I'm thinking about switching from Linux Mint to Ubuntu, but I'm facing a bit of a challenge. I only have one USB drive and one laptop, so I'm unsure how to back up my data and download the new operating system at the same time. I'm pretty new to this, and I could really use some guidance on how to make this work without any additional equipment.
4 Answers
If you plan on switching distros, it’s a good idea to consider using a separate /home partition for your files. That way, data isn’t affected when you install a new OS. Might make things easier next time!
Honestly, you will need a second USB for this to work seamlessly. The one used for the installation doesn’t have to be super big; even an 8GB drive will do the trick. You can find these for under $10 at most stores. Keep it simple and consider borrowing if you can!
You really want to have that extra USB for an easier experience!
I suggest getting or borrowing another USB drive. You can use the extra USB to back up your files while you use your original one to flash the ISO for Ubuntu. If you have a friend or family member, they might have a spare USB you can borrow!
You could explore tools like Ventoy which allows you to put multiple ISO files on a single USB. Just format your drive, install Ventoy, and then add both your important files and the Ubuntu ISO to the USB. Boot from it and install Ubuntu while your data stays intact. This way, you avoid the hassle of needing two USBs!
That sounds great! I’ll definitely check out Ventoy.
Just remember to back everything up before you install, just to be safe!
Is it possible to do this without a second USB?