How to Install Multiple Live Linux Distros on a Single USB Using Ventoy

If you’re a Linux enthusiast, a system administrator, or a developer who frequently tests different distributions, having multiple live Linux distros on a single USB drive can be a game-changer. Instead of carrying multiple USB sticks or repeatedly formatting a single drive, you can use Ventoy to simplify the process.

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through the complete process of installing multiple live Linux distros on a single USB using Ventoy and explain why this method is superior to traditional bootable USB solutions.

What is Ventoy?

Ventoy is an open-source tool that allows you to create a multi-boot USB drive with ease. Unlike traditional bootable USB software such as Rufus or Balena Etcher, Ventoy lets you simply copy multiple ISO files to a USB drive and boot from them without having to format the drive each time.

Why Choose Ventoy?

• No reformatting required – Just copy and paste ISO files onto the USB.
• Supports multiple Linux distros on a single USB.
• Faster booting and loading time compared to legacy boot methods.
• Supports both Legacy BIOS and UEFI boot modes.
• Persistent storage support – Retain data across reboots for certain distros.
• Secure Boot Compatibility – Works on modern systems with Secure Boot enabled.
• Supports multiple operating systems – Not limited to Linux, you can add Windows ISOs as well.

Requirements

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure you have the following:

• A USB drive (minimum 16GB, but 32GB or more is recommended).
• A PC running Windows or Linux.
• The latest version of Ventoy (download from Ventoy’s official website).
• ISO files of the Linux distributions you want to install (Ubuntu, Fedora, Kali Linux, Arch Linux, etc.).

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Multiple Live Linux Distros on a USB Using Ventoy

Step 1: Download and Install Ventoy

1. Visit Ventoy’s official website and download the latest version.
2. Extract the downloaded ZIP file.
3. Open the extracted folder and run Ventoy2Disk.exe (on Windows) or execute sh Ventoy2Disk.sh (on Linux).
4. Select your USB drive from the device list.
5. Click on Install to format and prepare the USB drive for Ventoy.
6. Once the installation completes, your USB is now Ventoy-ready.

Step 2: Copy Linux ISO Files to the USB

1. Open your newly formatted Ventoy USB drive.
2. Copy and paste the ISO files of the Linux distros you want to install.
3. No additional software or configurations are required.

Step 3: Booting from Ventoy USB

1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI settings (Press F2, F12, DEL, or ESC at startup).
2. Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
3. Save changes and exit BIOS.
4. Ventoy’s boot menu will appear, displaying all available Linux distributions.
5. Select the desired Linux ISO and boot into the live session.

Step 4: Running and Testing Live Linux Distros

Once the system boots into Ventoy, you can select any Linux distribution and run it in live mode. This is particularly useful for:

• Testing different Linux environments without installation.
• Performing system rescue and recovery tasks.
• Penetration testing with distros like Kali Linux.
• Installing Linux on different machines directly from the USB.

Advanced Ventoy Features

1. Persistent Storage Support

One of Ventoy’s key advantages is persistent storage support. This allows you to save files, settings, and software installations even after a reboot. Not all Linux distros support persistence, so check Ventoy’s compatibility list to confirm.

2. Secure Boot Compatibility

Modern systems use Secure Boot to prevent unauthorized OS booting. Ventoy provides a Secure Boot-enabled version that allows you to bypass this restriction by enrolling a custom certificate.

3. Theme Customization

Ventoy supports custom themes, allowing you to modify the boot menu’s appearance. You can change colors, fonts, and even add a background image to personalize the interface.

4. Partition Support

Ventoy supports multiple partition types including exFAT, NTFS, and FAT32, providing greater flexibility for different use cases.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. USB Drive Not Booting

• Ensure that USB Boot is enabled in BIOS.
• Try enabling Legacy Boot Mode if using an older PC.
• If the USB still does not boot, reformat and reinstall Ventoy.

2. Some Distros Not Showing in Ventoy Menu

• Make sure you are using official ISO files.
• Check Ventoy’s compatibility list to confirm the Linux version is supported.
• If using a modified ISO, try renaming the file to a simpler name.

3. Persistent Storage Not Working

• Not all Linux distros support persistent mode.
• Verify that you have enabled persistence using Ventoy’s plugin configuration.

Comparing Ventoy with Other Bootable USB Tools

From the table, it is clear that Ventoy outperforms traditional tools when it comes to flexibility and ease of use.

The Outcomes 

Installing multiple live Linux distros on a single USB using Ventoy is a revolutionary approach for users who frequently work with different operating systems. The ability to drag and drop ISO files without reformatting makes it an excellent choice for IT professionals, Linux users, and tech enthusiasts alike.

If you are still using traditional bootable USB tools like Rufus or Balena Etcher, it’s time to switch to Ventoy for a more efficient, flexible, and powerful multi-boot experience.

Get Started with Ventoy Today!

Download Ventoy from Ventoy’s official website and transform your USB drive into a multi-boot powerhouse. Share your experience in the comments below or let us know which Linux distros you use the most!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I add new ISO files later without deleting the old ones? A: Yes! You can simply copy and paste new ISOs without reformatting the USB drive.

Q: Does Ventoy work with Windows ISOs? A: Yes, you can also add Windows installation ISOs alongside Linux distros.

Q: How many ISOs can I add to Ventoy? A: It depends on your USB drive’s storage capacity. There’s no limit on the number of ISOs.