
Ventoy: An Efficient Open Source Tool for Bootable USB Drives
Ventoy is a powerful open-source software designed to simplify the process of creating bootable USB drives for various file formats, including ISO, WIM, IMG, VHD(x), and EFI. It eliminates the need for repeated disk formatting; users simply copy their desired files onto the USB drive and can boot them directly. Ventoy features a user-friendly boot menu that allows easy selection of the files. Importantly, it supports both Legacy BIOS and UEFI, making it compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, WinPE, Linux, and Unix, as well as virtualization technologies like VMware and Xen.
Key Features of Ventoy
- 100% Open Source: Fully transparent and community-driven software.
- User-Friendly: Simple interface for effortless navigation.
- Speed: Performance is only limited by USB data transfer rates.
- No Extraction Needed: Directly boot from supported file types without prior extraction.
- Dual Support: Both Legacy and UEFI boot modes are seamlessly integrated.
- Secure Boot: UEFI Secure Boot compatibility since version 1.0.07+
- Persistence Support: Enabled since version 1.0.11+
- Partition Styles: Both MBR and GPT supported from version 1.0.15+
- WIM Booting: Functionality for both Legacy and UEFI environments since version 1.0.12+
- IMG Booting: Support expanded for Legacy and UEFI, introduced in version 1.0.19+
- Auto Installation Feature: Available from version 1.0.09+
- File Injection: Functionality added in version 1.0.16+
- Large ISO Support: Compatibility with ISO files exceeding 4GB.
- Boot Menu Customization: Native boot menu styles to fit both Legacy and UEFI.
- Extensive OS Compatibility: Supports over 550 tested ISO files across various operating systems.
- Complete Installation Process: Capability to not just boot but also perform full installations.
- Flexible Viewing Options: ISO files can be displayed in list or TreeView mode.
- Linux Virtual Disk Boot Support: Functionality for various Linux virtual disk formats.
- Ventoy Compatibility: A concept designed for enhanced interoperability.
- Plugin Framework: Supports custom plugins for extended functionality.
- Menu Customization Options: Includes Menu Alias, Styling, and more.
- Protective Features: Write-protected USB drive support ensures data safety.
- Normal USB Functionality: Usability remains unaffected during standard usage.
- Safe Upgrade: Data remains intact through software version updates.
- No Immediate Updates Needed: Users are not required to update Ventoy with every new distribution release.
Recent Updates in Ventoy 1.1.01
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Optimized Linux Remount: Enhancements made to the VTOY_LINUX_REMOUNT feature now allow all Linux distributions to use remount functionality by default. For complete details, refer to the official notes.
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The VTOY_LINUX_REMOUNT option has been deprecated as Linux remount is now supported by default. Additional information is available in the official notes.
Where to Download Ventoy
For those interested in exploring Ventoy, downloads for version 1.1.01 are available at the following links:
- Download Ventoy 1.1.01 (Windows) | 15.9 MB
- Download Ventoy Live CD | 187.0 MB
- Visit the Ventoy Home Page | Check out the Project Page on GitHub
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