How to Install and Run UNetbootin on Ubuntu

Posted on by Noah Belkacem

Introduction to UNetbootin

UNetbootin is a widely used open-source application that allows users to create bootable USB drives for installing various Linux distributions and other operating systems. It is a handy tool for creating live USB versions of Linux distributions without the need for burning a CD. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of installing and running UNetbootin on Ubuntu.

Installing UNetbootin on Ubuntu

To install UNetbootin on Ubuntu, you can use the terminal and the official Ubuntu repositories. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
  2. Update the package list by running the command: sudo apt update.
  3. Install UNetbootin by running the command: sudo apt install unetbootin.

Alternatively, you can also download the UNetbootin Linux distribution package from the official UNetbootin GitHub repository and install it using the terminal. Here’s how:

  1. Download the UNetbootin Linux distribution package using the command: wget https://github.com/unetbootin/unetbootin/releases/download/677/unetbootin-linux64-677.bin.
  2. Make the downloaded file executable with the command: chmod +x unetbootin-linux64-677.bin.
  3. Run UNetbootin using the command: sudo ./unetbootin-linux64-677.bin.

Running UNetbootin

Once UNetbootin is installed, you can run it from the application menu or by executing the command unetbootin in the terminal.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive with UNetbootin

To create a bootable USB drive using UNetbootin, follow these steps:

  1. Insert a USB drive into your computer.
  2. Open UNetbootin.
  3. Select the desired distribution and version, or choose an ISO file from your local storage.
  4. Choose the USB drive you inserted as the “Type” and select the correct drive from the drop-down menu.
  5. Click “OK” to start the creation process.

UNetbootin will then proceed to create a bootable USB drive, which can be used to install the selected operating system or as a live USB for testing without making any changes to your computer’s hard drive.

Using UNetbootin for System Recovery

UNetbootin can also be used for system recovery and maintenance by creating bootable USB drives with various system tools and utilities. This can be helpful for troubleshooting and repairing computer systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about UNetbootin:

  • Q: Can UNetbootin create bootable USB drives for Windows?
  • A: Yes, UNetbootin can create bootable USB drives for various operating systems, including Windows. However, it is primarily designed for Linux distributions.
  • Q: Is UNetbootin free to use?
  • A: Yes, UNetbootin is an open-source application distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and is free to use.
  • Q: Can I use UNetbootin on other Linux distributions?
  • A: While this tutorial focuses on Ubuntu, UNetbootin is available for other Linux distributions as well, and the installation process may vary slightly.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you have learned how to install, run, and use UNetbootin on Ubuntu to create bootable USB drives for installing operating systems and system recovery. UNetbootin provides a user-friendly way to create live USB versions of various operating systems, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced users.

Additional Resources

For more information and troubleshooting tips, you can refer to the official UNetbootin documentation and community forums: