UNetbootin creates bootable Live USB drives for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions without burning a CD. It can download supported distributions or use a Linux ISO stored on the computer, and lists a USB drive or hard disk as an installation target. Its built-in downloads include Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux, Linux Mint, and FreeBSD, among other distributions. It can also load system utilities such as Parted Magic, SystemRescueCD, and rescue disks. The site says most Linux ISO files should work, though some need extra boot options or modifications, and some cannot boot from USB as-is. Non-Linux operating system ISOs are not expected to work because they use a different boot mechanism. Linux download options include an Ubuntu PPA, 32-bit and 64-bit binaries, packages for several distributions, and source code. The FAQ points to command-line options, including a targetdrive option if the destination is not detected. UNetbootin is free, accepts donations, and identifies its license as GNU GPL Version 2 or above.
Who it is for
UNetbootin suits people who want to create bootable media for Linux distributions or load listed system utilities. It is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What is good
- Can download supported Linux distributions or use a local ISO.
- Lists USB drive and hard disk targets.
- Free to use; donations are accepted.
- Source code is available under GNU GPL Version 2 or above.
What to know first
- Non-Linux operating system ISOs are not expected to work.
- Some Linux ISOs need extra options or modifications.
- Some ISO files cannot boot from USB as-is.
Verdict
UNetbootin offers a free route to bootable media for supported Linux distributions and utilities. Check whether your particular ISO works, especially if it is not Linux.
UNetbootin plans and pricing
All plansCompared on bootable USB software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Windows app
- Yes
- macOS app
- Yes
- Linux app
- Yes
- Persistent storage
- Yes
- Image downloads
- both
- Partition schemes
- mbr_only
