Unetbootin (Universal Netboot Installer) is a Live USB boot maker tool that can be used to quickly and easily make a Bootable USB flash drive from a single Linux ISO file. It is a cross platform Live USB generation tool supporting Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems.
Unetbootin (Universal Netboot Installer)
What is Unetbootin?
UNetbootin, short for "Universal Netboot Installer," is a free and open source software tool that allows users to create bootable Live USB drives for various Linux distributions and other operating systems. It simplifies the process of installing or trying out different operating systems without the need for a CD/DVD drive.
Its key features include:
- Cross Platform OS Compatibility: Available for use in Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it a versatile tool for users on different operating systems.
- Wide Range of Supported Linux Distributions: The tool supports a variety of Live Linux distributions, allowing users to easily create bootable USB drives for their preferred distribution. Like the YUMI and UUI tools, additional information regarding each Linux distribution is offered including a brief description and a link the official webpage for each. Enabling users to discover and learn more about new Linux distros that they may have never heard of.
- Custom ISO Support: Users can provide their own ISO files, expanding the tool's usability beyond pre configured distributions.
- User Friendly GUI: It offers a straightforward and friendly graphical user interface, making it accessible for beginners and experienced users alike.
- Live USB Creation: It creates bootable Live USB drives, enabling users to run or install operating systems directly from the USB drive without altering their computer's existing local drive setup.
- No Installation Required: Is a portable utility that does not require installation onto a PC. Users can run it directly after downloading, simplifying the process.
- Download Distributions: Can automatically fetch and download popular Linux distributions if users don't have the ISO file stored locally.
- Persistence Option: Supports a Linux persistence feature where available, allowing users to save changes and data between sessions when using the Live USB.
- Open Source: Open source software, meaning its source code is freely available, and users can inspect, modify, redistribute or contribute to it.
It's important to note that UNetbootin is primarily designed for Linux distributions, and its support for non Linux operating systems is minimal. Additionally only one Linux distribution can be stored and run from a flash drive. Unlike tools such as YUMI Multiboot USB Creator or UUI USB Boot Maker.
UNetbootin Alternatives: YUMI and RUFUS
While UNetbootin is a versatile tool for creating bootable USB drives, other popular tools like YUMI and RUFUS offer distinct features that may better suit certain use cases. Here's a breakdown of how these tools compare in terms of functionality, user interface, and features:
What is YUMI?
YUMI (Your Universal Multiboot Installer) is a powerful tool that allows users to create multiboot USB drives capable of holding multiple operating systems, utilities, and diagnostic tools. YUMI is especially suited for users who need to boot into various Live OS environments, Windows Installers or tools using one single USB drive.
What is RUFUS?
RUFUS is a lightweight tool designed to quickly create bootable USB drives from ISO files. It excels in simplicity, making it a great choice for creating a single use bootable drive for Windows installation or running a Linux Live distribution.
Here's a Comparison Table of these three:
| Feature | UNetbootin | YUMI | RUFUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Bootable USB for Linux distributions | Multiboot USB with multiple OS or tools | Bootable USB for Windows/Linux installations |
| Platform Compatibility | Windows, Linux, macOS | Windows, Linux | Windows |
| Persistence Support | Yes (for Linux distributions) | Yes (for Linux distributions) | No |
| Multiboot Support | No | Yes | No |
| Speed | Moderate | Moderate | Fast |
| File System Support | FAT32 | FAT32, NTFS, exFAT | FAT32, NTFS, exFAT |
| Ease of Use | User friendly GUI | Beginner friendly GUI | Minimalistic GUI |
Which Tool Should You Choose?
Choosing the right tool depends on your specific needs:
- UNetbootin: Great for creating bootable USB drives for single Linux distributions.
- YUMI: Ideal for creating "multiboot USB" drives with multiple Linux and Windows operating systems along with other bootable utilities.
- RUFUS: Good for creating a single OS bootable drive quickly. Especially user friendly for beginners working from within Windows.
Each tool has its strengths, and understanding your use case will help you decide the best fit for your requirements.
UNetbootin Specifications and Download
- Official Site: Project Page
- Author/Developer: Created by Geza Kovacs
- Release Date: First released October 10, 2007
- File Size: 4.6 MB
- License: Open Source
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Linux, Mac OS
- Price Currency: USD
- Price: $0 Free
- Application Category: UtilitiesApplication, bootable USB software
- Editor's Rating: 4 Star ★★★★☆
- Downloading: You can get this bootable USB creator tool here:
Netbootin Download