Can I Create Multiboot USB for Windows 7/8/10/11 with Rufus?

In our modern digital era, having a multiboot USB drive has become increasingly valuable. It offers the convenience of booting into various operating systems and tools from a single USB drive. This is especially beneficial for IT experts, system administrators, and those dealing with multiple operating systems.

In this guide, we'll dive into the process of creating a multiboot USB for Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11. Stay tuned for step-by-step instructions. Next, let's start by looking at what multiboot USB is and the benefits of creating a multiboot USB.

What Is Multiboot USB & Benefits?

A multiboot USB is a USB flash drive that is configured to contain multiple bootable operating systems or utilities. It allows you to boot into different operating systems or tools directly from the USB drive without the need to install them on your computer's hard drive.

• With a multiboot USB, you can have multiple operating systems or utility tools readily available on a single portable device. This can be useful in various scenarios, such as troubleshooting computer issues, performing system diagnostics, or accessing different operating systems on the go.
• To create a multiboot USB, you typically use specialized software or tools that help you configure the USB drive to support multiple bootable environments. These tools allow you to choose the operating systems or utilities you want to include and create a bootable setup on the USB drive.
• Once the multiboot USB is created, you can boot your computer from the USB drive and select the desired operating system or utility from a menu that appears during the boot process. This gives you the flexibility to switch between different systems or tools without the need to carry multiple installation discs or USB drives.

User Case: Can Rufus Create Multiboot USB?

“Hey folks, I'm trying to create a multiboot USB with Windows 7 and 8 and 10 using Rufus. I'm wondering if anyone has successfully done this before. I have a Dell Inspiron laptop running Windows 10, and I want to have all these versions handy for troubleshooting purposes. Could you share the steps or any tips to make it work smoothly with Rufus? Thanks a bunch!”

Rufus, an acclaimed open-source tool, is widely recognized for its ability to create bootable USB drives effortlessly. It supports a range of operating systems like Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD. However, Rufus only supports selecting a single ISO image at a time. That is to say, you need to use different USB drives for Windows 7, 8, 10 ISO files. If you still want to try it out, learn how to create a bootable USB drive using Rufus below:

Step 1. Download and install Rufus on your computer and connect your USB drive to your computer. Then, open Rufus and choose your USB drive from the device list.

Step 2. In the Boot selection section, click Select to choose the Windows 7/8/10 ISO file on your computer. Please note only one ISO file can be selected at a time.

Step 3. Choose Image option, Partition scheme and Target system based on your need. Or you can keep the default options.

Step 4. Name the bootable USB under Volume label. Finally, click Start to begin bootable media creation.

Once the process finishes, you can boot your computer from the USB drive and install Windows or repair your computer as necessary. Now you know how to create Windows 7/8/10 bootable USB by Rufus. Is it possible to create a multiboot USB for Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11? The answer is yes. Please continue reading.

How to Create Multiboot USB for Windows 7/8/10/11

This part will describe two ways to create multiboot USB for Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11. Let’s explore them one by one.

Way 1: Create Multiboot USB Using Ventoy

Ventoy is an open-source tool for creating bootable USB drives. It allows you to copy ISO files directly to the drive, enabling booting from multiple OSes or tools without reformatting. It's compatible with Windows, Linux, and more, offering a simple and efficient solution for bootable media.

Step 1. Plug in your USB drive. Then go to the official Ventoy GitHub releases page and download the Ventoy Windows zip file.

Step 2. Unzip the file and launch Ventoy. After Ventoy starts, you'll find your USB drive in the list. If you don't see it, pick your USB drive from the list and click Install.

Step 3. Ventoy will install on your USB drive. Just copy all the ISOs to the same drive where Ventoy is installed, and your multiboot USB will be good to go.

Way 2: Create Multiboot USB via AOMEI Backupper

Apart from Ventoy, there are other third-party tools you can explore for creating bootable USB drives. AOMEI Backupper Standard is my top recommendation as it is widely regarded as the best free boot media creator available. By utilizing this software, you gain the ability to create bootable USB drives not only for your current computer but also for other PCs. And bootable disks created by this software are backward compatible so that bootable disks created in Win 11 can be used in Win 11/10/8/7!

It serves as a swift solution for tackling startup issues, including resolving Windows 10 recovery screen loop errors or overcoming boot failures. AOMEI Backupper Standard offers numerous advantages and functionalities, such as:

Alright, let's get started with creating a bootable USB using AOMEI Backupper Standard (If you are a server user, please download AOMEI Backupper Server). Begin by downloading the freeware and installing it on your system.

Step 1. Open the program and navigate to the Tools tab. From there, select the Create Bootable Media option to proceed.

Step 2. Choose the Bootable Disc Type. It is advisable to select Windows PE as it provides a broader range of options and caters to a wider audience compared to Linux.

Step 3. Select the USB Boot Device option and click Next to proceed. Allow some time for the process to complete, and once finished, click on Finish to finalize the procedure.

Tip: In case you don't have a USB or CD/DVD at your disposal, an alternative option is to enable the AOMEI recovery environment boot feature once you upgrade to AOMEI Backupper Professional. This feature operates similarly to bootable media, but with the limitation of being specific to the current computer.

Summary

It is a pity that you cannot create multiboot USB for Windows 7 and 8 and 10 using Rufus. Luckily, this article introduces two alternative tools to help you make it, Ventoy and AOMEI Backupper.

Not only does AOMEI Backupper excel as a free boot media creator, but it also offers outstanding capabilities as the best Outlook PST backup software. With the ability to back up numerous email accounts without any data loss, it provides a comprehensive solution. Download it now to unlock its extensive range of features and embark on a seamless backup experience!