Creating bootable installation media

Step-by-step instructions for creating a bootable USB drive with the VergeOS ISO on Windows, macOS, and Linux using Rufus, BalenaEtcher, or native tools.

This guide explains how to create a bootable USB to install VergeOS on different operating systems.

Windows

1. Download the VergeOS installation ISO.

   • Please Contact Us for the download link.
2. Insert a USB drive into your computer.

   This USB drive will be overwritten.
3. Download and launch Rufus from https://rufus.ie/en/.
4. In Rufus:

   • Select your USB device under Device.
   • Click the Select button and choose the VergeOS installation ISO.
   • Click Start.
5. When prompted, select DD mode to write the image.

   Important: Select DD Mode

   Rufus defaults to ISO mode, but you must select DD mode for VergeOS. Selecting ISO mode will result in an unbootable USB drive.
6. Rufus will begin creating the bootable USB. Once complete, your USB is ready to be used for VergeOS installation.

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macOS

1. Download the VergeOS installation ISO.

   • Please Contact Us for the download link.
2. Insert a USB drive into your computer.

   This USB drive will be overwritten.
3. Download and install BalenaEtcher from https://www.balena.io/etcher/.
4. Launch BalenaEtcher and:

   • Click Flash from file, and select the VergeOS ISO.
   • Select the target USB disk (be careful not to select hidden drives).
   • Click Flash! to start the process.
5. Once the flashing process is complete, your USB drive will be ready to boot and install VergeOS.

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Linux Mint

1. Download the VergeOS installation ISO.

   • Please Contact Us for the download link.
2. Insert a USB drive into your computer.

   This USB drive will be overwritten.
3. Using Mint’s file browser, navigate to the downloaded ISO file:

   • Right-click the ISO and choose Make bootable USB stick.
   • In the USB Image Writer, select the USB media to write the installation file to.
   • Authenticate with your admin password when prompted.
   • Click Authenticate to start writing the ISO to the USB drive.
4. Once the process is finished, your bootable USB stick will be ready for VergeOS installation.