Here is the step by step guide on how to a create Multiboot USB. As we already know that we can use Programs like rufus, Win32 Disk Imager ISO, Balena Etcher and many other are use to write ISO image and make a USB drive bootable. But What if you can get a a USB drive with multiboot option ? What if you have a USB Drive that is bootable and can install windows 7, Windows 10, Ubuntu or any other OS ? Indeed that will be life saving for many of us.
So here in this article we will explore all the possible and available solution to create Multiboot USB drive step by step.
If you’re using windows OS than this will be lot simpler to you, because there is a tool available to create multiboot USB drive named WinSetupFromUSB. So Below are the step by step guide on how to use WinSetupFromUSB and create multiboot USB.
Step by step guide on how to create Multiboot USB drive
Step 1: Getting a flash drive to make it bootable.
The very first step is obviously to get a USB drive with best speed. I personally prefer USB 3.0 to get work done as the better the Hardware performance will also improve. You should also consider the available space as we have to write multiple ISO Files
A Pre Format is require; but most of the time the tool / software do the work. So Also check for any important file not stored in the USB Drive so you do not lose your important data.
Step 2: Download the Software to Create Multiboot USB drive
- Download WinSetupFromUSB. Extract this file.
- Connect the flash drive to your computer.
- Open WinSetupFromUSB. Open the 32-bit and 64-bit version according to your OS. It will work without any installation.
- Make sure your flash drive is listed and selected in the drop-down menu. Click Refresh, if it is not on the list.
- Tick Auto format it with FBinst.
Note: You have to tick this option only for the first ISO installation. Choose FAT32 if your computer is set to boot using UEFI mode or if UEFI sounds strange to your ears. Else, go with the NTFS option.
- Click Advanced options.
- Tick the Custom menu names for Vista/7/8/Server Source checkbox. Click the Cross (X) button to exit Advanced Options.
- To add the ISO file for your multiboot USB, tick the checkbox corresponding to OS under Add to USB disk subheading.
For example, I am using the Windows 8.1 ISO.
Note: If the size of your ISO is larger than 4 Gb, it will show a message to split the file into parts. This is because you’ve chosen the FAT32 option. Click OK.
Note: WinSetupFromUSB doesn’t support dual ISOs i.e. it can’t have 32-bit and 64bit version in a single ISO. It will show an error message.
- Click GO. A data deletion warning message will be displayed. This is because you’ve chosen to format the flash drive. Click Yes.
Note: Do remember to check the flash drive name before clicking Yes. Else, you’ll end up formatting some other connected storage media.
- Another warning message will be displayed telling you that all the partitions will be erased. Click Yes.
- Next, it will ask for the folder name. Type the desired one in 30 seconds or it’ll auto select. Click Ok.
- It will ask for the boot menu name. This will appear when you run the multiboot USB on some PC and choose an operating system. Type your desired name like Windows 8.1 64-bit. Click Ok.
- The process will take few minutes to finish.
- And a last popup will appeared for Job Done!
How to add the second ISO file in the Multiboot USB Disk?
- Start the tool again.
- Select your flash drive in the drop-down menu.
- Click Advanced Options and look for Custom menu names for Vista/7/8/10/Server Source.
- Don’t Click Auto format with FBinst. That’s because it will remove your previous ISO file.
- Add the second ISO file for your multiboot USB.
- Click GO and repeat the steps mentioned earlier.
Follow the same process to add more ISO files.