How to Create a Bootable USB for Ubuntu Server

If you’re reading this blog post then you’re probably in the realms of playing with hardware and building a mini server, media server, web server or something along those lines. Great! So now you’ve got your hardware pieced together, it’s now time to start installing software on it. For the purposes of this blog post, I’m not going to go into the details of what/why/when/who/how for the vast array of choices and options available for configuring software on your server. Instead, I’m just going to look specifically about how to create a bootable USB for installing Ubuntu Server. Simple and straight to the point.  

Step 1: Install Universal USB Installer 

Download here, https://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/ 

This software will turn a .iso file into a bootable partition on a USB drive.  

Step 2: Download Ubuntu Server 

Download the relevant version here, https://www.ubuntu.com/download/alternative-downloads#alternate-ubuntu-server-installer 

Note, make sure you’re downloading the correct version for what you require, there are quite a few different versions! 

This step will download the .iso file to your computer. You’ll need this file in the next step.  

Step 3: Create the Bootable USB 

Follow the instructions here, https://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/ 

In essence, you’re installing the .iso file you downloaded in the previous step onto your USB Pen Drive. Note, make sure you install on the correct drive on your computer or you can really really really mess things up! 

When you are creating the bootable USB for Ubuntu Server, make sure you actually select Ubuntu Server from the dropdown list, as there is also an option for installing Ubuntu (desktop) version too, which you don’t want.  

Complete! 

That’s it! You’re done. You’ve just created yourself a bootable USB that can be used for installing Ubuntu Server. Simply plug this device into your server, make sure that it has priority boot settings so your installer can then run and you’re on your way! 

Note for Ubuntu Server 18.04

The above software doesn’t seem to like Ubuntu Server 18.04, so you’ll probably need to use the Rufus software instead – https://rufus.akeo.ie/

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Michael Cropper

Founder & Managing Director at Contrado Digital Ltd

Michael has been running Contrado Digital for over 10 years and has over 15 years experience working across the full range of disciplines including IT, Tech, Software Development, Digital Marketing, Analytics, SaaS, Startups, Organisational and Systems Thinking, DevOps, Project Management, Multi-Cloud, Digital and Technology Innovation and always with a business and commercial focus. He has a wealth of experience working with national and multi-national brands in a wide range of industries, across a wide range of specialisms, helping them achieve awesome results. Digital transformation, performance and collaboration are at the heart of everything Michael does.

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