When it comes to formatting a PC or installing an operating system from scratch, it is common to use an ISO image mounted on a USB drive to boot the PC and initiate the installation process. However, if you need to install different operating systems, you would typically have to repeat the process or use separate USB drives. But what if we told you that you can have a single USB drive capable of storing multiple operating systems, allowing you to choose which one to install each time? In this article, we will show you how to accomplish this.
Whether it’s Windows 10, Windows 11, or a variety of Linux distributions, you can store them all on a single USB flash drive, provided you have enough available space to copy the ISO files. The process is surprisingly straightforward, and the key is to use the tool we will discuss below to create a boot menu that allows you to select the desired ISO image each time you boot.
Initially, you will need to prepare the USB drive by copying the ISO files of the operating systems you want to have available. This may require some time initially, but it will save you from having to repeat the entire process every time you want to switch to a different operating system. Ultimately, this approach will save you a significant amount of time in the long run.
USB drive with all operating systems is possible
The initial step is to gather the ISO files of the desired operating systems that you want to include. This process is relatively straightforward. For Linux distributions, you can visit their official websites, such as Ubuntu, which is one of the most popular, to download the ISO file. In the case of Windows, Microsoft provides the Windows 11 ISO for free on its website. If you require the Windows 10 ISO and don’t already have it, you can obtain it using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, although it may be a bit more complex compared to the direct download from the website.
To create a USB drive containing multiple operating systems, you will need a tool called Ventoy, which can be downloaded for free. Visit the provided link and select the version compatible with your operating system. After downloading, extract the contents of the ZIP file into a directory of your choice on your computer.
Next, insert the USB drive that you want to use for storing the operating systems into your PC. Run the Ventoy2Disk.exe file, which is a portable tool that doesn’t require installation. A window will appear, and you need to select the USB drive from the “Device” dropdown menu at the top. Then, click on the “Install” button to proceed with the installation process.
During the process, a warning will appear informing you that the existing data on the USB drive will be erased. Take this into consideration before proceeding. Click “Yes” to confirm and initiate the creation of the bootable drive. Once the process is complete, the USB drive will be named “Ventoy”. You can now copy the ISO files of the desired operating systems to the root directory of the USB drive.
With everything set up, insert the USB drive into your PC and start it. Make sure to set the BIOS settings to boot from USB. As the PC boots up, the Ventoy menu will appear, allowing you to select the operating system you want to install or run on your PC. Choose the desired option, and the installation process for the selected operating system will begin.
Isn’t it simple? Just download Ventoy, prepare a USB drive with it, and copy the ISOs of the operating systems onto the USB drive. That’s all it takes to start using it.
