How can I Multi-boot Windows 10 and Multiple Linux Distributions from the Same USB Drive?

Multibooting allows users to have various operating systems at their fingertips, facilitating quick and easy switching between different environments. This article provides step-by-step guidance on multibooting Windows 10 and multiple Linux distributions from a single USB drive using tools like Ventoy and YUMI.

Requirements

To set up a multibooting USB drive, you will need:

USB Drive: A USB drive with at least 16GB of storage. ISO Files: Download the ISO files for Windows 10 and the Linux distributions you wish to use. Multiboot Tool: Software like Ventoy, YUMI, or Rufus for Windows.

Method 1: Using Ventoy

Ventoy is a popular tool that simplifies the process of creating a multibooting USB drive.

1. Download Ventoy

Go to the Ventoy GitHub releases page and download the latest version.

2. Install Ventoy

Extract the downloaded zip file. Run Ventoy2Disk.exe for Windows or the corresponding script for Linux. Select your USB drive and click on the Install button. This will format your drive. Ensure to back up any important data.

3. Add ISO Files

Once Ventoy is installed, simply copy the ISO files of Windows 10 and the Linux distributions you added directly to the USB drive. No need to extract the ISOs; place them in the root directory of the USB drive.

4. Boot from USB

Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. You should see a menu listing all the ISOs you added. You can select any of them to boot.

Method 2: Using YUMI

YUMI is another tool that allows for multibooting USB drives, particularly for Linux distributions.

1. Download YUMI

Go to the YUMI website and download the latest version.

2. Install YUMI

Run the YUMI utable. Choose your USB drive from the dropdown menu.

3. Create a Multiboot Drive

Select the Linux distribution you want to add from the list. You can also browse for an ISO file. Follow the prompts to install the selected ISO to the USB drive. Repeat this process for each Linux distribution you want to add.

4. Add Windows 10

YUMI does not support Windows installation ISOs directly. However, you can use the Ventoy method mentioned earlier to add Windows 10.

5. Boot from USB

Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive to access the menu and select the desired OS.

Additional Tips

BIOS Settings: Ensure that your BIOS/UEFI settings allow booting from USB and that the boot order is correctly set. Persistence: If you want to save changes in your Linux distros, you may need to create persistent storage. Ventoy supports persistence for certain Linux distributions, while YUMI also has an option during the setup. Backup Data: Always back up any important data on your USB drive before formatting.

Using tools like Ventoy or YUMI simplifies the process of creating a multibooting USB drive with Windows 10 and multiple Linux distributions. Choose the tool that best fits your needs and follow the steps outlined to create your multibooting setup.