YUMI
What it is
YUMI creates a multiboot USB drive that can start multiple operating systems, Windows installers, rescue disks and utilities from one menu. Pendrive Linux recommends YUMI Py, which runs natively on Windows and Linux from one Python codebase; YUMI exFAT is a Windows-only alternative with a classic interface. YUMI Py accepts batches of ISO, IMG, WIM, EFI and VHD(x) files, including files over 4GB. It manages persistent storage for compatible Arch, Fedora, Ubuntu and some Debian-based live systems. Boot media can be tested in QEMU or VirtualBox, and a distribution can be installed into a persistent virtual disk on the USB drive. Auto Download queues selected distributions, resumes downloads and allows one to four concurrent downloads. YUMI supports UEFI, BIOS and multiboot use and is free open source software. Preparing a drive erases every volume and partition on the selected disk, including hidden ones. Auto Download does not verify ISO files against published checksums. Secure Boot uses upstream Ventoy Secure Boot and requires enrolling a key in the MOK database. On Linux, existing VHD or VHDX files can be added, but new Windows-To-Go-style VHD or VHDX installations cannot be created.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Boots multiple systems from one USB menu
- Supports ISO, IMG, WIM, EFI and VHD(x)
- Offers QEMU and VirtualBox media testing
- Provides persistent storage for selected distributions
Against
- Preparing a drive erases all selected partitions
- Auto Download does not verify checksums
- LAN Share has no login or access code
- Linux cannot create new Windows-To-Go VHD/VHDX installs
The verdict
YUMI provides a broad multiboot toolkit with downloads, persistence and virtual-machine testing. Checksum verification, drive wiping and platform-specific VHD limits should be considered before use.
Who it suits
YUMI suits users assembling USB media for multiple operating systems, installers, rescue tools or recovery utilities. It is useful for Windows and Linux workflows that need persistent storage or virtual-machine checks.
Plans and prices
YUMI
Free and open source; all variants
Read 7 Oct 2026 · pendrivelinux.com
On the record
- Downloads
- Auto Download queues selected distributions and downloads their ISO files directly to the USB drive, with resume support and concurrency of one to four downloads.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Download verification
- Auto Download does not verify downloaded ISO files against published checksums; the maker advises checking the distribution’s own checksum for security-sensitive use.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Drive preparation
- Preparing a drive wipes all volumes and partitions on the selected disk, including hidden ones.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Image support
- YUMI Py supports batch ISO, IMG, WIM, EFI, and VHD(x) files, including files larger than 4GB.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- YUMI Py uses QEMU for virtual machine features and noVNC to stream LAN Share sessions into a browser.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- LAN Share security
- LAN Share has no login or access code, so the maker recommends it for trusted home or personal networks rather than public Wi-Fi.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Persistence
- YUMI manages persistent storage for compatible Arch, Fedora, Ubuntu, and some Debian-based live systems.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Platform limitation
- On Linux, YUMI Py can add an existing VHD or VHDX but cannot create a new Windows-To-Go-style VHD or VHDX install.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- YUMI creates a multiboot USB drive that can boot multiple operating systems, Windows installers, rescue disks, and utilities from one menu.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Recommended edition
- YUMI Py is the recommended build and runs natively on Windows and Linux from the same Python codebase.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Secure Boot
- YUMI Py and YUMI exFAT use upstream Ventoy Secure Boot and require enrolling a key in the MOK database.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support and audience
- Pendrive Linux invites feedback and describes its tools as intended to make USB booting accessible; YUMI supports Linux distributions, Windows installers, rescue, cybersecurity, and recovery tools.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Virtual machine features
- YUMI Py can test boot media in QEMU or VirtualBox and install a distro into a persistent virtual disk stored on the USB drive.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Windows edition
- YUMI exFAT is a supported Windows-only alternative with a classic interface.pendrivelinux.com · read 7 Oct 2026
