Boot-US

Overview

Boot-US is a boot manager for starting existing operating systems independently on the same x86 machine. It supports both BIOS and UEFI, and can manage multiple separate Windows installations alongside other operating systems. Its scope extends beyond choosing what to boot: the package also includes tools for viewing partition details, hiding partitions, and backing up or restoring entire disks and partitions.

The program supports disks of any size formatted with MBR or GPT. Configuration is handled through a graphical program for Windows or command-line versions for Windows and 64-bit Linux. The site identifies version 4.2.4 as its current release, including a 64-bit Linux command-line version and a service that restores UEFI variables when Windows starts and shuts down. SHA256 values are provided for downloads of that version.

Boot-US is made by Dr. Ulrich Straub in Gärtringen, Germany. The license information says the software is provided as-is, without warranty, and used at the user's own risk; the site recommends reviewing its safe-use guidance before installation.

Key features

• BIOS and UEFI booting: Supports both firmware modes on x86 machines, with boot-entry editing, boot repair, and boot-menu customization listed among its capabilities.
• Independent operating systems: Lets users select operating systems independently and supports multiple separate Windows systems.
• MBR and GPT disks: Works with disks of any size using either partitioning format.
• Partition and disk tools: Provides partition-detail viewing and partition hiding, along with whole-disk and partition backup and restore functions.
• Windows and Linux configuration: Combines a graphical Windows configuration program with command-line programs for Windows and 64-bit Linux.
• Password protection: Password protection is available for the boot manager and configuration program, though several password-related functions require a version 4 license.

Pricing

Boot-US is freemium, with a free plan for private PCs and public schools. The non-licensed package may be used without charge in those settings and may be tested free for one month. A license is required to keep using it on commercially used PCs after the trial. Licenses cover a specified number of PCs.

The listed pricing note says paid plans start from €24.50, while the plan details list prices in USD. Licensed users' questions are expected to receive an answer within a working day; responses to non-licensed users may take from one day to a week.

Platforms

Boot-US supports Linux and Windows. Its graphical configuration program is for Windows; command-line versions are available for Windows and 64-bit Linux. Booting support covers BIOS and UEFI on x86 machines.

Who it's for

Boot-US is suited to people who need to manage multiple operating systems on one x86 computer, particularly separate Windows installations, and want boot management combined with partition and disk backup tools. The free-use terms cover private PCs and public schools, while commercial use beyond the one-month trial requires an appropriately sized license. Schools can also ask about school licenses on the listed multi-PC plans.

Pros and cons

• Pros: BIOS and UEFI support; MBR and GPT support; configuration options for Windows and 64-bit Linux; partition and whole-disk backup and restore; a free-use option for private PCs and public schools.
• Cons: Commercial use requires a license after one month; several password-protection functions require a version 4 license; the software is provided without warranty and used at the user's own risk.

Alternatives

For other options, compare Clover Bootloader, rEFInd, Visor Boot Manager, EasyBCD, and EasyUEFI. For bootable media and repair-oriented tools, see Ventoy, Boot-Repair, and Easy2Boot. Browse more options in Boot Manager Software.

Verdict

Boot-US brings multiboot management and practical disk utilities into one package, with both BIOS and UEFI support and configuration routes for Windows and 64-bit Linux. Its free terms are narrow but useful for private PCs and public schools; commercial users should account for the one-month trial and per-PC licensing. The disk backup and restore tools broaden its role beyond boot selection, but the no-warranty terms make it important to read the safe-use guidance before installing or changing boot and partition settings.