How to Turn a USB Drive into a Portable Ubuntu System Using VMware
This step‑by‑step tutorial shows how to install Ubuntu onto a USB flash drive using a VMware virtual machine, creating a portable Linux system that can boot on any computer while preserving all configuration and data.
Installation Guide: Ubuntu on USB via VMware
This tutorial explains how to install Ubuntu onto a USB flash drive (making the USB act as a hard drive) so that the portable system can run on any computer and retain its configuration.
Explanation
Use a USB 3.0 drive of at least 16 GB; the installation will format the drive and occupy about 3 GB. Back up any important data before proceeding.
Background
The author needed an Ubuntu environment for an OpenStack lab without dual‑booting the host machine. After extensive research, they succeeded in creating a bootable USB and documented the process for others.
Environment and Preparation
VMware Workstation (version 12.5 Pro) is used as the virtual machine host. Download the Ubuntu 16.04 LTS ISO from Ubuntu official site .
Installation Steps
1. Create a new virtual machine in VMware and select "I will install the operating system later" as the source.
2. In the VM settings, attach the Ubuntu ISO to the CD drive and enable all USB controller options, setting compatibility to USB 3.0.
3. Connect the prepared USB flash drive to the host, then start the VM. If no USB prompt appears, start the "VMware USB Arbitrary" service via service.msc and set its startup type to Automatic.
4. After the VM boots, the USB should appear in the lower‑right corner, indicating a successful connection.
5. In the VM, choose "Try Ubuntu" to launch the live environment, then click "Install Ubuntu" on the desktop.
6. When prompted about multiple devices, select NO . Continue and choose "Something else" for manual partitioning.
7. Select /dev/sdb (the USB) and create a new partition table. Create an ext4 primary partition of 15000 MB mounted at /, and a swap partition using the remaining space.
8. Ensure the boot loader is installed to the USB device.
9. Proceed with the installation, then reboot. Remove the USB when prompted.
10. To boot from the USB on any computer, enter the BIOS/boot manager, enable USB boot, and select the USB device (may require enabling Legacy mode if only UEFI is supported).
Important Notes
Use a USB 3.0 drive for better performance.
All data on the USB will be erased during installation.
If the USB does not appear in the boot manager, check BIOS settings for USB boot enablement.
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