Installing Multiple ISOs Using Ventoy

Ventoy is an open-source tool that makes it easy to create a bootable USB drive capable of storing and booting multiple ISO files. It eliminates the need to format your USB drive repeatedly when switching between different operating systems. Here’s how you can set it up and use it effectively:

Step 1: Download and Install Ventoy

Download Ventoy:
- Visit the official Ventoy website and download the latest version of the tool for your operating system (Windows, Linux, etc.).
Install Ventoy:
- Extract the downloaded ZIP file.
- Run the Ventoy executable (Ventoy2Disk.exe on Windows or the corresponding script for Linux).
- Connect a USB drive to your computer. Ensure it has enough storage to hold all your desired ISOs.
- Select the correct USB drive in Ventoy.
- Click the Install button (this will format the USB drive, so back up any important data beforehand).

Step 2: Copy ISO Files to the USB Drive

Prepare Your ISO Files:
- Download the ISO files for the operating systems or tools you want to boot.
Copy the Files:
- Once Ventoy is installed, your USB drive will have a folder structure created by Ventoy.
- Simply copy and paste the ISO files into the USB drive—no special folder is required.
- You can store multiple ISOs in the root directory or organize them into subfolders.

Step 3: Boot from the Ventoy USB

Restart Your Computer:
- Insert the Ventoy USB drive into the target computer.
- Restart the computer and access the boot menu (this is typically done by pressing a key like F12, ESC, F2, or DEL during startup; the exact key varies by manufacturer).
Select the USB Drive:
- From the boot menu, select the Ventoy USB drive as the boot device.
Choose an ISO:
- Ventoy will display a menu showing all the ISO files stored on the USB drive.
- Use the arrow keys to select the ISO you want to boot and press Enter.

Step 4: Additional Features and Tips

Organize Files:
- While ISOs can be placed directly on the drive, organizing them into folders can make navigation easier if you have many files.
Check Compatibility:
- Ventoy supports a wide range of ISO files, including Linux distributions, Windows installers, and various rescue tools. For a full compatibility list, visit the Ventoy Compatibility Page.
Update Ventoy:
- Periodically update Ventoy to the latest version to ensure compatibility with new ISOs. To update, simply re-run the Ventoy installation process on the USB drive; your existing ISOs won’t be deleted.
Persistence:
- Ventoy supports persistence for certain Linux distributions, allowing you to save changes between boots. Refer to the Ventoy documentation for details on enabling persistence.

Advantages of Using Ventoy

No need to format the USB drive every time you add a new ISO.
Supports multiple ISO files on a single drive.
User-friendly interface and easy setup.
Compatible with both Legacy and UEFI boot modes.
Open-source and regularly updated.

With Ventoy, you can create a versatile USB drive to boot various operating systems, recovery tools, or diagnostic utilities—all from a single device. It’s a must-have tool for IT professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Happy booting!