Forum Discussion

Reasoner985's avatar
Reasoner985
Copper Contributor
Mar 07, 2024

What is the best alternative to Rufus?

I've been using Rufus for a while now to create bootable USB drives for various operating systems and utility software. It's been a reliable tool, but recently I've encountered some limitations and errors that have made me consider looking for Rufus alternatives. Specifically, I need a tool that offers more versatility in terms of supported operating systems, including both Windows and Linux, and perhaps more advanced features like creating bootable drives from non-standard ISOs or for different architectures. Additionally, I'm interested in a user-friendly interface and perhaps better support for newer USB standards or faster write speeds. I'm reaching out to the community for recommendations on the best alternative to Rufus that could address these needs. 

 
  • AustinRodriguez's avatar
    AustinRodriguez
    Copper Contributor

    I've used Rufus for ages too, but I totally get the limitations—especially when dealing with non-standard ISOs or different architectures.

     

    Recently, I switched to WonderISO (https://www.gicmodo.com/best-alternative-to-rufus), and it’s been great. It supports both Windows and Linux, handles a wider variety of ISOs, and seems to work well with newer USB standards, which helps with faster writes. If you’re after something with a bit more versatility, it’s worth a try.

  • Pallerm's avatar
    Pallerm
    Copper Contributor

    If you're looking for a solid alternative to Rufus, I'd recommend giving WonderISO a try – it's a great tool with more versatility and features for both Windows and Linux, plus a user-friendly interface.

    Source: https://www.uumeo.com/rufus-alternatives

     

  • Cornholio70's avatar
    Cornholio70
    Copper Contributor

    Reasoner985 The Media Creation Tool is a powerful utility from Microsoft designed to simplify the process of creating bootable USB drives for Windows operating systems. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who need to install or repair their Windows installations on various devices.

     

    With an intuitive interface, the tool guides users through the steps required to download the latest version of Windows and prepare a USB drive that is ready for installation, ensuring a seamless experience for both novice and experienced users. This is the best alternative to Rufus for making Windows 11 or Windows 10 bootable USB. And it is the official tool developed by Microsoft!

  • WillWoody's avatar
    WillWoody
    Copper Contributor

    Creating a Windows 11/10 bootable USB with the Media Creation Tool is not only efficient but also time-saving. Users can select their preferred version of Windows, including language and architecture, allowing for customized installations tailored to their specific requirements. If Rufus does not work as expected, Media Creation Tool is the best rufus alternative you should check out!

     

    Once the USB drive is prepared, it can be used to boot systems directly, providing a reliable way to install or troubleshoot Windows without the need for optical media. This feature empowers users to take control of their installations, making the process straightforward and accessible.

  • Roanaqiom's avatar
    Roanaqiom
    Copper Contributor

    Reasoner985 

    What is the best alternative to Rufus? As i know, UNetbotin is a cross-platform tool that allows you to create bootable Live USB drives for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions without burning a CD.
    Features:

    • Can download various Linux distributions directly.
    • Supports both ISO and disk image files.
    • Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

    Best For: Users who frequently create bootable drives for Linux distributions.

  • KairoSkye's avatar
    KairoSkye
    Copper Contributor

    Reasoner985 

    If you are looking for a Rufus alternative, the dd command is a very powerful choice in Linux. After inserting the USB drive, use lsblk or fdisk -l to find the device name of the USB drive (such as /dev/sdb), and then run dd if=ISO file path of=device path bs=4M after confirming that it is correct. This command can write the ISO image directly to the USB drive and has good compatibility with images of most operating systems.

     

    Although dd requires some basic operations, it has a fast writing speed and strong stability, making it a good choice for creating a bootable disk.

Resources