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LibreELEC USB-SD Creator
What it is
LibreELEC USB-SD Creator makes bootable USB sticks or SD cards for an HTPC by writing a LibreELEC image to the selected device. It can download the latest stable release, show older stable releases, or use a local .img.gz file that you select or drag into the app. Writing an image overwrites all data on the target, so choose the device carefully. The app is free and available for 64-bit Windows 10 and 11 and macOS 14 or newer. A Linux version for Ubuntu and Debian derivatives is not currently available. It checks for updates but does not download or install them automatically. LibreELEC describes its operating system as a lightweight Linux distribution built for Kodi on popular media center hardware. The project signs the macOS app to help prevent Gatekeeper issues and provides SHA-256 links for Windows and macOS installers. Users with app problems can turn to the USB-SD Creator Support forum.
For and against
For
- Downloads the latest stable LibreELEC release.
- Can use a local .img.gz file.
- Supports Windows 10 and 11 and macOS 14+.
- Provides SHA-256 links for both installers.
Against
- Writing an image overwrites target-device data.
- Linux version for Ubuntu and Debian derivatives is unavailable.
- Updates must be installed manually.
The verdict
LibreELEC USB-SD Creator provides a focused way to prepare boot media using downloaded or local images. Check the supported operating systems and target device carefully before writing.
Who it suits
It suits people preparing boot media for an HTPC running LibreELEC, especially on supported Windows or macOS systems. It is not currently available for Ubuntu and Debian derivatives.
Plans and prices
LibreELEC USB-SD Creator
Free and open source software; no paid plans stated
Read 8 Oct 2026 · libreelec.tv
On the record
- Choose an image
- The app offers the latest stable LibreELEC release, with a “Show all” option for older stable releases.wiki.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- Download verification
- The download page provides SHA-256 links for the Windows and macOS installers.wiki.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- LibreELEC describes its operating system as a lightweight Linux distribution purpose-built for Kodi on popular media center hardware.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- Languages
- Version 1.5 added Arabic and Korean translations.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- Linux availability
- The Linux version for Ubuntu and Debian derivatives is not currently available.wiki.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- macOS signing
- LibreELEC says it signs the macOS app to prevent Gatekeeper issues.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- macOS support
- The current app is available for macOS 14 and newer.wiki.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- The app selects and downloads a LibreELEC image for an HTPC device and creates bootable USB or SD card media.wiki.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security context
- LibreELEC says its default configuration is designed for home networks and should not be used in security-sensitive networks.wiki.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users with app problems to its USB-SD Creator Support forum.wiki.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- Update behavior
- The app checks for updates, but it does not download or install newer versions automatically; users must install them manually.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- Use a local image
- You can select a previously downloaded .img.gz file or drag and drop it into the app.wiki.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The current app is available for 64-bit Windows 10 and 11.wiki.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
- Write media
- The app writes the selected image to a USB stick or SD card, overwriting all data on the target device.wiki.libreelec.tv · read 8 Oct 2026
