Rufus

by Pete Batard · Utilities

Open sourceWindows

Creates bootable USB drives from Windows and Linux ISO files.

Official download from rufus.ie (opens in a new tab)

Opens rufus.ie, Pete Batard's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is Rufus?

Rufus writes ISO images to USB sticks to install or repair an operating system. It can also adjust Windows 11 setup options such as skipping the online-account requirement.

Key features

  • Bootable USB from ISO
  • Windows and Linux installers
  • Windows setup customisation
  • Portable, no install needed

Best for

  • Installing Windows or Linux
  • Making a rescue USB
  • Upgrading old PCs

Install

How to install Rufus

  1. 1Open the official Rufus download page on rufus.ie.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id Rufus.Rufus -e --source winget

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download Rufus safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on rufus.ie. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

Rufus alternatives

Other utilities apps, closest platform match first.

All utilities

FAQ

Rufus questions

Where can I download Rufus safely?

Download Rufus only from Pete Batard's official site at rufus.ie. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is Rufus free?

Yes. Rufus is open-source software and free to use.

Does Rufus work on Windows?

Rufus is available for Windows. Check Pete Batard's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install Rufus from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id Rufus.Rufus -e). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to Rufus?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full utilities list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.