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Asked: 2024-09-24T19:03:06+05:30 In:

What steps should I follow to install a complete version of Ubuntu 20.04 onto a USB drive?

I’ve been trying to install a complete version of Ubuntu 20.04 onto a USB drive, but I keep hitting dead ends. First off, I keep reading conflicting suggestions online about whether it should be a live USB or a full installation. I think I want the full installation to keep all my settings and installed applications, but that seems complicated.

I’ve got a 16GB USB drive, and I want to be able to boot from it anywhere and have a fully functional Ubuntu system. Can someone walk me through the steps? Like, do I need special software to create the bootable drive, or is a simple format enough? I’ve seen mentions of tools like Rufus and Etcher, but do I need to use those before or after I download the Ubuntu ISO?

Also, when I create the USB drive, is there a way to ensure I have the space for my files and software? I wouldn’t want to find out there’s not enough room later. And speaking of formats, should I stick with FAT32 for compatibility, or is there a better option?

Another thing that worries me is what happens if my computer recognizes the USB drive differently during boot. I’ve heard stories of people ending up in a rescue shell or getting nothing but error messages. How can I avoid that?

And once I’ve got everything set up, how do I actually go about installing Ubuntu on the USB? Am I working with the same installation process as I would on a hard drive, or are there key differences to keep in mind?

Honestly, I feel like I need a step-by-step guide, but I’d love to hear from anyone who’s gone through this process themselves. Your insights would definitely save me from the frustration of trial and error. Thanks in advance for any help!

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    1. Installing Ubuntu 20.04 on a USB Drive

      Installing Ubuntu 20.04 on a USB Drive

      It sounds like you’re looking to set up a USB drive with a full installation of Ubuntu, which is totally doable! Here’s a step-by-step guide that should help you out.

      What You’ll Need:

      • A 16GB USB drive (make sure to back up any data on it, as it will be formatted).
      • The Ubuntu 20.04 ISO file.
      • Software like Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (for Mac/Linux) to create the bootable USB.

      Steps to Create a Bootable USB Drive:

      1. Download the Ubuntu ISO: Go to the official Ubuntu website and download the Ubuntu 20.04 ISO file.
      2. Choose the Right Tool: If you’re on Windows, download Rufus. On Mac or Linux, get Etcher. These tools will help you create a bootable USB.
      3. Plug In Your USB Drive: Insert your USB drive into your computer. Make sure it’s recognized by the OS.
      4. Open Rufus or Etcher:
        • For Rufus: Select your USB drive, choose the Ubuntu ISO, and make sure to select MBR for partition scheme if you’re unsure. Use FAT32 for file system, which is usually a safe bet.
        • For Etcher: It’s as simple as selecting your USB, selecting the ISO, and clicking “Flash!”
      5. Write the ISO to the USB: Proceed with the software to write the ISO. This will wipe your USB, so be sure you have no important files on it!

      Install Ubuntu to the USB Drive:

      1. Boot from the USB: After the USB is created, restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. You might need to enter your BIOS or boot menu (often by hitting F12, Esc, or F2) to select the USB drive for booting.
      2. Start the Ubuntu Installer: When Ubuntu boots up, select “Try Ubuntu” or “Install Ubuntu”. If you want full installation, choose “Install Ubuntu”.
      3. Select Installation Type: Here’s the key part: choose “Something else” when asked about installation type. This allows you to specify the USB drive for the installation.
      4. Partition the USB: You will see your USB drive listed (look for the right size). Create partitions (like root `/`, swap) as necessary. For root, you might want to allocate most of the space for Ubuntu itself. You can choose to use ext4 for the file system.

      Common Issues and Tips:

      • Space Concerns: Before you get started, when you partition your USB, make sure to allocate enough space for your apps and files. A simple way is to leave space above the 10GB mark for the OS and apps.
      • Booting and Recognition: If you run into issues where your USB is not recognized properly, it could be a setting in your BIOS related to USB booting. Check those settings and make sure legacy support is enabled if needed.
      • Rescue Shells and Errors: Make sure you select your USB drive carefully during the partitioning step to avoid installing over your main hard drive.

      Once everything is done, you should be able to boot from your USB drive anywhere! Just remember to change the boot order if necessary, and as long as you choose the right installation options, you should be golden.

      Good luck, and don’t hesitate to ask if you hit bumps along the way!




    2. Installing Ubuntu 20.04 on USB Drive

      To install a full version of Ubuntu 20.04 on your 16GB USB drive, you’ll need to first download the Ubuntu ISO file from the official Ubuntu website. After downloading the ISO, it’s essential to use the right tool to create your bootable USB. For a full installation, you can use Rufus (on Windows) or Etcher (cross-platform). With Rufus, select the USB drive, choose the Ubuntu ISO file, and set the partition scheme to MBR for compatibility. Make sure to check the box for ‘Persistent partition size’ to allocate space for your files and installed applications. For a 16GB USB drive, it’s advisable to keep this size moderate, allowing enough room for the OS and your files. Conversely, Etcher streamlines the process; simply select the ISO and the drive, and it will handle the rest. FAT32 is commonly recommended for its broad compatibility, but consider using ext4 if your primary use will be within Linux environments.

      Once your USB drive is ready, you’ll need to boot from it. To avoid complications, access your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings on startup and ensure the USB drive is set as the primary boot device. If you encounter a rescue shell or errors, double-check the boot settings and ensure that the USB drive is correctly formatted and created as a bootable drive. The installation process is similar to that of a hard drive: you boot from the USB, select ‘Install Ubuntu’, and choose the USB drive as the installation target. During installation, select ‘Erase Disk and Install Ubuntu’, but be cautious as this will wipe the USB drive. Follow the prompts to complete the setup. Always have a backup of your essential data before you begin this process to prevent data loss. This guide should help streamline your experience and minimize frustration.


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