Rufus

Create bootable USB drives from ISOs with an operating system of your choice, with various options, including to enhance compatibility with old BIOS versions.

• Rufus
• Version : 4.7
• License :Trial
• OS :Windows All
• Publisher :Pete Batard

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Rufus is a popular, lightweight tool that allows you to create bootable USB drives from ISO files. It’s especially useful for creating installation media for operating systems like Windows, Linux, and others. Here’s how to use Rufus step by step:

1. Download and Install Rufus

• Download: Visit the official Rufus website: Rufus Download.
• No Installation Required: Rufus is a portable application, meaning it doesn’t require installation. Simply download the executable file (usually named rufus-x.y.z.exe), and it’s ready to run.

2. Preparing the USB Drive

• Insert USB Drive: Plug in a USB drive with enough storage space for the operating system or tool you want to install (typically 8 GB or more for modern operating systems).
• Backup Data: Be sure to backup any important data from the USB drive, as Rufus will erase all data on the USB drive during the process.

3. Running Rufus

• Open Rufus by double-clicking the downloaded rufus-x.y.z.exe file. It will open the main window.

4. Selecting the USB Drive

• In the Device dropdown menu, select your USB drive from the list. Make sure you choose the correct USB device, as all data on this drive will be erased.

5. Choosing the Bootable ISO

• Select the ISO file:
  1. Click on the Select button next to the Boot selection field.
  2. Browse and select the ISO file of the operating system or tool you want to make bootable (e.g., a Windows installation ISO, a Linux distro ISO, etc.).

6. Configuring Partition Scheme and File System

• Partition Scheme: Select the partition scheme that matches your system’s architecture:
  • MBR (Master Boot Record) for legacy BIOS systems or older computers.
  • GPT (GUID Partition Table) for modern UEFI systems.
• File System: Choose the appropriate file system:
  • FAT32 (default) for compatibility with most systems and bootable USB drives.
  • NTFS for larger files or Windows installation, but it may not be compatible with older BIOS systems.
  • exFAT can be selected for drives larger than 32 GB if needed.
• Cluster Size: Leave the default cluster size unless you know you need a specific value.

7. Optional Settings

• Volume Label: You can name your USB drive if you like (e.g., “Windows 10 Install”).
• Format Options: Under the “Format Options” section, you can choose:
  • Quick Format: Usually enabled by default, this is the fast way to format the USB drive.
  • Create a bootable disk using: Make sure ISO Image is selected. This tells Rufus to create the bootable USB from the ISO file you selected.
  • Check Device for Bad Blocks: This is an optional feature that checks the USB drive for bad sectors, but it will take more time.

8. Starting the Process

• Once you’ve selected the correct options, click Start.
• Warning: A warning will appear informing you that all data on the USB drive will be erased. Click OK to continue.
• Create Bootable USB: Rufus will now format the USB drive and copy the files from the ISO to the USB drive. The process will take a few minutes to complete, depending on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB drive.

9. Completing the Process

• Once Rufus finishes creating the bootable USB, you’ll see the “Ready” message at the bottom of the window.
• You can now safely eject the USB drive from your computer.

10. Using the Bootable USB

• Insert the Bootable USB: Insert the USB drive into the computer you want to boot from.
• Enter BIOS/UEFI: Power on the computer and immediately press the key to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. Common keys for BIOS/UEFI include F2, F12, Esc, or Del, but the exact key may vary depending on the manufacturer.
• Change Boot Order: In the BIOS/UEFI settings, set the USB drive as the first boot device (usually under the Boot or Boot Order menu).
• Save and Exit: Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.
• The computer should now boot from the USB drive and start the installation process for your operating system or tool.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Error: “Could not start the process”: This can happen if the USB drive is not properly formatted or if there’s a problem with the ISO file. Try reformatting the USB drive and re-selecting the ISO file.
• USB Not Booting: If the USB drive is not booting, double-check the BIOS settings to make sure the USB drive is set as the first boot device. Also, ensure that the partition scheme matches your system (MBR for legacy BIOS or GPT for UEFI).
• Slow Process: If the process is taking too long, it could be due to a slow USB drive or high write speeds required for the ISO. Try using a faster USB drive or adjust settings in Rufus.

Summary

Rufus is a powerful and simple tool for creating bootable USB drives. By following the steps above, you can easily create bootable drives for installing operating systems, running diagnostics, or using recovery tools. It’s an excellent tool for both beginners and advanced users, thanks to its easy-to-understand interface and advanced options.