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Ventoy
What it is
Ventoy is a free, open-source utility for creating bootable drives that start ISO, WIM, IMG, VHD(x), and EFI files directly. After installation, users copy image files onto the drive and choose one from a boot menu without extracting it. The site lists support for systems including Windows, WinPE, Linux, ChromeOS, Unix, VMware, and Xen, plus x86 Legacy BIOS and IA32, x86_64, ARM64, and MIPS64EL UEFI. It supports MBR and GPT partition styles and lists FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, UDF, XFS, Btrfs, and Ext2/3/4 for the main partition. Other features include Linux persistence, automated Windows and Linux installation, password protection, themes, and a plugin framework with a GUI configurator. Ventoy can be installed on USB drives, local disks, SSDs, NVMe drives, and SD cards. Windows and Linux setup guides cover GUI and command-line modes. Secure Boot is supported, though it may not work on every machine. A standard installation formats the USB drive and erases its data.
For and against
For
- Boots several image-file formats directly
- Supports both MBR and GPT
- Offers Linux persistence
- Runs on USB drives, SSDs, and SD cards
Against
- Standard installation erases USB-drive data
- Secure Boot may fail on some machines
- Tested images may not work on every machine
The verdict
Ventoy provides a way to boot image files from a drive without extracting them, with support for a broad range of systems and storage formats. Before installing, note that the standard process erases the USB drive and compatibility can vary by machine.
Who it suits
Ventoy suits users who want to boot from multiple image files on a drive, with listed support for Windows and Linux management. Its persistence and automated installation features may also suit users setting up those environments.
Plans and prices
Ventoy
Open source bootable USB utility
Read 29 Sep 2026 · ventoy.net
On the record
- Compatibility caveat
- Ventoy says tested images may not work on every machine because firmware differs among vendors and may contain bugs.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Disk formats
- Ventoy supports MBR and GPT partition styles and lists FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, UDF, XFS, Btrfs, and Ext2/3/4 for the main partition.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Download integrity
- The download page asks users to check the SHA-256 hash and links to SourceForge because the Ventoy site is underprovisioned for downloads.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Features
- The feature list includes Linux persistence, Windows and Linux auto installation, password protection, themes, and a plugin framework with a GUI configurator.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Firmware
- Ventoy lists support for x86 Legacy BIOS and IA32, x86_64, ARM64, and MIPS64EL UEFI.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Hardware
- Ventoy can be installed on USB drives, local disks, SSDs, NVMe drives, and SD cards.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Installation limit
- A standard installation formats the USB drive and erases its data; the guide says updates leave files in the first partition unchanged.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- License
- Ventoy describes itself as 100% open source and says its own developed code follows GPLv3+ while other components follow their respective project licenses.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- Ventoy creates bootable USB drives that can boot ISO, WIM, IMG, VHD(x), and EFI files directly.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Secure Boot
- Ventoy supports UEFI Secure Boot, but its documented default policy allows EFI files to boot without checks; users can configure a policy through the Global Control Plugin.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Secure Boot caveat
- Some computers require enabling the Microsoft 3rd Party UEFI CA setting, and the site says Secure Boot may not work on every machine.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Support
- The site directs users to its forums or the maintainer’s email for general issues and problem reports.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Supported management platforms
- The setup guide documents Windows GUI and command-line modes plus Linux GUI and command-line modes.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Supported systems
- The site says Ventoy supports most operating system types, including Windows, WinPE, Linux, ChromeOS, Unix, VMware, and Xen.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
- Use
- After installing Ventoy, users can copy image files to the drive and select them from a boot menu without extracting them.ventoy.net · read 29 Sep 2026
