How to Create Linux Mint Bootable USB on Windows 10?

The diskpart command does not work for Linux Mint. If you are looking for a simple, effective and time saving way to do this, please refer to this guide instead:

https://www.wintechhow.com/make-linux-mint-bootable-usb

Don't bother with diskpart. 

DL any iso file for Linux or whatever OS. 

Load it with rufus and deploy to USB. It will do all required magic incl. Bootloader. 

Make sure the OS supports GPT / secure boot. 

Disadvantages of Using DiskPart to create Linux mint bootable USB from Windows 10 PC:

• Unlike graphical tools like Rufus or balenaEtaher, DiskPert doesn’t give you a visual progress indicator when formatting or creating partitions. You just have to trust that it’s doing its thing, which can be a bit unsettling, especially if you’re used to seeing status bars.
• Creating Linux mint bootable USB with DiskPert involves multiple steps: selecting the disk, cleaning it, formatting, and then copying files. Each step opens the door to potential errors. With graphical tools, it’s often just a matter of following prompts, which feels way more manageable.
• DiskPert can't natively handle ISO files. You have to mount the ISO separately and then manually copy files to the USB. This adds an extra step and can be confusing if you're not sure how to do it. I remember when I first started with Linux—mounting an ISO felt like a rite of passage, but it shouldn't feel like a chore!

Personal Experience

When I first dabbled in creating Linux mint bootable USB from Windows 10 using DiskPart, it felt almost like a rite of passage; but in that process, I managed to wipe a couple of external drives that I had no intention of touching. It was an excellent lesson in double-checking disk sizes! 

Using tools like Rufus has been a game-changer. They simplify the process, reduce the steps, and provide reassurance, especially when it comes to checking settings that might lead to compatibility issues.

When you creating Linux mint bootable USB from Windows 10. If you decide to take the DiskPert route after considering these downsides, here are some tips to mitigate the risks:

1. Always verify you’re working with the correct disk number. When you run list disk, re-confirm based on size, and be absolutely certain before selecting it.
2. If possible, use a USB drive that doesn’t have anything crucial on it, just to minimize the risk of loss. Use a dedicated or older USB drive for this kind of project.
3. If things get too complicated with DiskPart or you hit a roadblock, have a graphical tool handy. Tools like Rufus are user-friendly, and you can always fall back on them to create your bootable USB if DiskPart feels too daunting.

Creating a bootable USB for Linux Mint from a Windows 10 PC is actually pretty straightforward. Speaking from personal experience, it's easy to overlook certain details that can lead to frustration later on. Here’s a rundown of what to watch out for, along with a step-by-step guide to help to create Linux mint bootable USB!

1. Choosing the Wrong USB Drive: 
Make sure you’re selecting the correct USB drive when you're formatting or creating the bootable disk. I once wiped my entire external hard drive because I wasn't paying attention. Always double-check the drive letter!

2. Incorrect Partition Scheme:
When using Rufus to create Linux mint bootable USB, choose the right partition scheme based on your system (MBR if you’re planning to boot in legacy mode or GPT for UEFI). Messing this up can lead to boot issues.

3.USB Drive Not Booting: 
If you don’t configure the BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from USB first, you’ll just end up booting up Windows instead of your USB. Make sure to tweak those settings.

If it doesn’t boot, double-check that you’ve selected the right USB drive in BIOS. Sometimes, older machines can be a bit finicky about recognizing USB boot sources, so it might take a couple of tries.

All Windows OS, such as Windows 11, Windows 10 and Windows 7, has a built-in command line utility for making bootable USB, it is called DiskPart. 

It is a command-line utility in Windows that allows you to manage disks, partitions, and volumes. It’s a powerful tool for tasks like creating, deleting, formatting, and resizing partitions, as well as preparing drives for specific uses (e.g., creating bootable USB drives). Unlike graphical tools, DiskPart gives you precise control over your storage devices through text commands.

How to Create Linux Bootable USB from Windows 11/10/7

1. In the DiskPart prompt, type the following command to list all disks.

list disk

2. Identify your USB drive from the list (look at the size to determine which one it is). For example, if your USB drive is listed as Disk 1, take note of that.

3. Select your USB drive (replace X with the disk number of your USB drive) and clean the drive to remove all partitions and data.

select disk X
clean

4. Create anew partition and format it as fat32.

create partition primary
format fs=fat32 quick
active

5. Type exit to leave the DiskPart utility.

6. Mount the Linux Mint ISO file by double-clicking it in File Explorer. Copy all the files from the mounted ISO to the USB drive.

Be Careful: DiskPart is a powerful tool, and mistakes can lead to data loss. Always double-check which disk or partition you’re working on.

Backup Data: Before using DiskPart, make sure to back up any important data on the USB drive or disk you’re working with.

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide using Rufus, a popular and free tool for creating Linux mint bootable USB from Windows 10 PC:

Step 1: Download Linux Mint ISO

• The Cinnamon edition is recommended for beginners due to its user-friendly interface.

Step 2: Download and Install Rufus

• It’s a lightweight and reliable tool for creating Linux mint bootable USB drives.

Step 3: Create the Bootable USB

• Insert a USB drive (at least 4GB in size) into your Windows 10 PC.
• Open Rufus and select your USB drive under the "Device" dropdown.
• Click "Select" and choose the Linux Mint ISO file you downloaded.
• Under "Partition scheme," choose MBR if your PC uses BIOS or GPT if it uses UEFI. If you’re unsure, MBR is a safe choice for older hardware14.
• Click "Start" and confirm any prompts. Rufus will format the USB drive and create Linux mint bootable USB from Windows 10 PC.

Step 4: Boot from the USB

• Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Del during startup).
• Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
• Save changes and exit. Your PC should boot into the Linux Mint live environment.                                       

Compatibility with Older Hardware

• Linux Mint is known for its lightweight design and compatibility with older hardware:
• Minimum Requirements: 1GB RAM (2GB recommended), 15GB disk space, and a 1024x768 resolution display14.
• If your PC is very old, consider using the XFCE edition of Linux Mint, as it’s even lighter and more resource-efficient14.
• Check your hardware compatibility by searching for your PC model + "Linux compatibility" online.