle the formatting during the creation process. However, if you want to ensure no residual data impacts the operation, you can format it to FAT32 beforehand. Consider the type of partition scheme and file system as well, particularly if your laptop supports UEFI mode; choose GPT for newer systems or MBR for older BIOS systems.

      Once you have the bootable USB ready, plug it into your laptop and restart the system. To boot from the USB drive, you may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings. Access the BIOS by pressing a specific key (often F2, F10, F12, or DEL, depending on your laptop manufacturer) immediately after powering on. Once in BIOS, navigate to the boot menu and set your USB drive as the primary boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS. This should enable your laptop to boot from the USB stick and start the Ubuntu installation process. Make sure to follow the prompts during the installation, and you should not run into issues that could “brick” your laptop if you carefully choose options that you’re comfortable with. Good luck!

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