XBOOT is a discontinued Windows multiboot USB creator last released as beta 14 in July 2011. It uses legacy BIOS bootloaders and does not support UEFI or Secure Boot. Designed for creating bootable flash drives and ISO files, it allows users to consolidate multiple live CD or DVD ISO files into a single bootable USB drive or multiboot ISO image. Because the project is discontinued and limited to legacy BIOS booting, treat it as an archived utility for testing with older hardware rather than a practical choice for a new multiboot drive.
Multiboot USB Flash Drive ISO Creator – XBOOT
XBOOT was designed to combine compatible Linux distributions, recovery environments, and diagnostic images on one multiboot USB drive or ISO. Its interface accepts ISO files and provides a way to build a boot menu, but compatibility depends on the individual image and its boot method. The final release dates to 2011, and the program does not support UEFI or Secure Boot.
About XBOOT Live USB Creator
XBOOT is a discontinued Windows utility intended to combine compatible bootable ISO files into one multiboot USB device or ISO image. Its legacy BIOS boot method excludes UEFI and Secure Boot systems, and compatibility with modern Windows releases has not been established. Use the archived download only if you understand these limitations and can test it on suitable older hardware.
XBOOT was intended for users maintaining older BIOS-based computers. Because it is discontinued, image compatibility varies, and the program has no UEFI or Secure Boot support, it should be treated as a legacy experiment rather than a dependable recovery or deployment tool.
Key Features of XBOOT
- Multiboot ISO Creation: Combine several bootable ISOs into a single multiboot USB or ISO image.
- Simple Drag and Drop Interface: Add ISO files quickly using the intuitive drag-and-drop GUI.
- Custom Boot Menu: Customize the GRUB or SYSLINUX bootloader for an organized boot menu.
- Boot ISO Testing via QEMU: Test your multiboot USB in a virtual machine environment before writing to a physical device.
- USB Formatting: Includes a formatting tool to prep your USB drive for multiboot use.
File Support and Compatibility
XBOOT accepts ISO files, but acceptance by the interface does not mean every image is bootable with its legacy BIOS menu. The project is no longer maintained, so there is no reliable current compatibility list. Test each image on the intended hardware and keep a separate recovery option available.
XBOOT Specifications and Download Info
- Developer: Shamur
Note: The original developer is no longer actively maintaining this project. An archived version is still available for download. - Archived Project Page: Visit Archived Site
- Extracted Size: 5.63 MB
- License: Freeware
- Supported Platforms: Legacy Windows versions; compatibility with current Windows releases is unverified
- Price: Free ($0 USD)
- Category: Bootable USB Software, ISO Utility, Multiboot Creators
- Download: Download XBOOT
XBOOT vs. Other Tools
XBOOT is no longer maintained, so it is not recommended for new multiboot builds. Newer tools like YUMI (Your Universal Multiboot Installer) offer extended functionality and modern OS support. YUMI supports persistent storage, Windows installer ISOs, and drag and drop ISO to USB support. It's actively maintained and updated to support UEFI booting, something XBOOT lacks.
Multiboot USB Tool Comparison: XBOOT vs YUMI vs Rufus
| Feature | XBOOT | YUMI | Rufus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiboot Support | ✔ Yes (Legacy BIOS only) | ✔ Yes (BIOS & UEFI) | ✘ No (Single ISO per USB) |
| Persistent Storage | ✘ No | ✔ Yes (for supported Linux ISOs) | ~ Limited (for Linux ISOs) |
| Drag and Drop Interface | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| UEFI Boot Support | ✘ No | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Test via Emulator | ✔ Yes (QEMU) | ✘ No | ✘ No |
| Windows Installer ISO Support | No (Windows PE only) | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Project Status | ✘ Discontinued | ✔ Active | ✔ Active |
| Platform | Windows | Windows/Linux via Wine | Windows |
| File System Formatting | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Boot Menu Customization | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is XBOOT used for?
XBOOT is a discontinued multiboot utility that combines selected ISO files into one legacy BIOS USB drive or ISO image. Whether a particular ISO boots depends on compatibility with its older boot menu and the target hardware.
Is XBOOT still being developed?
No, it is no longer actively developed. The original project website is archived. Beta 14, released in 2011, is the last known version. Its availability does not guarantee reliable operation on current Windows versions or every legacy BIOS computer.
Does XBOOT support UEFI boot?
No, it was built for BIOS-based systems and does not support UEFI natively. If you require UEFI support, consider using YUMI, which is actively maintained and supports modern hardware.
Can I use XBOOT to install Windows?
Technically, it can include Windows PE-based ISO files or recovery tools, but it is not designed to handle full Windows installer ISOs. For that purpose, it's better to use another tool like Rufus, Universal USB Installer, or YUMI which explicitly support Windows installation media.
Does XBOOT support persistent storage for Linux?
No, it does not support creating persistent storage for Linux distributions. If you need to save changes or files across reboots, tools like YUMI, Universal USB Installer, or Ventoy are better suited for persistent live USB setups.
How do I add ISO files to XBOOT?
Add ISO files that are compatible with XBOOT's legacy boot method, then review the entries and boot-menu options before creating the multiboot USB or ISO. Not every ISO is supported, and successful creation does not guarantee that the resulting drive will boot on a particular computer.
Can I test my multiboot USB before using it?
XBOOT includes a QEMU-based test option, but a successful virtual test does not guarantee compatibility with physical hardware. Check the finished drive on the target legacy BIOS computer before relying on it.
What types of ISOs are compatible with XBOOT?
Compatibility depends on each ISO's boot method and XBOOT's legacy BIOS loader. The archived beta has no maintained compatibility list, so do not assume that a particular distribution or recovery image will work. Test the exact image and target computer before relying on it.
Where can I download XBOOT?
You can download the last known version here:
Download XBOOT.
Please note this is a legacy version and is provided as is without any official support.
Is there a modern alternative to XBOOT?
Yes. For updated features, better compatibility with newer systems, and active development, consider these modern alternatives:
Final Thoughts
XBOOT is a discontinued beta-era multiboot utility with legacy BIOS support only. Its archived beta 14 release may be useful for examining older multiboot workflows, but current Windows compatibility and individual ISO support are not guaranteed. Its older interface and QEMU test option do not make it a reliable choice for new USB builds. If you're working with newer systems or require persistent storage or UEFI support, consider using a modern alternative.
