How to install Windows or Linux from USB? 6 solutions

01 -ISO to USB

A free and small software that can burn the ISO image file directly to the USB drives, these USB drives include USB flash drives, memory sticks and other USB storage devices, it also supports to create a bootable USB disk with Windows operating systems. Freeware.

Works most of the times, grade: 6 out of 10.

http://www.isotousb.com/

02 – Rufus

Rufus is a utility that helps format and create bootable USB flash drives, such as USB keys/pendrives, memory sticks, etc. It can be especially useful for cases where:

• you need to create USB installation media from bootable ISOs (Windows, Linux, UEFI, etc.)
• you need to work on a system that doesn’t have an OS installed
• you need to flash a BIOS or other firmware from DOS
• you want to run a low-level utility

Works very well without know issues. grade: 10 out of 10.

https://rufus.akeo.ie/

03 – Windows USB/DVD Download Tool

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

http://wudt.codeplex.com/

Works sometimes, most of the times doesn’t work. grade: 3 out of 10.

The Windows USB/DVD Download tool allows you to create a copy of your Windows 7/8 ISO file on a USB flash drive or a DVD. To create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive, download the ISO file and then run the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download tool. Once this is done, you can install Windows 7 or Windows 8 directly from the USB flash drive or DVD.

04 – UNetbootin

UNetbootin allows you to create bootable Live USB drives for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions without burning a CD.

http://unetbootin.github.io/

05 – Universal USB Installer

Universal USB Installer aka UUI is a Live Linux USB Creator that allows you to choose from a selection of Linux Distributions to put on your USB Flash Drive. The UniversalUSB Installer is easy to use. Simply choose a Live Linux Distribution, the ISO file, your Flash Drive and, Click Install. Upon completion, you should have a ready to run bootable USB Flash Drive with your select operating system installed. Other features include; Persistence (if available) – note that casper persistence will only work with fat16 or fat32 formatted drives.

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/

06 – PenDriveLinux

Easily install your favorite Linux operating system on a flash drive or USB key no larger than your thumb (Thumb Drive). YourPortable Linux operating system can then be taken with you, and run from any computer that can boot from the USB flash device. Bring your operating system, applications, files, email, bookmarked favorites, games and more with you. It’s your very own portable operating system you can carry in your pocket.

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/

07 – Win32 Disk Imager