Introduction
I build and rebuild server and client machines all of the time. I have a few machines at home that I experiment with and typically reinstall operating systems on them many times each year. For years, I have created installation USB sticks with Windows 10, 11, 2019, 2022, Ubuntu, CentOS and many others. I never keep them up-to-date, though, and I can never find the one I need.
A few weeks ago, whilst looking on Amazon, I spotted a 128GB stick for about £30. It had USB A and C on the same stick, too. 128GB is as large as my SSD in one of my older machines! However, I didn’t buy it immediately because I wanted to create bootable drives for the different operating systems I listed above, and I could get 10 (or more) 8GB sticks for the same £30. I thought I wouldn’t get value from one large stick. So, I looked online for an answer and found it in a tool called Ventoy.
What is Ventoy?
Ventoy is a free and open-source multi-boot USB tool that allows you to create a single USB drive with multiple operating systems or ISO files. This makes it an excellent tool for Linux users who frequently switch between different distros or Windows users who need to test out other operating systems or troubleshoot boot issues.
Key Features of Ventoy
- Supports a wide range of operating systems and ISO files: Ventoy supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD. It also supports a variety of ISO file types, including ISO, IMG, WIM, EWI, and VHD/VHDX.
- Easy to use: Ventoy is very easy to use. You must download the Ventoy executable, plug in your USB drive, and run the executable. Ventoy will then automatically detect your USB drive and start adding ISO files.
- Portable: Ventoy is a portable tool, meaning you do not need to install it on your computer. You can download the Ventoy executable and run it from anywhere.
- Free and open-source: Ventoy is a free and open-source tool, meaning you can use it without restriction. You can also freely modify the source code and contribute to the project.
How to Use Ventoy
To use Ventoy, follow these steps:
- Download the Ventoy executable from the Ventoy website.
- Plug in your USB drive to your computer.
- Run the Ventoy executable.
- Ventoy will automatically detect your USB drive and start adding ISO files.
What ISO Files Can I Use with Ventoy?
Ventoy supports a wide range of ISO files, including:
- Windows
- Linux
- macOS
- FreeBSD
- Other operating systems
How to Add ISO Files to Ventoy
To add ISO files to Ventoy, simply drag and drop the ISO files onto the Ventoy window. Ventoy will automatically add the ISO files to your USB drive.
How to Boot from a Ventoy USB Drive
To boot from a Ventoy USB drive, follow these steps:
- Restart your computer.
- Enter the boot menu.
- Select your Ventoy USB drive as the boot device.
Your computer will boot from the ISO file on your Ventoy USB drive.
Benefits of Using Ventoy
There are many benefits to using Ventoy, including:
- Convenience: Ventoy makes creating a multi-boot USB drive easy without learning complex partitioning or boot configuration techniques.
- Flexibility: Ventoy supports a wide range of operating systems and ISO file types, so you can create a USB drive with the exact combinations of operating systems you need.
- Portability: Ventoy is a portable tool you can use on any computer without installation.
- Free and open-source: Ventoy is a free and open-source tool so that you can use it without restriction. You can also freely modify the source code and contribute to the project.
Conclusion
Ventoy is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used to create multi-boot USB drives for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
It is an excellent option for users who frequently switch between different operating systems or troubleshoot boot issues.
I now have a single USB stick with dozens of different ISOs on it, and there is plenty of space left on it to add others as I see fit. If only I could remember to update the stick with the latest ISOs…….
