How to Install and Configure Ventoy for ISO Installation Media

What is Ventoy?

Ventoy is an open-source tool that allows you to create bootable installation media from ISO files without the need to extract them. With Ventoy, you simply copy ISO files to a USB flash drive, and they are ready to use. This solution is incredibly convenient, especially if you frequently install operating systems or need recovery tools.

In this article, you’ll learn how to install and configure Ventoy to create a bootable USB drive that supports multiple ISO files.

Advantages of Ventoy

1. Supports Multiple ISO Files
   Ventoy enables you to store multiple ISO files on a single USB drive and select one during boot.
2. No Reformatting Required
   Once the USB drive is set up with Ventoy, you don’t need to reformat it each time you add a new ISO file.
3. Wide Compatibility
   Ventoy supports numerous file formats, including ISO, WIM, IMG, VHD, and EFI.

How to Install Ventoy on a USB Flash Drive

Preparation

Before starting, make sure you have:

• A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage.
• The latest version of Ventoy (download it from the official Ventoy website).
• ISO files of the operating system or software you wish to use.

Step 1: Download Ventoy

1. Visit the official Ventoy website.
2. Download the latest version for your operating system (Windows or Linux).
3. Extract the ZIP file to a folder on your computer.

Step 2: Run Ventoy

On Windows

1. Open the Ventoy2Disk.exe file from the extracted folder.
2. Connect your USB flash drive to the computer.
3. Select your USB drive from the list of available devices.
4. Click the Install button.
5. Confirm the process by clicking Yes when prompted.

On Linux

1. Open a terminal.
2. Navigate to the directory where you extracted the Ventoy files.
3. Run the following command:
   
   bash Copy

   sudo ./Ventoy2Disk.sh -i /dev/sdX

   Replace /dev/sdX with the path of your USB drive (e.g., /dev/sdb).
4. Confirm the installation if prompted.

Step 3: Add ISO Files to the USB Drive

Once the installation is complete:

1. Open your USB flash drive in the file explorer.
2. Copy the ISO files to the drive.
3. You can add multiple ISO files without reformatting the drive.

Configuring Ventoy for Maximum Performance

Enabling Secure Boot Support

1. Open Ventoy2Disk.
2. Go to Options > Secure Boot Support.
3. Select Enable to activate Secure Boot support.

This allows Ventoy to work on systems that require Secure Boot.

Using Ventoy Plugins

Ventoy supports various plugins to add extra features, such as custom menus or persistent storage.

Steps to Add Plugins

1. A ventoy.json file must be exist in /ventoy directory under the first partition(along with the iso files).
2. Add a ventoy.json file to this folder.
3. Edit the JSON file to customize your configuration. Here’s an example:
   
   json Copy

    {“control”: [ { “VTOY_DEFAULT_MENU_MODE”: “1”} ] }

4. Save the changes, and Ventoy will apply the configuration during boot.

How to Boot from a Ventoy USB Flash Drive

Booting Steps

1. Insert the Ventoy USB flash drive into your computer.
2. Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings and set the boot priority to USB.
3. When the system reads the USB, a menu will display the list of available ISO files.
4. Select an ISO file and press Enter to boot.

Tips for Using Ventoy Effectively

• Backup Your Data: Before installing Ventoy, make sure to back up important data, as all data on the USB drive will be erased.
• Use High-Speed USB Drives: For the best experience, use a USB flash drive with high transfer speeds.
• Update Regularly: Download and install the latest version of Ventoy to ensure compatibility with newer ISO files.

Conclusion

Ventoy is an incredibly useful tool for creating multi-ISO bootable USB drives. Its easy installation process, wide file format support, and the ability to add ISO files without reformatting make it a top choice for many users. Follow this guide to get started, and enjoy the convenience Ventoy has to offer.