F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems Install Linux on a USB drive for your computer.

Install Linux on a USB drive for your computer.

Install Linux on a USB drive for your computer.

K
56
02-12-2026, 09:25 AM
#1
Hey guys, I would like to have Ubuntu on a usb drive (M.2 in a USB C Cage). I cannot daily run Linux because of work, but I would like to start using it more and more. So I have downloaded the Ubuntu ISO (LTS) and ruffus. I did flashed the drive. My problem is that everytime I boot into linux, everything gets erased. Is that normal? How can I have linux permanently there in case I save some files Thanks
K
KinoahKrazyK31
02-12-2026, 09:25 AM #1

Hey guys, I would like to have Ubuntu on a usb drive (M.2 in a USB C Cage). I cannot daily run Linux because of work, but I would like to start using it more and more. So I have downloaded the Ubuntu ISO (LTS) and ruffus. I did flashed the drive. My problem is that everytime I boot into linux, everything gets erased. Is that normal? How can I have linux permanently there in case I save some files Thanks

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GamenMetLeviNL
Senior Member
638
02-21-2026, 04:28 AM
#2
The key is to set up Linux on the "M.2-USB" storage. Load the Ubuntu ISO onto a different USB card, remove all connected devices from your main system for safety, then mount the M.2-USB drive and follow the usual installation steps. Verify that the bootloader (such as GRUB) is present on the M.2-USB. When you wish to start Linux, choose the M.2-USB in your BIOS settings. The Windows installation won't be impacted, and if you boot without supervision, it will automatically switch to Windows.
G
GamenMetLeviNL
02-21-2026, 04:28 AM #2

The key is to set up Linux on the "M.2-USB" storage. Load the Ubuntu ISO onto a different USB card, remove all connected devices from your main system for safety, then mount the M.2-USB drive and follow the usual installation steps. Verify that the bootloader (such as GRUB) is present on the M.2-USB. When you wish to start Linux, choose the M.2-USB in your BIOS settings. The Windows installation won't be impacted, and if you boot without supervision, it will automatically switch to Windows.

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paperclip364
Member
174
02-21-2026, 04:51 AM
#3
It seems you were trying to download something but missed having another USB available.
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paperclip364
02-21-2026, 04:51 AM #3

It seems you were trying to download something but missed having another USB available.