Creating a bootable USB from an ISO file is easy with the right tools. Whether you're looking to install a new operating system or need a rescue disk, a bootable USB is a versatile tool to have in your tech arsenal. Here's how to make a bootable flash drive from an ISO file.

Why You Need a Bootable USB Flash Drive

Installations from a USB flash drive have become one of the easiest ways to update your computer with a new operating system and are an essential tool for anyone who regularly works with computers. A USB installation is quick, extremely portable, and has the bonus of reverting to a storage device following the installation. See our introduction to using flash drives on Windows 10 if you need some background.

You'll find a fair few ISO to USB tools out there, and they feature a range of tools for beginners and advanced users.

A Mini-Glossary of ISO-to-USB Tool Terminology

Before we plow into the testing phase, there are a handful of ISO-to-USB acronyms that it's handy to know, plus a few other bits of ISO-to-USB jargon we'll clear up.

  • Bootloader: The bootloader loads the operating system. Some ISO-to-USB tools allow you to choose the bootloader you'll need for your desired operating system installation.
  • Grub4dos: A bootloader package that allows users to select between multiple operating systems installed on a single system, typically known as dual-booting. It's worth noting that dual booting and virtual machines aren't one and the same.
  • Syslinux: A lightweight bootloader package that allows users to select between multiple Linux or Unix installations. You can also create a multiboot ISO to USB installer containing multiple installation options.
  • QEMU: Short for Quick Emulator, QEMU is a hardware virtualization tool. In this context, users can test their USB before proceeding with the burn process.
  • Cluster Size: Defines the smallest available space for storing data. Instead of assigning individual disk sectors, the file system assigns contiguous groups of sectors, called clusters.
  • File System: Controls how data is accessed and stored. Without it, your data would lump together with no beginning or end. A file system defines easy access. There are different file systems available, though your burning tool should discern your requirements via the ISO you use.
  • Bad Sector: Some ISO to USB tools allow you to perform a bad sector check. The software will scan your USB before the burn commences, fixing any irregularities to ensure a smooth installation. It is somewhat like defragmenting your desktop but on a much smaller scale. There are several ways to fix a bad sectors error.
  • Bootable Pendrive: Another way to refer to a USB drive you can use to boot your system from or install a new operating system. This article refers to it as a bootable USB, but others may refer to it as a bootable pendrive.

Want the TL;DR? Check out the best ISO-to-USB comparison video below, featuring ISO burning times for each of the tools. Unfortunately, WinToFlash has ceased development since the publication of this video.

1. Rufus

Features: Partition schemes, file systems, automatic ISO detection, target system type, mode of bootable, bad sector checks, ISO write mode

First up, Rufus. Rufus is a very small executable that has consistently improved its offerings over the years. Along with standard ISO to USB options such as cluster size and file system, Rufus automatically detects settings for the ISO you select and fills in the optimal settings. Furthermore, Rufus has a hidden Advanced Mode with a bunch of extra options.

Download: Rufus for Windows (Free)

2. Windows USB/DVD Download Tool

windows 7 usb dvd download tool

Features: None

The Windows USB/DVD has been discontinued, but you can still download and use it via the link at the bottom of this section.

It is a basic tool. You select your ISO. You select your media type; USB or DVD. You click Begin Copying, and off it goes. In what is the most basic of basic UIs, and with only two options, the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool is almost sublimely simple, comparable only to ISO to USB. This makes it a good tool for installing Windows 10 from a USB drive.

Download: Windows USB/DVD Download Tool for Windows (Free)

3. RMPrepUSB

rmprep usb with settings may 2023

Features: Bootloader options, file systems and overrides, grub4dos, syslinux, QEMU

RMPrepUSB is one of the most complete ISO to USB packages on this list. Aside from the features above, it comes packed with a host of other bootloaders, DiskDoctor, Speed Tests, and individual user configurations for frequently prepared drives.

Download: RMPrepUSB for Windows (Free)

4. YUMI

yumi iso to usb updated exfat version

Features: Multiboot, ISO auto-download, support for larger ISO files

YUMI (Your Universal Multiboot Installer) is another multiboot ISO to USB installer with settings for a vast range of Linux, Windows, and system utility ISOs. YUMI is easy to use. You scroll down the distribution list, check for the ISO you want, and select the corresponding ISO on your system from the box below. Don't have the ISO? YUMI will take care of that for you.

You should also note that there are now two versions of YUMI. The original version, pictured below, only supports ISOs up to 4GB. The new version, pictured above, supports ISOs larger than 4GB.

yumi pendrive iso to usb tool

Download: YUMI for Windows (Free)

5. Balena Etcher

balena etcher windows drive settings may 2023

Features: Cross-platform support, direct flash from URLs, drive validation, drive cloning

The basic, straightforward UI is the first feature to strike you when you launch Etcher. There are few buttons to press, which makes Etcher a great tool for burning ISOs to USB with minimal fuss. Etcher is also useful for another reason: it's a cross-platform tool available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can use the same ISO to USB burning tool on any hardware.

Other features that make Etcher a great ISO to USB burning tool include drive validation after the ISO burn finishes (which means your drive will boot without corruption) and the option to burn ISOs straight from the internet.

Download: Balena Etcher for Windows (Free)

6. UNetbootin

unetbootin iso to usb tool

Features: grub4dos, ISO auto-download (Linux only), syslinux

UNetbootin is primarily a Linux LiveUSB burning tool, but it works sufficiently well with Windows to deserve inclusion in this list. The UNetbootin utility isn't flashy but comes with a few nifty features. For instance, it has an auto-download feature for Linux distributions, letting you select from a range of popular distros and system utility tools.

Download: UNetbootin for Windows (Free)

What's the Best ISO-to-USB Burning Tool?

Depending on your specific needs and the complexity of the task, the ideal ISO-to-USB tool can vary. While Rufus offers a wide range of features and excellent usability, YUMI is the fastest. Other tools like RMPrepUSB and Etcher also provide robust features that may suit different users' needs. The best ISO-to-USB tool depends on your specific use case, but you cannot go wrong with Rufus.

Other ISO-to-USB Tools to Consider

We've tested many more ISO-to-USB tools to bring you the best overall picture possible. Unfortunately, a few tools didn't make the grade for one reason or another. Here are the fallen few:

  • XBoot is another multiboot tool featuring an inbuilt download, but other options were faster and somewhat easier to use. However, XBOOT's QEMU function is excellent.
  • WinToBootic fits comfortably into the basic features category and clocked a decent time, too.
  • Passcape ISO Burner is a multifunction burning tool, but it wouldn't work for me. However, I have read other positive reviews, so it could be worth a look for other individuals.
  • ISO to USB is another very basic tool. However, it didn't make the cut through a slow time and lack of features.
  • FlashBoot has a decent UI and a burning wizard to guide you through, but I gave up on the test as it had not even hit 50% after nearly 40 minutes.
  • UltraISO burned the ISO-to-USB at a reasonable speed and has the bonus of mounting ISOs before burning to check their files.

Choosing the Right ISO-to-USB Tool

Regardless of which tool you choose, creating a bootable USB from an ISO file is a valuable skill that can help you install new operating systems, troubleshoot existing ones, and more. Tools like Rufus, Etcher, and the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool are extremely easy to use, and making burning an ISO to USB a straightforward process.