How to create a bootable USB stick on Windows

Before you begin, you need to download Ubuntu and, if you want, verify the download.

To run or install Ubuntu from a USB stick, the first thing you need to do is insert a USB stick with at least 2GB of free space into your PC.

The easiest way to put Ubuntu onto your stick is to use the Rufus USB installer. You’ll need to download and install and follow the instructions.

Download the Rufus USB installer

  1. Open Rufus and select your USB stick in the 'Device' dropdown

  2. Click the CD Rom icon next to the 'FreeDOS' dropdown, then find your downloaded Ubuntu ISO and click 'Open' and then 'Start'

  3. Click 'Yes' when it asks to download Syslinux software

  4. Click 'OK' to write in ISO Image mode

  5. Confirm that your USB stick is selected and then 'OK' to continue

  6. When it is finished, just restart your computer and start using Ubuntu, or you can install Ubuntu

Installation guide

If you need some help installing Ubuntu, please check out our step-by-step guide.

Read the installation instructions ›

Try before you install

There’s no need to replace your operating system to try Ubuntu.

Run Ubuntu from a USB or DVD ›

Helping hands

If you get stuck, help is always at hand.