Create an Ubuntu 24.04 LTS recovery USB with Rufus
Windows & Ubuntu Guides · 1 views
You need: a Windows PC, an 8 GB or larger USB stick (IT WILL BE ERASED), and a good internet connection (~6 GB download).
STEP 1 — DOWNLOAD THE CORRECT UBUNTU IMAGE
1. Go to ubuntu.com/download/desktop.
2. Download "Ubuntu 24.04.x LTS" (the LTS suffix matters — Long Term Support, supported until 2029). The file is named like ubuntu-24.04.2-desktop-amd64.iso. "amd64" is correct for all our Intel/AMD laptops — do NOT take a "daily" build or a non-LTS version (24.10 etc.).
3. Optional but recommended — verify the download. In PowerShell:
certutil -hashfile "$env:USERPROFILE\Downloads\ubuntu-24.04.2-desktop-amd64.iso" SHA256
Compare the output with the SHA256 listed on the Ubuntu download page (link "verify your download"). If they differ, re-download.
STEP 2 — WRITE IT WITH RUFUS
1. Download Rufus from rufus.ie (the small "rufus-4.x.exe" — portable, no install) and run it.
2. Device: pick your USB stick — TRIPLE-CHECK it is the stick, not an external backup disk.
3. Boot selection: click SELECT and choose the Ubuntu .iso you downloaded.
4. Leave the defaults Rufus picks: Partition scheme GPT, Target system UEFI (non CSM), File system FAT32.
5. Click START. When asked, choose "Write in ISO Image mode (Recommended)" > OK. If Rufus offers to download a newer Grub/syslinux, allow it.
6. Wait for the green READY bar (5–10 minutes), then Close and eject the stick.
USING IT
Plug into the target laptop > power on > boot-menu key (F9 HP / F12 Dell-Lenovo / Esc ASUS) > choose the UEFI USB entry > "Try or Install Ubuntu". "Try Ubuntu" gives you a full desktop from the stick for data rescue (see the display-gone rescue article); "Install" wipes and installs.
Still stuck? Email [email protected] or raise a ticket from the Help Center — include your asset tag and what step failed.
STEP 1 — DOWNLOAD THE CORRECT UBUNTU IMAGE
1. Go to ubuntu.com/download/desktop.
2. Download "Ubuntu 24.04.x LTS" (the LTS suffix matters — Long Term Support, supported until 2029). The file is named like ubuntu-24.04.2-desktop-amd64.iso. "amd64" is correct for all our Intel/AMD laptops — do NOT take a "daily" build or a non-LTS version (24.10 etc.).
3. Optional but recommended — verify the download. In PowerShell:
certutil -hashfile "$env:USERPROFILE\Downloads\ubuntu-24.04.2-desktop-amd64.iso" SHA256
Compare the output with the SHA256 listed on the Ubuntu download page (link "verify your download"). If they differ, re-download.
STEP 2 — WRITE IT WITH RUFUS
1. Download Rufus from rufus.ie (the small "rufus-4.x.exe" — portable, no install) and run it.
2. Device: pick your USB stick — TRIPLE-CHECK it is the stick, not an external backup disk.
3. Boot selection: click SELECT and choose the Ubuntu .iso you downloaded.
4. Leave the defaults Rufus picks: Partition scheme GPT, Target system UEFI (non CSM), File system FAT32.
5. Click START. When asked, choose "Write in ISO Image mode (Recommended)" > OK. If Rufus offers to download a newer Grub/syslinux, allow it.
6. Wait for the green READY bar (5–10 minutes), then Close and eject the stick.
USING IT
Plug into the target laptop > power on > boot-menu key (F9 HP / F12 Dell-Lenovo / Esc ASUS) > choose the UEFI USB entry > "Try or Install Ubuntu". "Try Ubuntu" gives you a full desktop from the stick for data rescue (see the display-gone rescue article); "Install" wipes and installs.
Still stuck? Email [email protected] or raise a ticket from the Help Center — include your asset tag and what step failed.
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