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snookrun
Asked: 2018-03-18 02:26:26 +0800 CST

MBR or GPT partition when making ubuntu bootable live usb

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I just want to clarify. When making the ubuntu live usb using Rufus, do we select:

  1. GPT partition scheme for UEFI
  2. MBR partition scheme for UEFI

I currently have windows 10 pro installed and would like to make a dual boot system by installing ubuntu 16.04 alongside windows 10 pro.

I am currently following these steps for my installation:

https://itsfoss.com/install-ubuntu-1404-dual-boot-mode-windows-8-81-uefi/

Update:

I had tried to boot into the usb but it hang at the login screen. Anyone have any idea how to solve this? Really running out of ideas to try. I think 16.04.4 ubuntu image iso is faulty. I am thinking of downgrading back to 16.04.3 to see if it works.

Also another side question -- do we need nvidia drivers to be the same in Windows 10 and also in Ubuntu 16.04?

dual-boot uefi mbr 16.04 gpt

2 Answers

  1. UEFI can boot from either partition scheme. Since, a USB is generally small, and you are just making a live installer. either can be used equally as well.

    If you want some basic information about the difference see here: https://wiki.manjaro.org/index.php?title=Some_basics_of_MBR_v/s_GPT_and_BIOS_v/s_UEFI

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  2. Partition table

    If you are talking about a live Ubuntu system, yes, MBR alias MSDOS partition table is recommended, for example if you use Rufus in Windows. Rufus is an extracting tool with a good reputation.

    If you are talking about an installed Ubuntu system (like into an internal drive, but in this case in a USB drive), then you can select both MBR alias MSDOS partition table and GPT alias GUID partition table, but it will be easier with MBR.

    Cloning the ISO 9660 system

    But if you clone from an Ubuntu iso file to the USB pendrive, you need not worry about the boot sector/method, everything will be cloned, and you get a 'hybrid' system with an ISO 9660 system which includes the boot sector 'automatically'. The cloning method is very reliable and will create a live (live-only) Ubuntu system, that can boot both in UEFI mode and BIOS mode (CSM alias legacy mode).

    Cloning tools in linux:

    • Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and newer: Startup Disk Creator

    • Disks alias gnome-disks

    • mkusb (install from a PPA)

    Cloning tool in Windows:

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