Linux USB boot

Question

Hi guys, can I download a Linux distro into an USB and boot it via USB without having to install permanently the OS? That in theory will make an old PC/laptop run smoother like with Ubuntu Cinnamon or Linux Mint.
Like for that session only use Linux OS to boot and then another user can come in use that PC and will never know I was running Linux with that same PC. Is that possible?
Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Probably one of the most often executed installation types... This is almost "default" except for all those, who are really working with Linux. Google for Lili USB Creator.

Answer 2

Bruno Coelho In addition to what has already been so well answered, you could also explore the following options if you are only using the Linux terminal:
- Bitnami Stacks (for Prebuilt VMs)
- Docker Containers with Kitematic
- Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2)
Each of these allow for Linux installations that can be loaded and then completely thrown away while remaining in your host Windows machine. Some or all might even support a USB boot option. I've never tried before.
There may also be options for installing Desktop GUI on WSL2. But it might not be prime time ready yet. I've not personally tried.
That said, you should be prepared for a steep learning curve if you've never worked with Linux before. However, the learning experience is well worth it if you have a high aptitude for picking up new things and a keen ability for searching what you need online. 😉

Answer 3

Aymane Boukrouh it's possible to have a writeable section on an live USB stick or to install a fully qualified OS onto the stick too (that's the way I use my default system)

Answer 4

PS: You'll only win some performance, if you're not trying to store too many data on the stick or you need at least USB 3.0. Otherwise installing Linux would be faster.

Answer 5

It would probably be a bad idea runnimg a Live OS, and will work slower than an installed OS.
Other than that, Live OS nevee saves the data, which means if you're using it for programming you will have to set it up everytime you boot into it.
If you're worried about damaging your Windows, then why not Dual Boot? It is pretty easy, and safe.

Answer 6

No, this is only true for live systems, but you can install a complete OS mutable on an USB stick.

Answer 7

Persistent volumes can be configured for every distro... Standard functionality of Lili as virtualbox too...

Answer 8

Thanks Sandra! I want to start playing with Linux but dont want to mess up the only Laptop I have at home for the other users that are used to Windows.

Answer 9

Sandra Meyer that would only allow you to save data, but not system configuration (I think). If for example you need to work with specific software (i.e a web server) you would have to set it up everytime you boot. If I'm wrong correct me as I am also interested.

Answer 10

Kode Krasher Unfortunately it's not available for Mac

Answer 11

Kode Krasher it was when I used it the last time, but I've only guided some people through it since I don't run any longer a windows for other purposes than testing since more than... 5 years... Lili was always a very comfortable and fast tool and it supports almost every distro explicit and (tried it) many of the "unsupported" distros can be installed successfully too. Lili is especially cool for all those people, who need a quick and user-friendly exit from windows 😉👍🙃

Answer 12

Invalid file format? 🤔 A web page for that stuff is a great idea!