UNetbootin
- Android app
- Not listed
- Free plan
- Yes
- Runs on
- Linux, Mac, Windows
Summary
UNetbootin creates bootable Live USB drives for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions, so users can prepare an installation without burning a CD. It can download a supported distribution or use a Linux ISO already on the computer, with a USB drive or hard disk as the target. Built-in downloads include Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux, Linux Mint and FreeBSD, as well as system utilities such as Parted Magic, SystemRescueCD and rescue disks. The project says most Linux ISO files should work, though some need extra boot options or modifications and some will not boot from USB as-is. Non-Linux operating system ISOs are not expected to work because they use a different boot mechanism. Linux download options include 32-bit and 64-bit binaries, packages for several distributions, an Ubuntu PPA and source code. UNetbootin is free, and donations are accepted. Its source is available on GitHub under GNU GPL Version 2 or above.
Who it is for
UNetbootin suits people preparing a bootable Linux installation or system utility from a USB drive or hard disk. It is available for Linux, macOS and Windows.
What is good
- Can download supported distributions or use local Linux ISOs
- Built-in downloads include major Linux distributions
- Can load listed system utilities
- Free, with source code available
What to know first
- Non-Linux operating system ISOs are not expected to work
- Some Linux ISOs need extra options or modifications
- Some ISOs cannot boot from USB as-is
Verdict
UNetbootin offers a free route to preparing bootable media for supported Linux distributions and listed system utilities. Check whether a particular ISO works as-is; the project warns that some require changes and non-Linux ISOs are not expected to work.
UNetbootin plans and pricing
All plansCompared on bootable USB software
- Free plan
- Yesunetbootin.github.io
- Windows app
- Yesunetbootin.github.io
- macOS app
- Yesunetbootin.github.io
- Linux app
- Yesunetbootin.github.io
- Persistent storage
- Yesunetbootin.github.io
- Image downloads
- bothunetbootin.github.io
- Partition schemes
- mbr_onlyunetbootin.github.io
Facts
- Purpose
- UNetbootin creates bootable Live USB drives for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions without burning a CD.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Image sources
- It can download a supported distribution or use a Linux ISO file already on the computer.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Install targets
- The usage instructions list a USB drive or hard disk as the target.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Distribution support
- Built-in download support includes Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux, Linux Mint, FreeBSD, and other listed distributions.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Other images
- The site says most Linux ISO files should work, but some require extra boot options or modifications and some cannot boot from USB as-is.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Operating system limit
- The site says not to expect non-Linux operating system ISOs to work because they use a different boot mechanism.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- System utilities
- The product can also load listed system utilities such as Parted Magic, SystemRescueCD, and rescue disks.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Linux downloads
- The Linux downloads page lists an Ubuntu PPA, 32-bit and 64-bit binaries, packages for several distributions, and source code.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Command line
- The FAQ links to command-line options, including a targetdrive option when a target drive is not detected.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Security statement
- The FAQ states that antivirus warnings about Trojan.generic can be false positives related to the auto-uninstall feature and recommends downloading from the official site.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Source and license
- The project source code is available on GitHub and the site identifies the software license as GNU GPL Version 2 or above.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Support
- The FAQ directs users to GitHub Issues for bug reports and GitHub Pull Requests for patches.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
- Maker
- The site credits Geza Kovacs as the person who created and wrote UNetbootin.unetbootin.github.io · 30 Sept 2026
Best UNetbootin alternatives
See all 12
Where it ranks on Everything Xiaomi
Is UNetbootin yours?
Claim it for free: prove the domain, then correct facts, plans and screenshots. An editor reviews every change.
Sources
- unetbootin.github.io· checked 30 Sept 2026
- unetbootin.github.io/linux_download.html· checked 30 Sept 2026