To fix computer problems, studies or even to perform tasks where Windows does not go so well, a common solution is to run Linux. Generally, to facilitate, people prefer to start this system from a pen drive, not having to complete their installation in HD.
If you usually use more than one Linux distribution, an interesting alternative is to create a multiboot pen drive, that is, you do not need to have a dedicated pen drive for each distribution. Here’s how to put more than one Linux distribution on a thumb drive to boot.
Choosing distros and Pendrive
Before proceeding to the walkthrough, you need to get the ISO files of the distributions to be installed from the pen drive. If you are in doubt about which distribution to use, be sure to check out these lists elaborated by Tech Khiladi:
When making the choice of the pen drive, do not forget that the space for storage must be superior to the value added of the two distributions. Also, before starting the procedure below, be sure to leave the formatted pen drive.
How to create the USB stick for booting with more than one Linux distribution
To accomplish this task it is necessary to obtain a specific program, which will create a boot menu on pen drive where the distribution can be selected. Check out how to do the process:
- Access this link and download the program MultiBootUSB;
- Perform the installation of the program and open it;
- In the initial screen of the program, in “Select USB disk”, choose the pen drive that will receive the distributions. Then click “Browse” next to “Select image”, select distribution in ISO format and click “Install distro”;
- In the message that appears, click “Yes” and wait for the process to take place. If the program seems to be stuck, just wait, this problem is normal;
- When the process finishes, once again click “Browse” next to “Select image”, select the file from the other distribution and click “Install distro”.
Once you have performed the above process, simply place the pen drive on the computer where you want to use Linux and put the boot priority to the USB drive.
Ready! Now, you already know how to have a USB stick to use more than one Linux distribution at the same time. Finally, even through the “Boot ISO/USB” tab, you can test the pen drive created in a QEMU virtual machine.
If you need help, have doubts or concerns, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the comment box below and we will try to help you as soon as possible!