How to burn ISO image file to USB using Etcher

If you need to install the operating system from USB, you need to copy the ISO image file to this device first. But just copying in the usual way is not enough. You need the ISO file to be able to boot and a dedicated ISO file burning software will help you do this.

Although operating systems have this feature built-in, it is difficult to use. That's where the Balena-developed Etcher comes in. This tutorial will show you how to burn an ISO file to USB using Etcher, no matter what operating system you use.

Developed by Balena, Etcher is now freely available for macOS, Windows (installable and portable) and Linux (AppImage 32-bit and 64-bit).

1. Download Etcher (Free)

Just click the Download button. The website will detect your operating system and make sure you download the correct version.

On Windows and macOS, you'll need to install Etcher. For Linux users whose system accepts AppImage files, you can simply double-click the downloaded file and Etcher will run.

Flash ISO file to USB or SD memory card with Etcher

To create a bootable USB or SD card from the ISO file you downloaded to your computer:

Step 1. Connect the USB or insert the SD card into the card reader

Step 2. Launch Etcher

Step 3. Click Flash from file

Step 4. Browse your computer for the downloaded ISO file

Step 5. With the file selected, click OK

Step 6. Next, click Select target.

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Step 7. Find the USB or SD card

Step 8. Click OK

Step 9. Click Flash

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Then, Etcher will proceed to burn the ISO file to the selected media. Wait until the process is complete, as there will be a verification phase.

The app will notify you when the process is complete. Only then should you remove the USB or SD card.

How to burn ISO file to USB from Internet with Etcher

Sometimes, you won't have the ISO file available on your computer. Instead, it will be available as a downloadable file.

Instead of downloading the file to your computer first, you can instruct Etcher to get the file directly from the Internet and write it to a USB or SD card.

Step 1. Open the website that provides the ISO file's URL in the browser.

Step 2. Connect the USB or insert the SD card into the card reader.

Step 3. Launch Etcher.

Step 4. Click Flash from URL.

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Step 5. Copy the URL of the file into the Enter valid URL field.

Step 6. If login information is required, click Authentication, then enter username and password

Step 7. Click OK

Step 8. Click Select target

Step 9. Browse USB or SD card

Step 10. Click OK, then click Flash

Wait until the process is complete before removing the USB or SD card.

If you want to know the best way to burn ISO files to USB or SD card, congratulations, you have found what you need. Etcher makes the process simple and easy (in most cases, just 5 clicks).

With the ability to flash from downloaded or online files, Etcher is the kind of app everyone should have. You may not use it often, but when needed, Etcher will do exactly what you want.

However, Etcher will not allow you to mount or browse the disk image ISO. But that shouldn't be a problem, as the OS will do it for you.

Samuel Daniel

Update 05 April 2022