Make a USB Kubuntu Flash Drive via Windows

Make a USB Kubuntu flash drive using Windows. Kubuntu is a fork of Ubuntu, offered by Canonical Ltd. It utilizes a KDE desktop environment. KDE is often preferred over Gnome for its visual appearance and Windows familiar functionality. Once finished, your flash drive will act as a Live Bootable USB, to be used in place of a Live CD. A persistent file can optionally be created for saving and restoring changes on subsequent reboots.

Kubuntu Live Bootable USB

USB Bootable Kubuntu

  • Distribution Home Page: Distro Project Page
  • Developer: Canonical Ltd.
  • Release Date: Kubuntu was first released on April 8, 2005
  • Persistent Feature: Yes

What is Kubuntu?

Kubuntu is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, which is itself based on Debian. What distinguishes it from standard Ubuntu is the default desktop environment. While Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop environment, Kubuntu utilizes the KDE Plasma desktop environment. KDE Plasma is known for its visually appealing interface, customization options, and a wide range of features.

Key Features:

  • KDE Plasma Desktop: Utilizes the KDE Plasma desktop environment, offering a modern, feature-rich, and customizable user interface.
  • Ubuntu Based: Inherits the stability and package management system of Ubuntu, which is based on Debian. This ensures access to a large repository of software packages.
  • Included Applications: Includes a suite of applications from the KDE project, such as the Dolphin file manager, Konsole terminal emulator, and various other utilities.
  • Software Center: Users can easily install, manage, and update software using the Ubuntu Software Center or the package management tools.
  • System Settings: Offers a comprehensive system settings application, allowing users to customize various aspects of their desktop environment, appearance, and behavior.
  • Widgets and Desktop Effects: KDE Plasma supports widgets (known as "Plasmoids") and desktop effects, providing users with a dynamic and interactive desktop experience.
  • KDE Connect: This feature allows users to connect their Android devices to the desktop environment, enabling seamless integration and interaction between the computer and mobile devices.

Kubuntu Live USB Boot Essentials

  • Windows 11, 10, 8 PC (to perform the portable conversion)
  • Kubuntu ISO
  • Fast USB Thumb Drive
  • YUMI (creates the bootable Live USB)

Make a Kubuntu Live USB Drive from Windows

  1. Download and launch the YUMI Bootable USB Software.
  2. (1.) Select your flash drive from the drop list.
    (2.) Next, choose Kubuntu for the distribution.
    (3.) Browse and select the ISO file.
    (4.) Optionally, set a persistent file size for storing changes, and then Click Create.
    Put Kubuntu on USB
  3. Once the YUMI script has finished, restart your PC and set your BIOS or Boot Menu to boot from the USB device, save your changes and reboot.

You should now be able to boot and run Kubuntu Live from the bootable USB flash drive.

Install Kubuntu from USB

It is also worth noting that you can optionally Install Kubuntu from USB to a hard drive. Just use the "Install Kubuntu" shortcut located on the desktop, and then follow the onscreen instructions provided by the installer.

Install Kubuntu from USB
Installing Kubuntu from a USB to a hard drive.