Install Ubuntu Operating System on USB Drive for Troubleshooting

Summary: Know how to install Ubuntu on a USB drive to troubleshoot system issues. Follow step-by-step instructions to create a bootable USB and run Ubuntu without affecting your installed Operating System. ...

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Instructions

Do you want to exclude your installed operating System as the cause of an issue? Why not use an operating system on a USB drive? Here is how you can do that with Ubuntu Linux.

Table of Content:

What is Ubuntu to Go?

Ubuntu Linux is a free to use operating system. It can be downloaded at no cost and can run from a USB drive. This can be helpful to test a system if errors occur and you want to exclude the installed operating system.

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Download and Preparation of the USB Drive

To use Ubuntu, you must prepare a USB drive and get the Ubuntu Setup ISO. We use Rufus as an example of how to create the bootable USB drive. You can use every tool you like to merge the ISO file to the USB drive.

NOTE: Dell does not endorse this software, and using it is at your own risk.
  1. Download the Ubuntu ISO File
    • Connect your USB drive.
    • Browse to ubuntu.com/downloads and click Ubuntu Desktop.
    • Click the download button.
    • At the next page, you can donate to the Ubuntu team or scroll down and click "Not now, take me to the download" to proceed without donating.
  2. Merge ISO and USB drive
    • Open Rufus or the Tool you want to use to merge the ISO File to the USB Key.
    • Choose the downloaded Ubuntu ISO and the USB Drive you want to use.
      NOTE: The USB drive is erased during this process, backup needed data before you proceed.
    • Click start and let the process finish.
      Rufus Main Window
      Image 1: Rufus Main Window with a description of needed Steps

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Start and use Ubuntu from a USB drive

Connect the USB drive and start the system. At the Dell logo, press F12 multiple times.

Choose the USB drive in the BIOS boot menu.
Boot menu
Image 2: Boot menu

When Linux starts, you are prompted to install Ubuntu and choose test Ubuntu instead.
Linux boot menu
Image 3: Linux boot menu

You now have started a fully operational Ubuntu Linux running on your USB drive.

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Additional Information

There is a setup file on the Ubuntu desktop if you want to install Ubuntu afterwards.
Ubuntu Desktop Setup File
Image 4: Ubuntu Desktop Set-up File

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Affected Products

Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, Laptops, G Series, Alienware, Dell Plus, Dell Pro , Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Latitude Tablets, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000119771
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 22 Jul 2025
Version:  10
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