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Joe Wainer

Updated last week

Fast and reliable USB installer builder

Rufus is a lightweight utility designed for creating bootable USB drives from ISO files, widely recognized for its reliability in preparing installation media for operating systems. It is essential for users who need quick and efficient tools to install or repair Windows or Linux systems, making it a popular choice among both casual users and IT professionals.

The software remains free and portable, eliminating installation hurdles while providing essential features like automatic drive detection and multiple filesystem support. Rufus allows for easy setup of BIOS or UEFI bootable drives, giving users confidence in handling system installations safely and efficiently.

Advantages offered by modern bootable USB utilities

Rufus offers versatile features for writing ISO files to USB drives, including support for FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, UDF, or ReFS. Users can create bootable media for Windows, Linux distributions, or DOS environments, accommodating BIOS and UEFI systems. This flexibility ensures broad compatibility and practical use for different installation scenarios. For comparison, alternatives like balenaEtcher and Ventoy exist, but this software’s speed and reliability make it stand out for frequent use.

Its usability is straightforward, supported by a portable design and simple interface that help users work with ease. Performance is often faster than similar tools, enabling efficient creation of installation media. Optional checksum verification reduces risks from corrupted files. However, users must configure the file system and partition scheme carefully, as incorrect choices can lead to boot failures or unusable drives in a range of situations.

The software delivers a smooth user experience by automatically detecting the connected drive, allowing configuration of partition schemes and target systems with ease. It remains free to use and open-source, supporting many devices without installation. While alternatives offer similar capabilities, this tool excels in reliability, portability, and speed, making it a dependable choice for users managing operating system installations across a variety of everyday and professional scenarios.

Essential tool for creating bootable drives

Rufus combines speed, versatility, and reliability for crafting bootable USB drives efficiently. Its support for multiple filesystems, BIOS/UEFI compatibility, portable operation, and free usage make it an indispensable tool for anyone preparing or repairing operating systems. The software’s simple yet powerful features ensure that installations are smooth and dependable, solidifying it as a must-have utility for both personal and professional system management tasks.

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Joe Wainer

    Joe Wainer is a content writer with a strong interest in technology and software. He enjoys exploring new apps, games, and tools, translating his findings into reviews that are clear and accessible. His background also includes coding projects, adding practical insight to his evaluations.

    • Pros

      • Easy setup and installation
      • Runs Windows 10 from a flash drive
      • Automatically detects USB
      • Supports Windows To Go
    • Cons

      • Requires large storage space
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     0/6

    App specs

    Also available in other platforms

    Program available in other languages



    User reviews about Rufus

    4.2

    2 reviews

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    Main reviews for you

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      Anonymous user

      I would need a little more detailed instructions how to create a multiboot USB with Rufus since the procedure is a bit confusing here. On some other web I found that Rufus should allow creating multiboot by selecting 'Multiboot' in the 'boot selection' menu but the latest version 3.22 doesn't offer such option. Looks like one iso per usb with destroying all the current data on the stick when burning second iso. Could you add some screenshots for the multiboot procedure so that it may become clear?

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      Anonymous user

      Used before. Latest is 3.19. Open source. Definitely works on Ubuntu and likely many Linux distros.. & maybe Mac, android (maybe that might be tricky if there's no android branch)Yet another login ID...Soon I'll have one for Disgust Faceplant, bird-thing, gagal, etc..

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    Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.