Persistent Ubuntu Live USB (from Ubuntu/Linux)
Install mkusb:
bash
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mkusb/ppa sudo apt update sudo apt install --install-recommends mkusb
Insert your USB drive.
Download the Ubuntu ISO from ubuntu.com/download.
Start mkusb:
Search for "mkusb" in your applications menu and open it.Choose "Install (make a boot device)".
Select "Persistent live – only Debian and Ubuntu".
Pick the Ubuntu ISO and your USB drive when prompted.
Set the persistence storage size (how much space you want for saving files and settings).
Confirm and let mkusb finish.
Boot from the USB and test persistence by saving a file or changing a setting.
Done!
You now have a persistent Ubuntu live USB that saves files, settings, and installed apps between boots.
Full Ubuntu Install to USB Drive (from Linux)
Requirements
Two USB drives:
USB #1: Ubuntu installer (4GB+)
USB #2: Target for full install (16GB+ recommended)
Ubuntu ISO (download from ubuntu.com)
A computer running Linux
1. Prepare the Ubuntu Installer USB
Replace /dev/sdX with your actual USB installer device.
bash
sudo dd if=/path/to/ubuntu.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress conv=fdatasync
Example:
If your installer USB is /dev/sdb, use /dev/sdb.
Double-check! This will erase the target device.
2. Insert Both USB Drives
Insert both the installer USB (just created) and the target USB (where Ubuntu will be installed).
3. Boot From the Installer USB
Reboot your computer.
Enter your BIOS/UEFI boot menu (usually F12, F10, or ESC at startup).
Select the installer USB as the boot device.
4. Start Ubuntu Live Session
Choose “Try Ubuntu” (not “Install Ubuntu”) to enter the live desktop.
5. Start the Installer
On the desktop, double-click Install Ubuntu.
6. Select Installation Type
When asked "Installation Type," choose "Something else".
7. Partition the Target USB Drive
Identify your target USB (e.g., /dev/sdc).
Be careful not to overwrite your internal drive!Create at least two partitions:
Root (/): ext4, at least 15GB
Swap (optional): 2-4GB (optional, can skip if you have enough RAM)
8. Set Mount Points
Set the ext4 partition’s mount point to /.
(Optional) Set swap area.
9. Set Bootloader Installation
Important: Set the bootloader to install to the target USB drive (e.g., /dev/sdc), not your internal hard drive.
10. Complete the Installation
Follow the prompts to finish installation.
When done, shut down the computer.
11. Remove the Installer USB
Remove the installer USB.
Leave the target USB in.
12. Boot From the Target USB
Boot the computer, enter the boot menu, and select your new Ubuntu USB.
Ubuntu should start up as a fully installed system.
Summary Table
StepDescription1Write Ubuntu ISO to installer USB2Insert installer and target USBs3Boot from installer USB4Start Ubuntu live session5Launch installer from desktop6Choose "Something else" in installer7Partition target USB (root, swap)8Set mount points9Set bootloader to target USB10Complete installation11Remove installer USB12Boot from new Ubuntu USB
Tips
Always double-check device names (lsblk helps).
Use USB 3.0 for best performance.
You can use this USB on most computers.
You now have a portable, fully-installed Ubuntu system on a USB drive!