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Cover image for Using Ventoy to create bootable device with multiple OS disk images.
Ishan Jarwal
Ishan Jarwal

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Using Ventoy to create bootable device with multiple OS disk images.

#archlinux #linux #tooling #tutorial

Ventoy lets you create a multi-boot USB drive where you can simply copy ISO files directly (Windows, Linux, etc.) without reformatting or re-burning each time.

Step 1: Install Ventoy in Arch Linux

You can install it via the AUR.

yay -S ventoy-bin
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(If you don’t have yay, install it or use another AUR helper like paru.)

Alternatively, you can manually download it:

git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/ventoy-bin.git
cd ventoy-bin
makepkg -si
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Step 2: Identify Your USB Drive

Plug in your USB stick and list your disks:

lsblk

// Shows something like this 

sda    500G  HDD
sdb    16G   USB Drive
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So here the USB is /dev/sdb.

 

Step 3: Install Ventoy on the USB

Run Ventoy to install the bootloader on the USB:

sudo ventoy -i /dev/sdX
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You’ll get a confirmation prompt, type y to proceed.

 

To update Ventoy in the future without erasing files:

sudo ventoy -u /dev/sdX
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Step 4: Add ISO Images

Once installed, Ventoy creates two partitions:

  • A small Ventoy system partition
  • A large exFAT partition (visible in file manager)

You can now mount the USB and copy any .iso, .img, or .wim files directly into it, e.g.:

 

cp ~/Downloads/archlinux.iso /run/media/$USER/Ventoy/
cp ~/Downloads/ubuntu.iso /run/media/$USER/Ventoy/
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Step 5: Boot from Ventoy USB

  1. Reboot your system.
  2. Enter your boot menu (usually F12, Esc, or F8 depending on your BIOS/UEFI).
  3. Select your Ventoy USB device.
  4. Ventoy menu will appear with a list of all ISO images on the USB.

Use arrow keys to choose the OS you want to boot and hit Enter.

 

Optional Features

  • Persistence (for live Linux distros): You can create a persistence file and attach it: 
  sudo ventoy -c
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  • Secure Boot Support: Ventoy supports Secure Boot, you can enable it: 
  sudo ventoy -g /dev/sdX
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Tips

  • You can rename ISOs for clarity — Ventoy reads their labels dynamically.
  • If you add or remove ISOs, you don’t need to “refresh” anything — just copy them in/out.
  • Works perfectly with both BIOS and UEFI boot modes.

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