How to Create a Persistent Ubuntu USB Drive for True Portability

Forget the live Ubuntu USB that wipes your data on reboot. Discover how to build a persistent Ubuntu USB that actually saves your changes, so you carry your work, settings, and apps wherever you go—without installing anything on host machines.

Why Create a Persistent Ubuntu USB?

If you’ve ever booted Ubuntu from a USB stick, you probably noticed that any changes you make—installed applications, created files, system settings—disappear when you reboot. That’s because a standard "live USB" session runs in a read-only mode with no persistence.

Persistent Ubuntu USBs solve this problem by allocating extra space on the USB drive to store your data and system changes. This means:

• Your installed software stays installed.
• Your files remain saved.
• System tweaks and preferences persist across boots.

This portable, self-contained OS on a USB is a game-changer for developers, IT pros, students, and travelers who need a consistent environment on any PC.

What You’ll Need

• USB drive with at least 8 GB capacity (preferably 16 GB or more for comfortable persistence)
• Ubuntu ISO file (download the latest from ubuntu.com)
• A computer to prepare the USB (works on Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• Software to create the persistent USB:
  • On Windows: Rufus
  • On Linux: mkusb or UNetbootin
  • On macOS: Etcher or command line tools with diskutil

Note: The process described here focuses on Rufus on Windows and mkusb on Ubuntu Linux. If you use macOS, Etcher can create live USBs but has limited persistence support.

Step-by-Step Guide for Windows Users Using Rufus

1. Download Rufus
   Grab the latest Rufus version from rufus.ie.

2. Download Ubuntu ISO
   Download the Ubuntu Desktop ISO from the official site.

3. Insert the USB Drive
   Plug in your USB stick (minimum 8 GB recommended).

4. Open Rufus
   Rufus will automatically detect your USB device.

5. Select Ubuntu ISO
   Click on SELECT and browse to your Ubuntu ISO file.

6. Enable Persistence
   Rufus versions 3.15+ support persistent storage:

   • Look for the slider labeled Persistent partition size beneath the ISO selection.
   • Slide to allocate how much space you want for persistence (for example, 4 GB or more).

7. Partition Scheme & Target System

   • Choose MBR for BIOS/UEFI or GPT for UEFI only (usually, MBR is more compatible).
   • Leave File System as FAT32.

8. Start the Process
   Click START. Rufus will warn about data loss on the USB—confirm to continue.

9. Wait for Completion
   Rufus will create your persistent Ubuntu USB.

10. Boot from USB
    Restart your PC and boot from the USB (usually via boot menu F12, F10, ESC, etc.).

Using Your Persistent Ubuntu USB

When Ubuntu boots, any files you create, apps you install, or system settings you change will be saved to the persistence partition. Next reboot? Everything remains just how you left it.

Example:

• Install VS Code or GIMP once.
• Create documents and projects in your home directory.
• Change desktop wallpaper or system settings.

All these persist without touching the host PC’s hard drive.

Step-by-Step Guide for Ubuntu Linux Users Using mkusb

If you’re on Linux, mkusb is a powerful tool for creating persistent Ubuntu USBs.

1. Install mkusb

Open a terminal and run:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mkusb/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install mkusb mkusb-nox usb-pack-efi

1. Download Ubuntu ISO

Download it from the Ubuntu website if you haven't already.

1. Run mkusb

In terminal:

sudo mkusb

1. Select the ISO file

• Choose "persistent live" when prompted (this is the key to enabling persistence).
• Select your USB stick carefully to avoid wiping the wrong drive.

1. Set Persistence Size

• Specify how much space you want for persistence (the tool guides you through this).

1. Confirm and proceed

Wait while mkusb creates the persistent USB drive.

1. Boot from USB

Test your USB on any PC by booting from it.

Tips for Using Persistent Ubuntu USB

• Always safely eject the USB to avoid corruption.
• Persistence has limits depending on the USB stick speed and partition size.
• For heavy development work or lots of data, consider using a fast USB 3.0 drive and higher capacity.
• Keep your persistent USB backups to avoid data loss.

Wrapping Up

Creating a persistent Ubuntu USB drive means you can carry your personalized Linux workspace in your pocket—ready to boot on almost any PC, without installation or admin rights. Whether you’re coding on client machines, troubleshooting networks, or just want a familiar environment on the go, a persistent Ubuntu USB stick is an invaluable tool.

Try the method that fits your current OS and hardware, and unlock serious portability today!

If you found this helpful or run into any questions, drop a comment below. Happy portable Ubuntu-ing!