Summary

Need to install an operating from USB or flash storage?

You’ll need to copy its ISO image file to the media first.

This handy, free ISO-burning tool works with multiple operating systems and is super simple to use.

storage devices with laptop

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Download:Etcher(Free)

Simply click theDownloadbutton.

The website will detect your operating system and ensure the right version downloads.

On Windows and macOS, you’ll need to install Etcher.

balena etcher home 2024

Linux users with a system that accepts AppImage files can double-tap the downloaded file to run Etcher.

Wait while this is complete, as there will also be a verification stage.

The app will inform you when the process completes.

Select target to flash

Only then should you eject the USB stick or SD card.

Instead, it will be available as a downloadable file.

Open your net net app on the web page that provides the ISO files URL.

Write ISO to USB with Etcher

Don’t attempt to eject the USB or SD flash media until the process is complete.

You could even use Etchers clone feature to back up a Raspberry Pis SD card.

Begin by ensuring the drive youre writing to has the capacity to hold the contents of the source drive.

Clone ISO image from website to USB

Also, check that both devices are connected to your gear.

Then:

Wait for the process to complete.

When the process is complete, the target drive will have a complete clone of the source drive.

Clone a disk image in Etcher

This can be used to restore the disk in the event of failure, for example.

These are accessed by hitting the cog in the top-right corner of the app window.

The first of these prefs is a privacy option.

Etcher settings

you could disable this, but Etcher is set toAnonymously report errors and usage statistics to balena.ioby default.

The other setting is for updates.

What Is the Best Way to Write an ISO to USB?

For example, Linux, macOS, andWindows installations can be converted into a disk image.

This can then be used as a backup, ready to image one or more new computers.

Meanwhile, you canuse the dd command to write data to a USB stick in Linuxand macOS.

It’s also available for all desktop operating systems.