STANDARDEveryday choice
Rufus 4.15
Download, open, and get to work.
No installation wizard needed.
SMALL TOOL. FRESH START.
A fresh start.
One USB away.
Create a bootable USB for your next Windows or Linux install. Start with Rufus, then follow a straightforward guide.
An independent guide. Downloads link to the official Rufus project.
WINDOWS INSTALLERSLINUX LIVE USBsISO IMAGESUEFI & LEGACY BIOS
01 / GET THE TOOL
Small download.
Big possibilities.
Pick the edition for your Windows PC. Every download goes directly to the official GitHub release.
PORTABLETake your settings
Rufus Portable
The same tool, with settings stored in a local configuration file.
Windows x64Keep the executable and its configuration together when moving between PCs.
Download portable x64Listed release: 4.15 · June 30, 2026 · Checked October 2, 2026All releases & release notes
ONE TOOL. A FEW GOOD REASONS.
Make room for
a new beginning.
01
Install a new operating system
Prepare USB installation media from a Windows or Linux ISO.
02
Try a Linux live environment
Create media from a supported live ISO and follow the distribution’s instructions.
03
Keep the process simple
A focused Windows utility without an installation step.
Screenshot: Rufus / Pete Batard
02 / MAKE YOUR USB
From ISO to
ready to boot.
For a Windows 11 USB, use a drive with at least 8 GB. Larger ISO files may need more space.
Back up the USB drive first. Rufus erases the selected drive when it writes installation media. Double-check its name and capacity before starting.
- 01
- 02
Select the USB & image
Open Rufus. Choose the correct USB under Device, then use SELECT to open your ISO file.
- 03
Match your boot mode
Choose the partition scheme for the PC you will boot. Check the guide below if you are unsure.
GPT or MBR? - 04
Write, then boot
Review the settings, select START, and confirm only after checking the drive. Wait for READY, then safely eject and use your PC’s boot menu.
Need more detail? Read the official Rufus FAQ.
03 / PICK THE RIGHT FORMAT
GPT or MBR?
Match the target PC.
Check the firmware mode of the computer you want to boot. For a Windows installer, the usual pairing is GPT with UEFI, or MBR with legacy BIOS.
Microsoft’s partition guideUSUAL WINDOWS INSTALLER PAIRING
GPT + UEFI
Choose GPT as the partition scheme and UEFI as the target system for a Windows installer on a UEFI computer.
Windows 11 requires UEFI with Secure Boot capability. Check the target PC’s requirements before installing.
04 / A LITTLE CLARITY
Before you hit START.
Answers to the questions that come up most often.
Is Rufus free?
Yes. Rufus is free and open source under GPLv3 or later. The official project provides its downloads without a purchase.
Do I need to install it?
No. Run the downloaded executable on Windows. Both the standard and portable editions work without an installer.
Can I run Rufus on macOS or Linux?
Rufus runs on Windows, not macOS or Linux. It can create USB media for supported Linux images while running on a Windows PC.
What is different about the portable edition?
The portable edition creates a local rufus.ini configuration file so you can keep settings with the program. Both editions offer the same core functionality.
Why is my USB not booting?
Check that the ISO supports your target PC, that the USB appears in its boot menu, and that the selected firmware mode matches your media. Follow your PC manufacturer’s boot instructions.
Official boot troubleshootingWill Rufus delete my files?
Writing the USB erases the selected drive. Back up its files and verify the device before confirming. Rufus cannot undo an accidental overwrite.
READY FOR YOUR NEXT INSTALL?
Start with the right tool.
Choose your download, keep your ISO handy, and take it one step at a time.