How to Install WoeUSB on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04

WoeUSB is a reliable and efficient tool for creating bootable Windows USB drives from an ISO image or physical DVD. Designed primarily for Linux users, WoeUSB enables the creation of these USB sticks using the command-line interface (CLI), making it an essential tool for those who prefer or require a terminal-based approach. It’s important to note that this guide focuses on the CLI version of WoeUSB, as the graphical user interface (GUI) version is now obsolete and no longer maintained.

On Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04, WoeUSB can be installed via a Launchpad PPA maintained by tomtomtom, which ensures that users have access to the most up-to-date version of the tool. This PPA provides a straightforward way to install WoeUSB and keep it updated, allowing you to easily create bootable Windows USB drives on your Ubuntu system. This guide will walk you through the installation process using the command line.

Update Ubuntu System Before WoeUSB Installation

Before installing WoeUSB, you must update your Ubuntu machine to ensure your system has the latest security updates, bug fixes, and software packages. To update Ubuntu, open the terminal and enter the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Import WoeUSB LaunchPAD PPA

To install the latest supported version of WoeUSB on your Ubuntu system, you must import the WoeUSB Launchpad Personal Package Archive (PPA) maintained by tomtomtom. PPAs are software repositories that enable you to install and update packages that are unavailable in the official Ubuntu repositories.

Enter the following command to import the WoeUSB PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tomtomtom/woeusb -y

Update the Packages List After WoeUSB PPA Import

After adding the WoeUSB PPA, it’s necessary to update the packages list to incorporate the newly imported PPA. This ensures that your system knows the WoeUSB package and can fetch it for installation. To update the packages list, run the following command:

sudo apt update

Finalize WoeUSB Installation

Next, install the WoeUSB cli package with the following command:

sudo apt install woeusb -y

WoeUSB Basic Commands

WoeUSB offers versatility and works in headless server environments and desktop terminals when you connect the necessary hardware, like a USB device. To access commands and open the help menu, enter the following command:

woeusb -h

Here are five examples of using WoeUSB terminal commands:

Available storage devices.

woeusb --list

Create a bootable USB drive from an ISO image.

woeusb --device /path/to/image.iso /dev/sdX

Create a bootable USB drive from a physical CD/DVD drive.

woeusb --device /dev/sr0 /dev/sdX

Clone an existing bootable USB drive:

woeusb --clone /dev/sdX /dev/sdY

Display detailed information about a USB drive.

woeusb --info /dev/sdX

Additional WoeUSB Commands

Update WoeUSB

The most effective way to keep WoeUSB updated is by opening the command line terminal and executing the following command.

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgrade

The above command will also guarantee that all other packages managed by the APT package manager, including those for your system, are up-to-date. New Linux users must frequently run this command to ensure their system operates smoothly, even with automatic updates through the graphical user interface or notifications.

Remove WoeUSB

Users who no longer need WoeUSB can use one of the following commands to remove the application:

sudo apt remove woeusb

After removing WoeUSB, we recommend users who won’t use the application again also remove the PPA with the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:tomtomtom/woeusb -y

Conclusion

Installing the CLI version of WoeUSB on your Ubuntu system via the Launchpad PPA maintained by tomtomtom provides you with a reliable and actively maintained tool for creating bootable Windows USB drives. While the GUI version is no longer supported, the CLI version offers all the functionality you need, making it a dependable choice for users who prefer a command-line interface. Regular updates through the PPA will keep WoeUSB current, ensuring that your USB creation process remains smooth and efficient on Ubuntu.