Buzz
Whether you're exploring Linux or setting up Windows, crafting a bootable drive can be a frustrating task. Imagine formatting a drive just once and then effortlessly dragging ISO files onto it to boot directly. This is the innovative solution Ventoy provides.
Why would someone need an external drive packed with bootable operating systems? For starters, it's an enjoyable way to experiment with various OS options without permanent installation. Many Linux distributions allow you to test them in a live environment before committing—Ventoy speeds this up by eliminating the need to rewrite the image each time. Additionally, it simplifies managing a library of installable operating systems on a single device, ideal for those who frequently troubleshoot or repair computers.
Once configured, a dedicated partition allows you to place ISO, WIM, IMG, VHD(x), and EFI files. This approach should theoretically support any bootable image—check the list of tested ISOs for compatibility. Note that macOS is unsupported, and Ventoy cannot be used to boot on Mac devices.
To begin,
Choose the drive you wish to use and click Install. Ventoy will partition the drive into two sections—one for booting and a larger partition for storing your image files. You can add as many images as you like to this partition. Additionally, you can organize the images into folders, as Ventoy will scan sub-folders for compatible files.
I added several popular Linux distributions and a Windows 11 installer to my drive for testing. After restarting my computer and booting from the drive, all the ISO files appeared as selectable options immediately.
I tested each option and confirmed they booted seamlessly, just as if they had been written directly to the drive. This method will now be my preferred approach for testing Linux live environments and installing operating systems on PCs.
