Rufus
Rufus allows you to create on Windows a bootable USB stick of a suitable image file.
Developer Pete Batard
Version 4.15 · GPL-3.0-only · Windows
Looking for an alternative to Rufus?Compare Ventoy, balenaEtcher.Compare alternativesRufus allows you to create on Windows a bootable USB stick of a suitable image file. You can install an operating system or start a recovery environment. You choose the USB stick and the image you want to put on it.
The correct settings depend on the computer on which you start. An installation stick is something other than a regular folder with installation files. Therefore, check in advance what your target device needs.
Download Rufus
Downloads are available for Windows.
Compare Rufus with alternatives
For a bootable USB, the main difference is whether you write one image or choose multiple images on the same stick. Check UEFI support and operating system requirements. Writing or preparing a stick can delete existing files.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| RufusYou are viewing this app | You create a bootable USB stick with adjustable options for the image and target device. You use this especially for a targeted installation or recovery stick on Windows. | WindowsGPL-3.0-only |
| VentoyView this alternative | You are preparing a USB stick for placing multiple supported ISO images. On startup, choose which image you want to use. | Windows, LinuxOpen source |
| balenaEtcherView this alternative | You write images to a USB stick or memory card with a simple interface and verification. You get less special installation options than in an extended Windows tool. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
This is useful for installation and recovery media on Windows. It suits you if you want to work with bootable images. You will not get an automatic backup from the computer on which you will then install. So make that reserve separately before changing disks or partitions.
Getting started
Make a copy of everything on the USB stick: making the stick erases the existing content. Check the selected disk extra carefully.
Computer requirements
Windows; choose the installation file for x64, x86 or ARM64 on the download page
Privacy
The contents of the selected image will be put on the USB stick. Use an image from a trusted source and check any download or update choices. An installation stick can later be used on different computers; do not leave any unnecessary personal files on it.
Good to know
You need an appropriate image file. The program does not give you a license for an operating system that requires a license.
Please note
Creating the stick can erase the existing content. Check the target again just before you start. Settings for UEFI, BIOS and partitions should fit the computer. A offered installation option does not automatically change the official support or hardware capability of an operating system.
Advantages
- You can direct bootable installation media.
- The settings give control over the combination of image and target system.
- A pre-tested USB stick helps you prepare an installation or recovery.
Things to consider
- Wrong selection can erase data.
- Startup issues require knowledge of firmware and partition format.
- You have to arrange a reliable image and a separate reserve of existing data.
Download Rufus
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · rufus.ie
Version history
4.15
You get improvements for USB creation and solutions for stuck Windows installations.
What’s new?
- You can see clearer progress in unpacking compressed images and better cancel write attempts.
- You get a correction for silent Windows installations that were stuck around 75 percent.
- You can count on solutions for boot problems on affected Snapdragon X systems and a security problem in XML processing.
Report a new version
More from Pete Batard
Zadig 2.9
You install a generic USB driver for a specific app.
Our verdict
Rufus is a targeted choice if you want to turn an installation image into a bootable USB stick. For example, you can install an operating system or start a recovery environment. The most important step is not the speed of writing, but the right combination of image, target device and boot method. A wrongly chosen USB drive can lose existing files.
Rufus fits a targeted installation or repair task with an appropriate image. Check the name and capacity of the USB stick and the required boot method of the computer. First store files on the stick elsewhere. Try booting before you start a reinstallation, so that you don't find after changes that your recovery medium is not working properly.
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