What is the maximum USB flash-drive's capacity if I want to fully install Ubuntu on it. Is any limitation?
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty{ margin-bottom:0;
}
2
I would like to install Ubuntu on a flash drive/flash memory/tumb drive. I want to know if I just can install in any flash drive as long as the capacity is enough. Mean, the installation is limited by the minimum size, not by the maximum.
system-installation
asked Feb 20 at 4:52
AirCraft LoverAirCraft Lover
1255
|
show 2 more comments
2
I would like to install Ubuntu on a flash drive/flash memory/tumb drive. I want to know if I just can install in any flash drive as long as the capacity is enough. Mean, the installation is limited by the minimum size, not by the maximum.
system-installation
asked Feb 20 at 4:52
AirCraft LoverAirCraft Lover
1255
There are limits either way, for example, ext4 has file size and filesystem size limits: kernelnewbies.org/Ext4#Bigger_filesystem.2Ffile_sizes.
– mikewhatever
Feb 20 at 5:03
I did this few days ago :) I chose XFCE to have a lighter system and I installed on a 12 GB partition on a USB drive (I kept a 4 GB Fat32 partition to be still able to exchange files), and it works fine. But not much extra space indeed, it's more for testing purpose because you are limited in what you can store and what you can install on such a small partition. Also please note that it is not recommended to do so; a full install involves a lot of write operations, which results in altering USB drive faster.
– FloT
Feb 20 at 7:17
I agree with you that the file system limits the maximum capacity it can handle. But in this case, it is still far from reaching the maximum limit.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:12
@flot, have you tried to install on a flash drive? In your installation, what was file system you use?
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:15
@AirCraftLover the 12 GB partition is EXT4.And this is a USB stick so typically a flash drive.
– FloT
Feb 20 at 12:49
|
show 2 more comments
2
2
2
I would like to install Ubuntu on a flash drive/flash memory/tumb drive. I want to know if I just can install in any flash drive as long as the capacity is enough. Mean, the installation is limited by the minimum size, not by the maximum.
system-installation
asked Feb 20 at 4:52
AirCraft LoverAirCraft Lover
1255
I would like to install Ubuntu on a flash drive/flash memory/tumb drive. I want to know if I just can install in any flash drive as long as the capacity is enough. Mean, the installation is limited by the minimum size, not by the maximum.
system-installation
system-installation
asked Feb 20 at 4:52
AirCraft LoverAirCraft Lover
1255
asked Feb 20 at 4:52
AirCraft LoverAirCraft Lover
1255
asked Feb 20 at 4:52
AirCraft LoverAirCraft Lover
1255
asked Feb 20 at 4:52
AirCraft LoverAirCraft Lover
1255
asked Feb 20 at 4:52
AirCraft LoverAirCraft Lover
1255
1255
There are limits either way, for example, ext4 has file size and filesystem size limits: kernelnewbies.org/Ext4#Bigger_filesystem.2Ffile_sizes.
– mikewhatever
Feb 20 at 5:03
I did this few days ago :) I chose XFCE to have a lighter system and I installed on a 12 GB partition on a USB drive (I kept a 4 GB Fat32 partition to be still able to exchange files), and it works fine. But not much extra space indeed, it's more for testing purpose because you are limited in what you can store and what you can install on such a small partition. Also please note that it is not recommended to do so; a full install involves a lot of write operations, which results in altering USB drive faster.
– FloT
Feb 20 at 7:17
I agree with you that the file system limits the maximum capacity it can handle. But in this case, it is still far from reaching the maximum limit.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:12
@flot, have you tried to install on a flash drive? In your installation, what was file system you use?
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:15
@AirCraftLover the 12 GB partition is EXT4.And this is a USB stick so typically a flash drive.
– FloT
Feb 20 at 12:49
|
show 2 more comments
There are limits either way, for example, ext4 has file size and filesystem size limits: kernelnewbies.org/Ext4#Bigger_filesystem.2Ffile_sizes.
– mikewhatever
Feb 20 at 5:03
I did this few days ago :) I chose XFCE to have a lighter system and I installed on a 12 GB partition on a USB drive (I kept a 4 GB Fat32 partition to be still able to exchange files), and it works fine. But not much extra space indeed, it's more for testing purpose because you are limited in what you can store and what you can install on such a small partition. Also please note that it is not recommended to do so; a full install involves a lot of write operations, which results in altering USB drive faster.
– FloT
Feb 20 at 7:17
I agree with you that the file system limits the maximum capacity it can handle. But in this case, it is still far from reaching the maximum limit.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:12
@flot, have you tried to install on a flash drive? In your installation, what was file system you use?
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:15
@AirCraftLover the 12 GB partition is EXT4.And this is a USB stick so typically a flash drive.
– FloT
Feb 20 at 12:49
There are limits either way, for example, ext4 has file size and filesystem size limits: kernelnewbies.org/Ext4#Bigger_filesystem.2Ffile_sizes.
– mikewhatever
Feb 20 at 5:03
There are limits either way, for example, ext4 has file size and filesystem size limits: kernelnewbies.org/Ext4#Bigger_filesystem.2Ffile_sizes.
– mikewhatever
Feb 20 at 5:03
I did this few days ago :) I chose XFCE to have a lighter system and I installed on a 12 GB partition on a USB drive (I kept a 4 GB Fat32 partition to be still able to exchange files), and it works fine. But not much extra space indeed, it's more for testing purpose because you are limited in what you can store and what you can install on such a small partition. Also please note that it is not recommended to do so; a full install involves a lot of write operations, which results in altering USB drive faster.
– FloT
Feb 20 at 7:17
I did this few days ago :) I chose XFCE to have a lighter system and I installed on a 12 GB partition on a USB drive (I kept a 4 GB Fat32 partition to be still able to exchange files), and it works fine. But not much extra space indeed, it's more for testing purpose because you are limited in what you can store and what you can install on such a small partition. Also please note that it is not recommended to do so; a full install involves a lot of write operations, which results in altering USB drive faster.
– FloT
Feb 20 at 7:17
I agree with you that the file system limits the maximum capacity it can handle. But in this case, it is still far from reaching the maximum limit.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:12
I agree with you that the file system limits the maximum capacity it can handle. But in this case, it is still far from reaching the maximum limit.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:12
@flot, have you tried to install on a flash drive? In your installation, what was file system you use?
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:15
@flot, have you tried to install on a flash drive? In your installation, what was file system you use?
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:15
@AirCraftLover the 12 GB partition is EXT4.And this is a USB stick so typically a flash drive.
– FloT
Feb 20 at 12:49
@AirCraftLover the 12 GB partition is EXT4.And this is a USB stick so typically a flash drive.
– FloT
Feb 20 at 12:49
|
show 2 more comments
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2
Maximum USB Flash-Drive's Capacity
You can use as large a Flash drive as you can find.
I am running a Full install on a 128GB Lexar, My Ubuntu / partition is 26GB and the rest is NTFS Storage, so windows can read it also.
I have been using this drive as a Full install and Data USB for three years now so I know the size of the Ubuntu partition suits me.
You can increase the size of the OS partition as you see fit, If you have lots of programs or need a large home directory.
answered Feb 20 at 10:25
C.S.CameronC.S.Cameron
5,03711029
I will try to install and I will comeback if I face problem.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
add a comment |
1
Yes, as long as your drive is large enough to contain the installation, you can. What I've used was two USBs, one with a live install to install onto the other. I'm sure there's a better way but that method is what's generally used.
answered Feb 20 at 5:01
avisitoritseemsavisitoritseems
10312
Can you tell me what is the size you are using for the full install? Just want to know.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 5:04
16. Not ideal. You can get away with 8GB for a live USB but if you want to run Linux on USB I'd aim 32+, even higher with how cheap they are nowadays.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 20 at 5:05
I actually asking full installation, not live-USB. Full installation mean, I can save, install application, shutdown and start, and so on. Just like normally we do to our OS.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
A minimal/regular install of Ubuntu is under 20GB, but then you need space to download updates and random dependencies. I have 32GB for very light usage/bug fixing my main system. For comfortable usage, I would get at least 128GB as USBs are cheaper nowadays (with USB3.0 or higher). This gives you space to compile/install packages comfortably. For max size I think you'll be limited by your specific hardware, since ext4 max volume size = ~1 million TB. You should be fine with booting from a 1TB USB if you really need that much space.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 27 at 13:16
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "89"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: true,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: 10,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
draft saved
draft discarded
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2faskubuntu.com%2fquestions%2f1119718%2fwhat-is-the-maximum-usb-flash-drives-capacity-if-i-want-to-fully-install-ubuntu%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
2
Maximum USB Flash-Drive's Capacity
You can use as large a Flash drive as you can find.
I am running a Full install on a 128GB Lexar, My Ubuntu / partition is 26GB and the rest is NTFS Storage, so windows can read it also.
I have been using this drive as a Full install and Data USB for three years now so I know the size of the Ubuntu partition suits me.
You can increase the size of the OS partition as you see fit, If you have lots of programs or need a large home directory.
answered Feb 20 at 10:25
C.S.CameronC.S.Cameron
5,03711029
I will try to install and I will comeback if I face problem.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
add a comment |
2
Maximum USB Flash-Drive's Capacity
You can use as large a Flash drive as you can find.
I am running a Full install on a 128GB Lexar, My Ubuntu / partition is 26GB and the rest is NTFS Storage, so windows can read it also.
I have been using this drive as a Full install and Data USB for three years now so I know the size of the Ubuntu partition suits me.
You can increase the size of the OS partition as you see fit, If you have lots of programs or need a large home directory.
answered Feb 20 at 10:25
C.S.CameronC.S.Cameron
5,03711029
I will try to install and I will comeback if I face problem.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
add a comment |
2
2
2
Maximum USB Flash-Drive's Capacity
You can use as large a Flash drive as you can find.
I am running a Full install on a 128GB Lexar, My Ubuntu / partition is 26GB and the rest is NTFS Storage, so windows can read it also.
I have been using this drive as a Full install and Data USB for three years now so I know the size of the Ubuntu partition suits me.
You can increase the size of the OS partition as you see fit, If you have lots of programs or need a large home directory.
answered Feb 20 at 10:25
C.S.CameronC.S.Cameron
5,03711029
Maximum USB Flash-Drive's Capacity
You can use as large a Flash drive as you can find.
I am running a Full install on a 128GB Lexar, My Ubuntu / partition is 26GB and the rest is NTFS Storage, so windows can read it also.
I have been using this drive as a Full install and Data USB for three years now so I know the size of the Ubuntu partition suits me.
You can increase the size of the OS partition as you see fit, If you have lots of programs or need a large home directory.
answered Feb 20 at 10:25
C.S.CameronC.S.Cameron
5,03711029
answered Feb 20 at 10:25
C.S.CameronC.S.Cameron
5,03711029
answered Feb 20 at 10:25
C.S.CameronC.S.Cameron
5,03711029
answered Feb 20 at 10:25
C.S.CameronC.S.Cameron
5,03711029
5,03711029
I will try to install and I will comeback if I face problem.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
add a comment |
I will try to install and I will comeback if I face problem.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
I will try to install and I will comeback if I face problem.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
I will try to install and I will comeback if I face problem.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
add a comment |
1
Yes, as long as your drive is large enough to contain the installation, you can. What I've used was two USBs, one with a live install to install onto the other. I'm sure there's a better way but that method is what's generally used.
answered Feb 20 at 5:01
avisitoritseemsavisitoritseems
10312
Can you tell me what is the size you are using for the full install? Just want to know.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 5:04
16. Not ideal. You can get away with 8GB for a live USB but if you want to run Linux on USB I'd aim 32+, even higher with how cheap they are nowadays.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 20 at 5:05
I actually asking full installation, not live-USB. Full installation mean, I can save, install application, shutdown and start, and so on. Just like normally we do to our OS.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
A minimal/regular install of Ubuntu is under 20GB, but then you need space to download updates and random dependencies. I have 32GB for very light usage/bug fixing my main system. For comfortable usage, I would get at least 128GB as USBs are cheaper nowadays (with USB3.0 or higher). This gives you space to compile/install packages comfortably. For max size I think you'll be limited by your specific hardware, since ext4 max volume size = ~1 million TB. You should be fine with booting from a 1TB USB if you really need that much space.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 27 at 13:16
add a comment |
1
Yes, as long as your drive is large enough to contain the installation, you can. What I've used was two USBs, one with a live install to install onto the other. I'm sure there's a better way but that method is what's generally used.
answered Feb 20 at 5:01
avisitoritseemsavisitoritseems
10312
Can you tell me what is the size you are using for the full install? Just want to know.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 5:04
16. Not ideal. You can get away with 8GB for a live USB but if you want to run Linux on USB I'd aim 32+, even higher with how cheap they are nowadays.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 20 at 5:05
I actually asking full installation, not live-USB. Full installation mean, I can save, install application, shutdown and start, and so on. Just like normally we do to our OS.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
A minimal/regular install of Ubuntu is under 20GB, but then you need space to download updates and random dependencies. I have 32GB for very light usage/bug fixing my main system. For comfortable usage, I would get at least 128GB as USBs are cheaper nowadays (with USB3.0 or higher). This gives you space to compile/install packages comfortably. For max size I think you'll be limited by your specific hardware, since ext4 max volume size = ~1 million TB. You should be fine with booting from a 1TB USB if you really need that much space.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 27 at 13:16
add a comment |
1
1
1
Yes, as long as your drive is large enough to contain the installation, you can. What I've used was two USBs, one with a live install to install onto the other. I'm sure there's a better way but that method is what's generally used.
answered Feb 20 at 5:01
avisitoritseemsavisitoritseems
10312
Yes, as long as your drive is large enough to contain the installation, you can. What I've used was two USBs, one with a live install to install onto the other. I'm sure there's a better way but that method is what's generally used.
answered Feb 20 at 5:01
avisitoritseemsavisitoritseems
10312
answered Feb 20 at 5:01
avisitoritseemsavisitoritseems
10312
answered Feb 20 at 5:01
avisitoritseemsavisitoritseems
10312
answered Feb 20 at 5:01
avisitoritseemsavisitoritseems
10312
10312
Can you tell me what is the size you are using for the full install? Just want to know.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 5:04
16. Not ideal. You can get away with 8GB for a live USB but if you want to run Linux on USB I'd aim 32+, even higher with how cheap they are nowadays.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 20 at 5:05
I actually asking full installation, not live-USB. Full installation mean, I can save, install application, shutdown and start, and so on. Just like normally we do to our OS.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
A minimal/regular install of Ubuntu is under 20GB, but then you need space to download updates and random dependencies. I have 32GB for very light usage/bug fixing my main system. For comfortable usage, I would get at least 128GB as USBs are cheaper nowadays (with USB3.0 or higher). This gives you space to compile/install packages comfortably. For max size I think you'll be limited by your specific hardware, since ext4 max volume size = ~1 million TB. You should be fine with booting from a 1TB USB if you really need that much space.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 27 at 13:16
add a comment |
Can you tell me what is the size you are using for the full install? Just want to know.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 5:04
16. Not ideal. You can get away with 8GB for a live USB but if you want to run Linux on USB I'd aim 32+, even higher with how cheap they are nowadays.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 20 at 5:05
I actually asking full installation, not live-USB. Full installation mean, I can save, install application, shutdown and start, and so on. Just like normally we do to our OS.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
A minimal/regular install of Ubuntu is under 20GB, but then you need space to download updates and random dependencies. I have 32GB for very light usage/bug fixing my main system. For comfortable usage, I would get at least 128GB as USBs are cheaper nowadays (with USB3.0 or higher). This gives you space to compile/install packages comfortably. For max size I think you'll be limited by your specific hardware, since ext4 max volume size = ~1 million TB. You should be fine with booting from a 1TB USB if you really need that much space.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 27 at 13:16
Can you tell me what is the size you are using for the full install? Just want to know.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 5:04
Can you tell me what is the size you are using for the full install? Just want to know.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 5:04
16. Not ideal. You can get away with 8GB for a live USB but if you want to run Linux on USB I'd aim 32+, even higher with how cheap they are nowadays.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 20 at 5:05
16. Not ideal. You can get away with 8GB for a live USB but if you want to run Linux on USB I'd aim 32+, even higher with how cheap they are nowadays.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 20 at 5:05
I actually asking full installation, not live-USB. Full installation mean, I can save, install application, shutdown and start, and so on. Just like normally we do to our OS.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
I actually asking full installation, not live-USB. Full installation mean, I can save, install application, shutdown and start, and so on. Just like normally we do to our OS.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:19
A minimal/regular install of Ubuntu is under 20GB, but then you need space to download updates and random dependencies. I have 32GB for very light usage/bug fixing my main system. For comfortable usage, I would get at least 128GB as USBs are cheaper nowadays (with USB3.0 or higher). This gives you space to compile/install packages comfortably. For max size I think you'll be limited by your specific hardware, since ext4 max volume size = ~1 million TB. You should be fine with booting from a 1TB USB if you really need that much space.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 27 at 13:16
A minimal/regular install of Ubuntu is under 20GB, but then you need space to download updates and random dependencies. I have 32GB for very light usage/bug fixing my main system. For comfortable usage, I would get at least 128GB as USBs are cheaper nowadays (with USB3.0 or higher). This gives you space to compile/install packages comfortably. For max size I think you'll be limited by your specific hardware, since ext4 max volume size = ~1 million TB. You should be fine with booting from a 1TB USB if you really need that much space.
– avisitoritseems
Feb 27 at 13:16
add a comment |
draft saved
draft discarded
Thanks for contributing an answer to Ask Ubuntu!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
draft saved
draft discarded
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2faskubuntu.com%2fquestions%2f1119718%2fwhat-is-the-maximum-usb-flash-drives-capacity-if-i-want-to-fully-install-ubuntu%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
There are limits either way, for example, ext4 has file size and filesystem size limits: kernelnewbies.org/Ext4#Bigger_filesystem.2Ffile_sizes.
– mikewhatever
Feb 20 at 5:03
I did this few days ago :) I chose XFCE to have a lighter system and I installed on a 12 GB partition on a USB drive (I kept a 4 GB Fat32 partition to be still able to exchange files), and it works fine. But not much extra space indeed, it's more for testing purpose because you are limited in what you can store and what you can install on such a small partition. Also please note that it is not recommended to do so; a full install involves a lot of write operations, which results in altering USB drive faster.
– FloT
Feb 20 at 7:17
I agree with you that the file system limits the maximum capacity it can handle. But in this case, it is still far from reaching the maximum limit.
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:12
@flot, have you tried to install on a flash drive? In your installation, what was file system you use?
– AirCraft Lover
Feb 20 at 12:15
@AirCraftLover the 12 GB partition is EXT4.And this is a USB stick so typically a flash drive.
– FloT
Feb 20 at 12:49