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Create a Windows Bootable USB on Linux using WoeUSB

Step-by-step guide on installing and using WoeUSB to make a Windows bootable USB directly from Linux. Works on Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, and more

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Rufus Bootable USB Tutorial
Create a bootable USB using Rufus

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8JD986g89G0

Introduction

If you're running Linux and need to create a Windows bootable USB drive, WoeUSB is the perfect tool.
This tutorial shows how to install WoeUSB and use both its GUI and command-line versions to create a Windows USB installer easily.

The steps in this guide are based on the walkthrough video: YouTube: https://youtu.be/8JD986g89G0

Step 1: Install WoeUSB

On Ubuntu / Debian

sudo apt update
sudo apt install woeusb

If not available, you can build it from source:

sudo apt install git build-essential
git clone https://github.com/WoeUSB/WoeUSB-frontend-wxgtk.git
cd WoeUSB-frontend-wxgtk
sudo make install

On Arch / Manjaro

yay -S woeusb

If not available, you get it from aur and build it:

sudo apt install git build-essential
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/woeusb.git
cd woeusb
makepkg -si

Step 2: Identify Your USB Drive

Before writing the ISO, you must know your USB device path (for example, /dev/sdb).

You can identify it in two ways:

  • Using GNOME Disks → Open Disks, select your USB drive, and check the Device section (e.g., /dev/sdb).

  • Using Terminal → Run:

    lsblk

    Look for your USB size to find the correct device name.

Be very careful — choosing the wrong drive will erase all data on it.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB using Terminal

You can also WoeUSB from the command line:

sudo woeusb --device Windowsfile.iso /dev/sdb --target-filesystem NTFS

Replace /dev/sdb with your actual USB device name (check using lsblk).

Common Errors and Fixes

ErrorFix
Target device is busyUnmount partitions: sudo umount /dev/sdb*
Permission deniedRun with sudo
Installation fails midwayReformat USB to NTFS or FAT32 first

Verify the Bootable USB

Once done, you can test the USB by booting your PC and selecting the USB as the boot device from BIOS/UEFI.

Conclusion

WoeUSB makes it incredibly easy to create Windows installation media directly from Linux.
Whether you prefer the GUI or the terminal, it’s reliable, fast, and beginner-friendly.

  • Written by Abhayabhi — 2025*