A bootable USB lets you run or install an operating system from a memory stick. It's quick and easy — here's how to make one and use it to try or install Linux Lite.
Get the ISO file you want to boot — for example, the Linux Lite ISO.
Download Etcher (Windows, Mac, Linux) or Rufus (Windows) — both are free and beginner-friendly.
Plug in a 4 GB or larger stick. Writing erases it, so use an empty one.
Open the tool, choose the ISO and the USB stick, and click Flash/Start. A few minutes later it's ready.
Restart and open the boot menu (often F12, F2, Esc or Del) to select the USB stick and start from it.
With a bootable Linux Lite USB you can run the whole system live — nothing on your hard drive changes — and install it whenever you're ready. See our full how to install Linux guide, or if you want to keep Windows too, learn how to dual boot.
Download the free Linux Lite ISO, write it to a USB with Etcher or Rufus, and you're minutes from trying Linux.