What Is the Difference Between Rufus Normal and Portable

Rufus is a free and open-source tool used to create bootable USB drives from ISOs. It is a popular program among tech enthusiasts and administrators who need to make installation media for Windows, Linux, or other operating systems. Rufus is available in two versions, standard or normal, and portable. Although both Rufus versions serve the same purpose, there are some differences that users should be aware of.

1. What Is Rufus Portable Version
2. Rufus Standard Vs. Rufus Portable
3. Rufus Standard Version
4. Rufus Portable Version
5. Why Should I Choose Rufus Portable over Standard Version
6. Tips and Tricks
7. Conclusion

What Is Rufus Portable Version

Rufus Portable is a standalone version that does not require installation. Unlike the standard one, you can run it directly from a USB flash drive or any other storage device. It allows you to create a bootable USB drive without interfering with the operating system already installed on your computer.

Rufus Standard Vs. Rufus Portable

While there is technically no difference in functionality between Rufus standard and portable versions, there is one thing that differentiates them: the rufus.ini file. By default, the portable version automatically creates this file so that you don't have to do it manually. However, the standard version does not create the rufus.ini file, and you need to create it yourself if you intend to use Rufus in portable mode.

To help you make a decision on which Rufus version is best for you, we've listed the main points of comparison below:

Rufus Standard Version

• You must download and install it on your computer.
• Doesn't create a rufus.ini file.
• Requires you to create the .ini file if you want to use it in portable mode.
• Offers advanced options like bad blocks checking, drive label and format options.

Rufus Portable Version

• Requires no installation, you can run it directly from a USB flash drive or storage device.
• Automatically creates a rufus.ini file.
• Saves you time by not having to create the .ini file manually.
• Offers advanced features similar to Rufus standard version.

Why Should I Choose Rufus Portable over Standard Version

Users who prefer having a portable version of Rufus for their on-the-go installations and projects, such as system administrators, will find Rufus Portable more convenient. It doesn't require installation, so you can run it on any computer from a USB flash drive. You don't have to worry about creating the rufus.ini file because it's created automatically. By contrast, Rufus standard version requires installation, and you need to create the rufus.ini file yourself if you want to use it in portable mode.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some useful tips you can use when working with Rufus:

1. Always download Rufus from a trusted website.
2. Verify the ISO image file before creating a bootable USB drive.
3. For a faster data transfer rate, use a USB 3.0 or 3.1 drive instead of a USB 2.0.
4. Be cautious when selecting the device to write the image on. Double-check that you have selected the correct device before clicking the Start button, or you risk overwriting data on an unintended device.
5. Always eject or safely remove the USB device before removing it from your computer to avoid data loss or corruption.

Conclusion

In summary, the only difference between Rufus standard and portable versions is the rufus.ini file. The standard version requires you to create it manually, while the portable one automatically creates it. If you travel a lot or have to work on different computers, then Rufus portable version is a convenient option for you. Always take precautions when using Rufus to avoid data loss or system crashes.