I've just switched to Ubuntu after wiping my previous OS due to viruses, and now I'm looking to reinstall Windows for dual booting. However, I've run into some issues with Etcher; it doesn't seem to work well with Windows ISO files, and I heard some concerns about the safety of Ventoy. What are the best alternatives for creating a bootable USB stick with a Windows ISO on Ubuntu?
5 Answers
You could also check out the Disks utility on Ubuntu; it's straightforward and can create bootable USBs effectively.
A lot of folks use Ventoy or WoeUSB to create installation media, so those could be solid options, especially if you're setting up a Windows installation on a secondary drive. Just make sure you follow the instructions carefully. Ventoy has some mixed reviews regarding its safety, but I haven't had issues with it myself.
I've been using Ventoy for a while and I think it's safe. You just need to flash it once, then you can use it for multiple ISO files without needing to reformat it all the time. That said, there are some concerns about binary blobs and lack of audits, but nothings proven.
If you really want a good workflow, install Windows first and then Ubuntu. It makes managing partitions much easier. Back up your current Linux setup, wipe the disk, install Windows, and then restore your Linux partition from a backup.
You might also want to try Rufus if you have access to a Windows machine to create the bootable USB. It’s widely regarded for its reliability and effectiveness with Windows ISOs.
Yeah, Rufus is indeed great! But if you’re sticking to Ubuntu, WoeUSB might offer a similar experience.