Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Rufus

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How do I install Rufus?

Rufus offers two versions:

  1. Standard version: Download the installer and run it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  2. Portable version: No installation needed. Simply download the executable and run it directly.

Both versions are available on the download page.

Do I need administrator rights to run Rufus?

Yes, Rufus requires administrator privileges because it performs low-level disk operations that need elevated permissions. When you run Rufus, Windows will prompt you for administrator approval.

What are the system requirements for Rufus?

Rufus requires:

  • Windows 7 or later (32-bit or 64-bit)
  • At least 2MB of disk space
  • A USB port
  • Administrator privileges

For best performance, we recommend Windows 10 or later with USB 3.0 support.

How do I create a bootable USB drive?

Follow these steps to create a bootable USB drive:

  1. Insert your USB drive (minimum 4GB recommended)
  2. Launch Rufus and select your USB drive from the Device dropdown
  3. Click "SELECT" and choose your ISO file
  4. Select the appropriate Partition scheme (MBR for BIOS/Legacy, GPT for UEFI)
  5. Choose the File system (FAT32 for most cases, NTFS for large files)
  6. Click "START" and wait for the process to complete

Can I use Rufus to create bootable drives for Mac or Linux?

Yes, Rufus supports:

  • Linux: Most distributions including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian
  • macOS: While Rufus runs on Windows, it can create bootable drives for macOS installation
  • Windows: All versions from Windows XP to Windows 11

Note that some specialized Linux distributions might require additional configuration.

What's the difference between MBR and GPT partition schemes?

The main differences are:

  • MBR (Master Boot Record): Older standard, compatible with most systems, limited to 2TB disks
  • GPT (GUID Partition Table): Newer standard, required for UEFI systems, supports disks larger than 2TB

For modern computers (post-2012), GPT is generally recommended. For older systems, you may need MBR.

Rufus doesn't detect my USB drive. What should I do?

Try these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Unplug and replug the USB drive
  2. Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0 if available)
  3. Check if the drive appears in Windows Disk Management
  4. Test with a different USB drive if possible
  5. Restart your computer and try again
  6. Ensure you're running Rufus as administrator

If the drive still isn't detected, it might be damaged or use a proprietary controller not supported by Windows.

Why does my antivirus flag Rufus as potentially dangerous?

Some antivirus programs may flag Rufus because:

  • It performs low-level disk operations
  • It modifies boot sectors
  • It's a small, unsigned executable (portable version)

Rufus is completely safe and open source. You can:

  1. Verify the digital signature (standard version)
  2. Check the checksum against the official release
  3. Review the source code on GitHub
  4. Add Rufus to your antivirus whitelist

The created bootable drive doesn't work. What could be wrong?

Common issues and solutions:

  • Boot mode mismatch: Ensure your BIOS/UEFI settings match the partition scheme (MBR for Legacy, GPT for UEFI)
  • Corrupt ISO: Verify the ISO checksum matches the official release
  • USB compatibility: Try a different USB drive (some older drives have compatibility issues)
  • Secure Boot: Disable Secure Boot in BIOS for some operating systems
  • Bad USB port: Try a different USB port, preferably USB 2.0

What's the difference between standard and portable versions?

The main differences are:

Standard Version Portable Version
Requires installation Runs directly without installation
Adds Start Menu shortcuts No system modifications
Creates file associations Completely self-contained
Better for regular use Ideal for temporary or secure use

What file systems does Rufus support?

Rufus supports these file systems for creating bootable drives:

  • FAT32: Most compatible, but limited to 4GB files
  • NTFS: Supports large files, but not all systems can boot from it
  • exFAT: For modern systems, supports large files
  • UDF: Universal Disk Format, for specific use cases

The best choice depends on your target system and the operating system you're installing.

Does Rufus support Windows To Go?

Yes, Rufus has special support for creating Windows To Go drives:

  1. Select your USB drive (must be Windows To Go certified)
  2. Choose your Windows ISO
  3. Select "Windows To Go" in the options
  4. Click "START" to begin

Note that Windows To Go requires specific hardware and Windows Enterprise edition.