Ventoy: A Versatile Bootable USB Solution
Overview
Ventoy is an open-source tool for creating bootable USB drives. Unlike traditional methods that require reformatting, Ventoy allows users to copy multiple ISO files to a USB drive and boot directly from them without extraction.
Features
- Multi-Boot Support: Store and boot multiple ISO/WIM/VHD(x)/EFI files on a single USB drive.
- No Need for Extraction: Simply copy ISO files to the drive and boot.
- Persistence Support: Create persistent storage for supported Linux distributions.
- UEFI & Legacy BIOS Support: Compatible with both boot modes.
- ISO Auto-Detection: Ventoy scans and lists available ISOs at boot time.
- Plugin System: Extend functionality with plugins for customization.
- Secure Boot Support: Optionally sign Ventoy for secure boot environments.
Installation
- Download Ventoy from the official site: https://www.ventoy.net
- Prepare the USB Drive:
Replace
sudo ./Ventoy2Disk.sh -i /dev/sdX # Linux Ventoy2Disk.exe -i X: # Windows
** or **
with the correct USB drive identifier. - Copy ISO Files: Drag and drop ISO files onto the formatted USB drive.
- Boot from USB: Select the USB drive in the BIOS/UEFI boot menu.
Usage
- To add more ISOs, simply copy them to the USB drive; no need to reinstall Ventoy.
- Rename or organize ISOs within directories for better management.
- Use the
VentoyPlugson
tool to configure persistence and other settings.
Advanced Options
- Persistence: Create
.json
configuration files to enable persistence for supported Linux distributions. - Custom Themes: Modify
ventoy.json
to change the boot menu appearance. - Secure Boot: Sign the Ventoy EFI file or disable Secure Boot in the BIOS.
Compatibility
Ventoy supports hundreds of operating systems, including:
- Windows (XP/7/8/10/11, Server versions)
- Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, Kali, etc.)
- BSD systems
- WinPE and rescue disks
Conclusion
Ventoy is an efficient, versatile tool for managing bootable USB drives. With its multi-boot capabilities, persistent storage, and extensive OS compatibility, it is an essential utility for IT professionals, system administrators, and enthusiasts.