Setting Up a Multiboot USB Drive with Ventoy

In this guide, you'll learn how to create a multiboot USB drive using Ventoy, giving you access to multiple operating systems such as Windows 10/11, Ubuntu, Pop!_OS, Arch Linux, Zorin OS, and Linux Mint—all from a single USB. With a 32GB USB 3.2 drive, you'll have the speed and space necessary to host these ISOs for smooth installation and troubleshooting.

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Why Choose Ventoy?

• No Need to Reformat: Simply copy ISO files to the USB.

• Support for UEFI and Legacy Boot: Works on both modern and older PCs.

• Large File Support: Easily handles ISO files larger than 4GB.

• Cross-Platform: Works with Linux, Windows, and utility ISOs.

• Persistent Storage: Optional persistence for Linux distros to save data across sessions.

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What You’ll Need

1. 32GB USB 3.2 drive (for faster boot and enough storage space).

2. Ventoy: Download from https://www.ventoy.net.

3. Operating System ISOs:

• Windows 10

• Windows 11

• Ubuntu

• Pop!_OS

• Arch Linux

• Zorin OS

• Linux Mint

4. A PC with BIOS/UEFI access for testing and installation.

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Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download and Install Ventoy

1. Download Ventoy from https://www.ventoy.net.

2. Extract the ZIP file to your PC.

1. Launch Ventoy2Disk.exe (for Windows) or the Linux version if you're using Linux.

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Step 2: Install Ventoy on the USB Drive

1. Insert your 32GB USB 3.2 drive.

2. In Ventoy’s interface:

• Select your USB drive from the list.

• Enable "Secure Boot Support" if your PC requires it.

3. Click Install (This will erase all data on the drive).

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Step 3: Add ISO Files to the USB

Once Ventoy is installed, your USB is ready to accept ISO files. Simply drag and drop your ISOs into the USB's root directory.

Here’s a recommended setup:

Operating System	ISO File Name	Size
Windows 10	Windows10.iso	~5GB
Windows 11	Windows11.iso	~5.5GB
Ubuntu 22.04	Ubuntu-22.04.iso	~4GB
Pop!_OS 22.04	Pop_OS.iso	~2.5GB
Arch Linux	ArchLinux.iso	~800MB
Zorin OS	Zorin-OS.iso	~5GB
Linux Mint	LinuxMint-21.2.iso	~2GB

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Step 4: Boot from the USB

1. Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI menu (usually by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC).

2. Select USB Boot from the boot menu.

3. The Ventoy boot menu will appear, listing all the ISO files you copied.

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Step 5: Install or Use the Operating Systems

• Use the arrow keys to select the OS you want to boot.

• Ventoy will load the selected ISO, allowing you to install or run the OS in live mode.

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Recommended OS Overview

1. Windows 10/11

Great for installing or troubleshooting Windows-based systems.

2. Ubuntu 22.04

A popular Linux distro for developers, beginners, and general-purpose use.

3. Pop!_OS 22.04

Perfect for gaming and creative work, with built-in Nvidia drivers.

4. Arch Linux

Ideal for experienced users who want a lightweight and customizable operating system.

5. Zorin OS

A beginner-friendly Linux distribution with a familiar Windows-like interface.

6. Linux Mint

Another beginner-friendly distro with a focus on usability and stability. Mint is an excellent choice for transitioning from Windows.

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Tips for an Optimal Multiboot Setup

1. Organize Your ISOs

• While Ventoy doesn’t require special folders, organizing ISOs into folders (e.g., Windows, Linux) helps keep things tidy.

2. Enable Persistence

• If you need to save session data for Linux distributions (like Ubuntu or Mint), Ventoy supports persistent storage. Follow the instructions in the Ventoy documentation to enable this feature.

3. Check for Compatibility

• Some systems may require switching between UEFI and Legacy modes. Ventoy supports both, but ensure your BIOS settings are configured properly.

4. Add Troubleshooting Tools

• Consider adding useful tools like Hiren’s BootCD or GParted to help with system repairs and partitioning.

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Troubleshooting

• ISO Not Showing in the Boot Menu: Ensure that the ISO is correctly copied to the USB.

• USB Not Booting:

• Verify your BIOS settings (check UEFI/Legacy mode).

• Try a different USB port (preferably USB 3.0 or higher).

• Slow Performance: If booting is slow, confirm you are using a USB 3.2 port for faster read speeds.

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Conclusion

With Ventoy and a 32GB USB 3.2 drive, you now have the flexibility to carry multiple operating systems like Windows 10/11, Ubuntu, Pop!_OS, Arch Linux, Zorin OS, and Linux Mint wherever you go. Whether you’re installing OSes, troubleshooting systems, or experimenting with Linux distributions, this setup ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Start building your multiboot USB today and unlock the power of having a portable, all-in-one operating system toolkit!