Run Ubuntu from USB with Persistence

Easily Run Ubuntu from USB with Persistence. The following segment covers how to create a USB Ubuntu using YUMI from within Windows. Once finished, you should be able to successfully boot from the Live USB just as you could from a CD. You can also use the removable device to install to a hard drive.

Here we will also utilize the popular casper-rw casper persistence feature. So that you can persistently save and restore some of your changes on every reboot. This is accomplished by using a persistent overlay image, also known as a block file.

Ubuntu is a distribution offered by Canonical Ltd. It was originally based upon and derived from Debian Linux. Having been improved upon, remixed and remastered over time, this Open Source Operating System is now one of the most well known Linux distributions. It is used the World over by many, and is loved by almost everyone who uses it.

USB Ubuntu Linux

Run Ubuntu from USB flash drive
Distribution Home Page: Distro Project Site
Persistent Feature: Yes (writable or casper-rw persistence)

Ubuntu USB Boot Essentials

  • Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 (to run YUMI)
  • Ubuntu Live ISO
  • A USB flash drive
  • YUMI

How to Run Ubuntu from USB with Persistence

  1. Download and launch the YUMI Multiboot Software.
  2. (1) Select your thumb drive from the drop list.
  3. (2) Next, choose Ubuntu for distribution.
  4. (3) Then, browse to and select your ISO file.
  5. (4) Optionally, set a persistent file size for storing changes, and then Click Create.
    Make a bootable USB Ubuntu with YUMI
  6. Once the YUMI script has finished, restart your PC.

Set BIOS to Boot from USB Ubuntu

  1. During startup, at the POST (Power On Self Test) screen, enter BIOS setup by pressing the proper key combination for your computer; I.E. F1, F2, F10, F12, Del, etc.
  2. Next, use the up/down arrow keys to set the first boot device to your USB.
  3. Save your changes, and then let the system reboot.

If all went well, you should now be booting from your own personal Ubuntu Live USB.

Install Ubuntu from USB

In addition to running from the Live operating environment, you should also be able to use the bootable flash drive to fully Install Ubuntu from USB to an internal hard drive.

Install Ubuntu From USB
Use the desktop shortcut to begin installing from USB Ubuntu to another device.

Once booted, simply click the installer desktop shortcut to begin installing.