With the advancement of technology, more and more tools are being developed to simplify our tasks. Rufus is one such tool that has gained popularity among computer users. IT is a utility software that allows you to create bootable USB drives from ISO files. The latest version of Rufus comes with a range of new features that make IT even more efficient and user-friendly. In this guide, we will explore these new features and help you understand how to best utilize them.
What’s New in Rufus?
1. Ability to create persistent storage: One of the most awaited features in the latest version of Rufus is the ability to create persistent storage. This means that you can now create a bootable USB drive that not only lets you install an operating system but also retains your settings and files even after restarting the system.
2. Improved UEFI support: Rufus now provides better support for systems that use Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) instead of the traditional BIOS. This ensures that you can create bootable USB drives that are compatible with the latest hardware configurations.
3. Enhanced compatibility with Windows To Go: Rufus has always been a reliable tool for creating Windows To Go drives, but the latest version further improves this functionality. You can now easily create a portable version of Windows that you can carry with you and use on any computer.
4. Support for multiple ISOs: Previously, Rufus only allowed you to create a bootable USB drive from a single ISO file. However, the latest version introduces support for multiple ISOs. This means that you can now create a USB drive that contains multiple operating systems or utility tools, all accessible from a single boot menu.
5. Option to download ISOs: In addition to using locally stored ISO files, Rufus now provides the option to directly download ISOs from various sources. This eliminates the need to manually search for ISO files on the internet, saving you time and effort.
How to Make the Most of Rufus’ New Features
1. Creating a bootable USB drive with persistent storage: To take advantage of the new persistent storage feature, simply select the desired ISO file and enable the “Persistent partition” option in Rufus. Specify the amount of space you want to allocate for persistent storage, and Rufus will create a bootable drive with the allocated space for retaining files and settings.
2. Installing Windows on a UEFI system: If you have a UEFI-based system, ensure that you select the appropriate option in Rufus to create a UEFI bootable USB drive. This will ensure that the drive is compatible with your system’s firmware.
3. Creating a multi-boot USB drive: To create a USB drive with multiple ISOs, simply select the ISOs you want to include, one after the other, in Rufus. Rufus will create a bootable drive with a menu that allows you to choose the desired operating system or utility tool.
4. Downloading ISOs with Rufus: When you need to download an ISO file, Rufus makes IT convenient by offering a list of popular ISOs that you can directly choose from. Simply select the desired ISO, and Rufus will automatically initiate the download process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use Rufus on a Mac?
A: No, Rufus is exclusive to Windows and cannot be used on a Mac. However, there are similar tools available for Mac users, such as Etcher and UNetbootin.
Q: Can Rufus create bootable USB drives for non-Windows operating systems?
A: Yes, Rufus supports a wide range of operating systems, including Linux distributions and other non-Windows systems.
Q: Can I create a bootable USB drive from a CD or DVD using Rufus?
A: Yes, Rufus allows you to create bootable USB drives from CD/DVD images, commonly known as ISO files.
Q: Is Rufus free to use?
A: Yes, Rufus is an open-source software that is free to download and use.
Q: How long does IT take to create a bootable USB drive with Rufus?
A: The time IT takes to create a bootable USB drive depends on various factors, including the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB drive. Generally, IT takes a few minutes to complete the process.
Q: Can I use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive for macOS?
A: No, Rufus is not compatible with macOS. For creating bootable USB drives for macOS, you can use the built-in Disk Utility or third-party tools like BalenaEtcher or Tuxera Disk Manager.
Now that you are familiar with the new features of Rufus, you can make the most out of this powerful tool. Whether you need to install a new operating system, create a portable Windows To Go drive, or have multiple ISOs on a single bootable USB drive, Rufus has got you covered.
