How to Create Multiboot USB using Rufus, Ventoy or Yumi on Windows

In today’s digital age, where we use a variety of operating systems and tools, having a multiboot USB drive can be incredibly helpful. A multiboot USB drive allows you to boot into different operating systems and tools from a single USB drive. This is particularly useful for IT professionals, system administrators, or anyone who needs to troubleshoot different operating systems.

There are several tools available to create a multiboot USB drive, including Rufus, Ventoy, and Yumi. In this article, we will discuss each tool’s features and how to use them to create a multiboot USB drive on Windows 10/11.

What’s the Benefit of Multiboot USB?

Multiboot USB is a type of USB drive that can store multiple operating systems and boot into each one independently. This allows the user to have multiple operating systems in one device and switch between them quickly and easily. This is beneficial for users who need access to multiple different operating systems, or those who need to test different operating systems without having to install them on multiple devices.

Additionally, having multiple operating systems on one device can be helpful in the event of a system crash, as the user can switch to an alternate operating system without having to reinstall.

Is Multiboot USB Safe?

Creating and using a multiboot USB drive is generally safe, as long as you follow some basic precautions.

First and foremost, make sure that you obtain ISO files from trustworthy sources to avoid malware or viruses. Downloading ISO files from unknown sources can potentially introduce malicious code into your system. It is important to be mindful of any security vulnerabilities present in the operating systems you are using, as these can potentially be exploited by malicious actors.

It is also important to check that the ISO files you are using are compatible with the tool you are using to create the multiboot USB drive. Different tools may have different requirements and limitations, so it is essential to make sure that the ISO files you want to add to the drive are compatible.

In addition, you should always use a high-quality USB drive that is in good working condition. Using a faulty or low-quality USB drive can lead to errors or data corruption during the creation process, which can result in booting issues or system instability.

It is also a good idea to backup any critical data before creating a multiboot USB drive, as the process can overwrite data on the USB drive and potentially cause data loss.

5 Ways to Create Multiboot USB Flash Drive?

1. Create Multiboot USB using Rufus

Rufus is a popular open-source tool that allows you to create bootable USB drives from ISO files. Rufus is known for its ease of use and speed. It can create bootable USB drives for various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD.

One of the most notable features of Rufus is its ability to create a multiboot USB drive. Rufus has a built-in feature that allows you to add multiple ISO files to a single USB drive. This means you can create a USB drive that can boot into different operating systems or tools.

To create a multiboot USB drive with Rufus, follow these steps:

1. Download and install Rufus on your computer.
2. Insert your USB drive into your computer.
3. Open Rufus and select your USB drive from the device list.
4. Select the "Multiboot" option from the "Boot selection" drop-down menu.
5. Click the "Add" button and select the ISO files you want to add to the USB drive.
6. Click the "Start" button to create the multiboot USB drive.
7. Once the process is complete, you can boot from the USB drive and select the operating system or tool you want to use.

2. Create Windows Bootable USB Installer on Mac using WonderISO

WonderISO is an ISO file handling tool that enables users to perform various operations on ISO files such as editing, extracting, and burning them. It can also create ISO files from a CD/DVD or from files and folders on your computer.

One of its noteworthy features is the ability to create bootable USB or DVD drives directly from an ISO file. This is particularly useful when you need to install or reinstall an operating system such as Windows, Linux, or macOS.

WonderISO supports the creation, editing, extraction, and burning of large ISO files, including those larger than 4 GB. This feature makes it a versatile tool for handling ISO files of various sizes, including large files that contain comprehensive software programs, games, or operating systems.

Also read: How to Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installer on macOS

3. Create Multiboot USB using Ventoy

Ventoy is another popular open-source tool that allows you to create bootable USB drives. Ventoy is unique in that it does not require you to format the USB drive before creating a bootable drive. Instead, you can simply copy ISO files to the USB drive, and Ventoy will automatically detect and boot them.

Ventoy also allows you to create a multiboot USB drive. You can copy multiple ISO files to the USB drive, and Ventoy will display a menu of bootable options when you boot from the USB drive.

To create a multiboot USB drive with Ventoy, follow these steps:

1. Download and install Ventoy on your computer.
2. Insert your USB drive into your computer.
3. Open Ventoy and select your USB drive from the device list.
4. Copy the ISO files you want to add to the USB drive.
5. Eject the USB drive and boot your computer from the USB drive.
6. Ventoy will display a menu of bootable options. Select the operating system or tool you want to use.

4. Create Multiboot USB using Yumi

Yumi, short for "Your Universal Multiboot Installer," is a free tool that allows you to create a multiboot USB drive. Yumi supports a wide range of operating systems, tools, and utilities, making it a popular choice among IT professionals and system administrators.

Yumi has a user-friendly interface that allows you to easily add multiple ISO files to a single USB drive. You can also customize the boot menu and add additional tools and utilities.