Featured image of post The Easiest Way to Flash OS Images to a USB with BalenaEtcher
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The Easiest Way to Flash OS Images to a USB with BalenaEtcher

To install Linux, you usually need to put the ISO image you downloaded onto a USB drive. To do that, you'll need a tool that can flash or write that image onto your USB stick, SD card, or TF card.

Download BalenaEtcher

When you’re getting ready to install Linux, you’ll usually use a USB drive for the job. Your first step is finding a tool to write that ISO file onto your USB stick or SD card.

I highly recommend a free and super handy tool called BalenaEtcher: https://etcher.balena.io/.

Just pick the version that matches your computer. For example, I’m using Etcher for macOS (arm64).

Pick the right version for your computer

How to Flash the Image

BalenaEtcher is a breeze to use—you just follow the steps one by one. First, pick the image file you want to use, like a Linux ISO.

Select your image file

Next, choose where you want to write it, like your USB stick or SD card.

Select your USB drive or SD card

Usually, BalenaEtcher hides your computer’s main hard drive so you don’t accidentally wipe it. Just make sure you double-check so you don’t pick the wrong drive and lose your files!

Select your USB drive—make sure it’s the right one!

Once everything looks good, just hit Flash!. You’ll need to enter your computer password, and it’ll start writing.

Flashing… almost there!