Install Ubuntu 24.04 on a USB Stick Using Windows 11 (Full Portable System)

In this step-by-step tutorial I show you how to install Ubuntu 24.04 on a USB flash drive using only a Windows 11 PC and VMware Workstation Player.

This is NOT a simple live USB. We create a FULL Ubuntu installation on the USB drive, with UEFI boot, so you can carry a complete Linux system in your pocket: install software, save files, keep your settings – everything stays on the stick.

What we use:
Windows 11 PC
USB flash drive (16 GB or more recommended)
Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop ISO
VMware Workstation Player (free for personal use)

What you’ll learn:
How to create a VM on Windows 11 to act as an installer
How to enable UEFI in the virtual machine
How to pass a physical USB stick through to the VM
How to partition the USB drive correctly (EFI + root)
How to install the GRUB bootloader on the USB (without touching your Windows disk)
How to boot a real laptop from the USB and keep all your changes

Tips:
Use a fast USB 3.0 stick (32 GB or 64 GB is ideal) for much better performance.
Always use the boot menu to select the USB stick, instead of changing your internal boot order.
If some machines refuse to boot, try disabling Secure Boot or using a different USB port.

#ubuntu #linux #windows11 #vmware #dualboot