I want to create a persistent USB installation of Debian 12 so I can save files and settings across reboots. What’s the correct method to do this? Are there any tools or specific steps that work best for this setup?
To create a persistent USB installation of Debian 12, I recommend using the official Debian live-build tools or a combination of mkusb and GParted for a more tailored setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Download the Debian 12 ISO: Make sure you get the live version if you want a portable, persistent environment.
- Create the USB: Use a tool like
Rufus(on Windows) ormkusb(on Linux) to write the ISO to your USB drive. When usingmkusb, select the option to create persistence, and specify the size of the persistence partition. - Partition the USB: After writing the ISO, use GParted to create a new partition for persistence. This should be labeled with
persistenceand formatted as ext4. - Configure Persistence: Create a file named
persistence.confin the root of the persistence partition. Add the following line:/ unionto indicate that the entire filesystem is persistent. - Test and Boot: Boot from your USB and make sure that your changes (like file creation or system settings) persist after a reboot.
This method ensures you have a fully persistent setup, allowing you to save files and settings across reboots without any issues. If you want an easier approach, using tools like Ventoy or YUMI with their persistence options might also work, but they may not offer as much control. I hope it helps!
@vishal-shah This works! Thanks for the detailed steps.
You can use the dd command to create a bootable USB, but for persistence, it gets a bit tricky. You’ll need to manually partition the USB and set up a persistent partition. It’s not the easiest method, but it works.
I have used tools like UNetbootin to create persistent USBs, but they can be hit or miss. You’ll need to make sure you set up the persistence file correctly so that it saves your changes across reboots. Sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to get it right.
Rufus on Windows can create a persistent USB installation of Debian 12. Just make sure to select the persistence option when creating the USB. It works well, but you might run into issues with the size of the persistent partition if you’re not careful.
One of the easier ways to create a persistent USB for Debian 12 is by using Ventoy. It’s a tool that lets you boot from ISOs, and it has a plugin for persistence. You just need to create a persistence file and place it alongside the ISO on the USB. It’s pretty straightforward and works well for most setups.
