Ubuntu Startup Disk Creator

Ubuntu Startup Disk Creator writes an Ubuntu image to a USB stick, making bootable installation media. The USB can install or upgrade Ubuntu, let you try Ubuntu Desktop without changing the PC configuration, start Ubuntu on a borrowed machine, or provide access to repair tools. The app is included with the extended Ubuntu Desktop installation and can also be installed from App Center or with `sudo apt install usb-creator-gtk`. It may find the image and USB device automatically; if not, select an image and a device from the available list. A progress bar tracks writing, and the app displays “Installation Complete” when the process finishes. The guide calls for a USB stick of at least 8 GB. Writing the image erases all data on the selected device, so save anything you need before proceeding. The tool is intended for Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based distribution images and may not work correctly with other operating systems or Linux distributions. It is free to use on Linux.

Startup Disk Creator provides a direct way to prepare an Ubuntu boot USB, with automatic selection available and a visible completion message. Check the USB contents first, and use an Ubuntu or Ubuntu-based image.

It suits Linux users who need bootable media to install, upgrade, try, or repair Ubuntu. Ubuntu Desktop is described as suitable for home users, developers, and enterprise users.

Overview

Ubuntu Startup Disk Creator writes Ubuntu images to USB sticks for installation, live use, or repair. It is best suited to Linux users preparing Ubuntu or an Ubuntu-based system; its focused scope is an advantage if that is your goal, but a drawback for anyone needing broad image compatibility.

A prepared stick can install or upgrade Ubuntu, let you try Ubuntu Desktop without changing a PC’s configuration, boot Ubuntu on a borrowed machine, or run repair tools. The app can detect an image and USB device automatically, with manual selection when needed. It writes local images rather than downloading them, so you need the image before you begin.

Key features

Image and device selection

Automatic detection can reduce setup when the intended image and USB stick are clear; manual selection provides a fallback. The guide recommends a USB stick of at least 8 GB. This is enough for the focused Ubuntu task, but not a flexible workflow for arbitrary operating-system images.

Writing progress and data loss

A progress bar appears while the image is written, and the app displays “Installation Complete” when finished. That gives a clear endpoint, but writing destroys all data on the selected USB device. Confirm the target and save anything important from it before starting.

Compatibility and security

Startup Disk Creator is intended for Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based distribution images; other Linux distributions and operating systems may not work correctly. Ubuntu’s platform security page says its pre-built boot binaries, except the initrd, are signed with Canonical’s UEFI certificate. That is relevant context for Ubuntu media, not a reason to assume compatibility beyond the images the tool targets.

Pricing

Startup Disk Creator is free: the Free plan is free and is part of the extended Ubuntu Desktop installation. It writes Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based images to USB, with no trial or paid tier to weigh against its limits. Ubuntu is also free to download and use. The trade-off is scope, not a paid-feature ceiling: this is a Linux utility for Ubuntu-focused media, not a general-purpose cross-platform writer.

Platforms

The app runs on Linux, with no Windows or macOS app. It is included with the extended Ubuntu Desktop installation and can also be installed from App Center or with sudo apt install usb-creator-gtk. Persistent storage is supported. Ubuntu’s guide points users to Canonical support, the Ubuntu Discourse forum, and an online Matrix chat for help.

Who it's for

Ubuntu Desktop is described as suitable for home users, developers, and enterprise users, and Startup Disk Creator is a practical fit for any of them when the task is preparing Ubuntu media on Linux. It is particularly well matched to someone with a local image who wants installation, live-use, or repair media without a broader setup process. Choose another tool if you need Windows or macOS support, or want to write images from other operating systems with greater confidence.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free and included with Ubuntu Desktop, with App Center and apt installation routes for Linux users.
• Pros: Automatic detection plus manual image and device selection covers both the easy case and the fallback.
• Pros: A progress bar and completion message make the end of writing clear.
• Cons: Writing erases all data on the selected USB stick, so target selection and backups matter.
• Cons: Compatibility is aimed at Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based images, and the app has no Windows or macOS version.
• Cons: Images must be local; the app does not download them for you.

Alternatives

balenaEtcher is a better fit when you want a free, open-source USB writer across Linux, macOS, and Windows rather than an Ubuntu-focused Linux utility.

SARDU MultiBoot Creator is an option for users seeking a freemium tool on Windows or Linux, with free registered and standard plans for personal, non-commercial use.

Buddi, Deepin Boot Maker, Easy2Boot, FlashBoot, LibreELEC USB-SD Creator, and MediCat USB are other entries to consider; their listed platform and pricing details vary.

See the Bootable USB Software directory for more options.

Verdict

Choose Ubuntu Startup Disk Creator if you use Linux and need a free, direct way to prepare Ubuntu or Ubuntu-based installation, live, or repair media. Its clear selection and completion flow serves that narrow job well. Look elsewhere for Windows or macOS support, image downloads, or reliable use with operating systems outside the Ubuntu family.