Create Linux bootable USB drive on Windows 11 for clean install

There are a few popular tools out there like baleneEtcheer, or UNetb00tin that can help you create a Linux bootable USB on Windows 11. UNetb00tin is super popular and easy to use. Just make sure to download it from the official site. I once accidentally downloaded a sketchy version, and let’s just say my computer wasn’t happy about it! Know which Linux distribution you want to install—Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, etc. Different distros can have different requirements, so make sure you grab the right ISO file. As a tip, Ubuntu is usually a pretty good starting point for beginners. I got lost in a rabbit hole of distros once, and it took way longer than planned.

When you’re using tool, pay attention to the configuration settings. Make sure to select the right USB drive (it’ll probably show up as “Dispositve” or similar), and check that the partition scheme is set correctly (MBR or GPT) based on your system’s BIOS/UEFI configuration. I almost wiped the wrong drive once—definitely a heart-stopping moment!

Before you boot from the USB, I highly recommend disabling Windows Fast Startup. This can sometimes cause issues because it may lock your drive. You can do this from the Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable and uncheck “Turn on fast startup.” Easy peasy. After creating Linux bootable USB on Windows 11, you’ll need to boot from it. When you restart your computer, press the appropriate key to access the boot menu (like F2, F12, Esc, etc., depending on your PC brand). It can be a bit of a game to figure out which key to hit—there’s usually a splash screen that shows it briefly.

Once you’re in the Linux installer, take your time with the installation options. Choose the clean install option or the one that fits your needs. I once picked “Install alongside” by mistake and ended up with a confusing dual-boot setup. Not fun!