Make SD card bootable - how it works
If you make an SD card bootable, you can start and use it with another operating system. Alternatively, install a new Windows or Linux version on your hard disk using the small data carrier. In this practical tip, we will tell you exactly how to proceed.
How to make your SD card bootable
In addition to another operating system, you can install antivirus tools such as the Avira AntiVir Rescue System on the SD card. With this application you only have to start the EXE file. In addition, you can also use any ISO image:
- The "Unetbootin" program does most of the work for you and installs any ISO image on your SD card. The tool runs on Windows without installation.
- As soon as you have downloaded and started "Unetbootin", you can continue with the installation on the SD card.
- The card shouldn't be too small. The download from Ubuntu, for example, is around 700 MB in size and requires sufficient space. Depending on the size of your ISO image, you should use an SD card with 4 GB or more storage space.
- Back up all data that is still on the card and format the medium in FAT format.
Unetbootin: Make SD cards bootable
Once you have made all the preparations, you can start the actual process. "Unetbootin" temporarily converts your SD card into a boot medium. If you would later like to use the card again as normal storage medium, you can simply reformat it.
- If you start "Unetbootin", you have the choice between different Linux distributions, which you can download directly via the interface. Alternatively, navigate to the path of your ISO file via "Image"> "...".
- Then choose "USB drive" under "Type" and select the letter assigned to your SD card under "Drive".
- Start the process with "Ok". Depending on whether you're starting a download or using a local ISO file, it will take a while for the process to complete.
- After successful installation, you will receive a message and can choose whether you want to restart directly and boot via the SD card.
If you can now equip your SD card with an operating system, we will show you how to use it to install Linux on a notebook.