Can I install Linux on a USB flash drive?

Question

I want to install Red Hat Linux on my flash drive. Is there a way that I can do this?

I tried a lot found through searching, but couldn't get a satisfactory answer. In fact, if I try the same for Windows, I get so many links and tools – but for Linux I got nothing helpful.

I found pendrivelinux, but that didn't really help me either.

Answer 1

Try UNetbootin.

UNetbootin allows you to create bootable Live USB drives for Ubuntu, Fedora, and other Linux distributions without burning a CD. It runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. You can either let UNetbootin download one of the many distributions supported out-of-the-box for you, or supply your own Linux .iso file if you've already downloaded one or your preferred distribution isn't on the list.

Answer 2

Yes, install it like you are installing on a hard disk.

• Just select the proper drive (may be /dev/sdb1 or similar).
• Make sure to install the GRUB on the USB drive only.
• Some linux distributions need you to enable usb HOOK in /erc/mkinitpcio.conf and recreate the kernel image.

See also -> https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Installing_Arch_Linux_on_a_USB_key

Answer 3

As long as you always use the same USB port, you can directly install many Linux distros directly to a USB drive, and use it like you would a regular system.

Alternately, Fedora (which is a Red Hat variant – same tools, just swap your Red Hat ISO where it wants Fedora) has a proper LiveUSB option, which is preferred since it reduces writes on your drive by only saving the differences from your base image.

I'd recommend running the HP drive format tool if you're doing the install in Windows to ensure the USB key is bootable.