In 2020, there were more than 302 million laptops and PCs sold in the world. This number increased around 13% compared to 2019. From that amount of quantity, most laptops and PCs have developed in becoming thin without any DVD drives. With this new demand, flash drives play an important role to replace CD and DVD’s function. However, to make flash drives work like CDs then software like Rufus is needed on Windows. Those using Mac or Linux should try Rufus alternatives.
Rufus itself is a tool or a program that can create a bootable device such as USB drives. Normally, people use this program to install or save their operating system on a device. This is to prevent if anything happens or something goes wrong. Without having to worry, they can install the windows again with the device.
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Why Rufus is Needed
To make sure people can get the job done quickly, a tool to create bootable media is needed. Therefore, having Rufus on the PC is quite important to do. By installing it on your PC, you can quickly reinstall it if there are any changes needed. This app can also help you create non-bootable and quickly format USB. So, whether it is for personal or commercial needs, Rufus is one of the best apps to use.
One of the great things about Rufus is it is lightweight but still powerful. This is because it is portable software therefore you don’t need to install it on your PC or laptop. However, you can always save the app on an external device if sometimes you need urgent action.
To make this software work, other than Windows, you’ll also need a USB drive with a minimum of 8 GB free capacity. Once all the requirements are available, you can start using the app to format or create bootable media.
Apps Made for Windows OS Only
Other than Rufus, there are also other alternatives that people can use for Windows users. They have the same function, features, and are free to use. But if you want to compare one another to see which is best, then try these Rufus alternatives for Windows:
1. WinSetUpFromUSB
For those looking for software like Rufus for Windows but works easier and can do other functions, check out WinSetUpFromUSB. Just like Rufus, this software works the best on Windows, however, it can also create bootable Linux using IsoLinux.
If you check the features one by one, Rufus is complete and more advanced. However, they do have some similarities such as creating UEFI in a bootable drive, burn ISO, and automatic downloading. One point that this software has that Rufus doesn’t is that it can create bootable media for other systems such as WinPE and WindBuilder.
2. Windows 7 USB Tool
If you have an older operating system, don’t worry because there is Windows 7 USB Tool. This app is compatible with old operations such as Windows 7 to XP. Even though it may not be as advanced as the Media Creation Tool, this app is straightforward. The steps are easy, simple, and easy to understand, even for starters. So, if Rufus is too complicated for you, try this one out.
3. YUMI
Another alternative that is capable for Windows is the Universal USB Installer. Briefly, this software looks like a Universal USB Installer, as it is made by the same person. However, YUMI is created especially to make multiboot USB drives.
What makes this software great compared to Rufus is its capability to install more than one operating system into a single drive. The only limit to the process is the memory inside the drive. Overall, the process to make a bootable USB is just like Rufus.
4. Universal USB Installer
The next installer on the list is Universal USB Installer which you can use on Windows. Same as UNetBootin, this app is Linux-based and can work on other systems. Overall, it works just like Rufus, but in a smoother and more flawless process. This is why many Windows users prefer to use this app rather than using Rufus.
Other than booting a device, Universal also has a formatting tool that will help get additional free space on the disk. Therefore, once the installation is done, you still have enough space to use it for saving other files.
5. Win32 Disk Imager
Win32 Disk Imager is one of the apps that still support SD cards and flash disks. Compared to other apps, Win32 is old as it was one of the first apps released. However, even though there are newer and better apps, Win32 Disk Imager is still one to consider. It has complete features and is compatible with old and new devices.
Rufus Alternatives for Mac Only
Even though Rufus has many advantages and great functions, unfortunately, it can’t work on Mac. However, Mac users can still make a bootable drive using its original application or others that are available online.
1. DiskMaker X
This is the next option of Rufus alternative that is compatible with all kinds of Mac laptops. Overall, the app is just like Rufus, as it has the same function, features, and process. Even the updates come on the same date. Therefore, those who used to work on this on Windows will not face any difficulty using it on Mac.
DiskMaker X also has a tool called spotlight. After installing this feature will help find the file on the PC. Then, it searches for a free device and offers to flash it. So, whatever kind of media you are using, if you’re looking for easy software, Diskmaker X is an option to try.
Alternatives for All Types of System Operation
After knowing some apps that are for special operating systems, it is now time to reveal the apps for universal use. Some can be used for two kinds of operations while others are compatible for all. Therefore, if you decide to change your device, these apps can still be used, and you don’t need to learn from the start. Here are some Rufus alternatives that are compatible with many system operations at once:
1. Etcher
If you’re looking for an app that can help create a bootable disk for Windows, Mac, and even Linux, then download Etcher. Despite working on all platforms, what makes Etchers a great option is its simple and quick steps to create a bootable disk. There are only three simple steps to start the process.
First, select the ISO image or URL file that you want to flash. Then, select the device you want to use. The app will also inform any other device that is available and request you to remove it. This is to prevent it from getting chosen and overwritten. When you are sure that the device is right, just click flash! The whole process only takes around 3-5 minutes if you do it right.
One of the great things about Etcher is it has great features that will make sure your booting is done well. First, they have validated flashing that will make sure your process is done correctly on the media. Therefore, there is no more corrupted card or error flash disk when you use them. Overall, this is a great app for those who are a starter in booting.
2. UNetBootin
UNetBooting is one of the Rufus alternatives that are compatible with Linux, Windows, and even Mac. Many people may not know, but UNetBootin is Linux-based. Despite being Linux-based, UNetBootin can be used easily and quickly on other platforms such as Mac. With this app, you don’t need to download or convert any file to make it work. As for the process, it is as quick as Rufus.
The only minor problem with this app is the files it supports. As it is from Linux, it only supports their type of files. Therefore, before you start flashing, make sure your file is compatible and can be read by the app.
3. Deepin Boot Maker
One of the all-in-one software that can integrate all bootable USB and create a portable system is Deepin Boot Maker. Even though this software may not be as good as Rufus, but it can work fast and easily in making a portable system. It can also work on all operating systems from Mac and Windows.
One of the great things about Deepin Boot Maker is it can turn a broken drive into a bootable drive. So, if you have a drive that can’t work anymore, then use this software and change it into something useful. Overall, this software is a great alternative, especially if you only need it for basic use. The only complaint that many people have been saying is that not all ISO images can work well with this software.
Which App is Best to Use?
So, from all the Rufus alternatives, which is the best one to use and download? Well, it all depends on what kind of system you use and need. It is best to download an app that is suitable for your PC, therefore you don’t have to download extra files.
Next, determine the function of the app. If you only need it for booting, then it is best to download a simple and light application. Therefore, even though you are not using it, the app won’t take up your memory or slow it down.
Whichever app you choose, before starting to boot make sure to have a secondary USB stick. This is to prevent things from missing or any error on the main disk. Second, make sure there is enough space in the first USB stick. It is mostly safe to have around 8GB of free space if you want to use it for installation.
Overall, these Rufus alternatives have their own cons and pros. For those who use Windows, Rufus is still the best option as it has simple steps and supports many languages. As for Mac users, all options are great and safe to use. However, if you are worried that you’ll have a hard time, then download DiskXMaker. Last, for Linux, Etcher is the recommended app because it delivers great results and processes.
