How to Install and Run Any Linux Distro from a USB Drive

Create a Portable Ubuntu 24.04 System on a USB Drive

Ever wished you could carry your personalized computing environment with you? This tutorial shows you how to install a fully functional Ubuntu 24.04 operating system onto a USB drive, transforming it into a portable, customizable OS. While this guide uses Ubuntu 24.04, the principles apply to other Linux distributions.

Prerequisites:

• A USB drive (16GB or larger) – your Main USB drive.
• A second USB drive (4GB or larger) or DVD – for the bootable installation media.
• A downloaded Ubuntu 24.04 ISO file (or ISO for your chosen distribution).
• A PC. Crucially: Disconnect internal hard drives to prevent accidental data loss or boot record changes. (While unlikely, some users report boot issues depending on the Linux distribution; disconnecting is a precaution.)

Step 1: Creating Bootable Installation Media

1. Download the Ubuntu 24.04 ISO from the official Ubuntu website.
2. Connect your second USB drive (at least 4GB).
3. Download a USB bootable creation tool like Rufus or Etcher.
4. Use the tool to select the Ubuntu 24.04 ISO and the destination USB drive.
5. Click "Start" or "Create" to create the bootable media.

Step 2: Installing Ubuntu on the Main USB Drive

1. Restart your computer and boot from the newly created bootable USB drive.
2. Select "Install Ubuntu" when prompted.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions: language, timezone, keyboard layout, etc.

Step 3: Manual Partitioning (Critical)

1. At the installation type screen, choose "Something else" for manual partitioning.

2. Carefully identify your Main USB drive. Double-check to avoid accidentally overwriting your internal drives.

3. Create these partitions:

   • EFI System Partition (UEFI systems only): 512MB, EFI System Partition type, Mount point: /boot/efi
   • Root Partition (/): Allocate most of the remaining USB space (e.g., 10GB ), Ext4 journaling file system type, Mount point: /
   • Swap Partition: Size equal to your RAM (e.g., 2GB, 4GB), Swap area type.

4. Click "Install Now" and confirm your choices.

Complete the installation, providing your name, username, password, etc. After installation, restart, remove the installation USB drive, and boot from your Main USB drive to access your portable Ubuntu system.

Conclusion:

This method provides a portable Ubuntu 24.04 experience without altering your main computer. Enjoy the convenience of your personalized OS wherever you go!

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