Balena Etcher
Balena Etcher is a modern, reliable, and open-source image-flashing utility designed to write .iso, .img, and compressed images directly to USB drives and SD cards. With its clean interface, built-in error validation, and cross-platform compatibility, Etcher has become one of the most popular tools for flashing operating systems on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Etcher is widely used for:
- Creating bootable USB installers for Linux, Windows, and rescue systems
- Flashing Raspberry Pi images (Raspbian, Ubuntu, Kali ARM, RetroPie)
- Writing Live OS environments and diagnostic toolkits
- Safely imaging USB and SD media with built-in write verification
Compared to older command-line methods such as dd, Etcher provides a fully visual, safe, and beginner-friendly approach. It is licensed under the Apache 2.0 License and maintained by Balena.
Key Features
- Cross-platform: Windows, macOS (Intel & ARM), Linux
- Write verification: ensures your flashed device works on the first boot
- No-risk flashing: prevents you from accidentally selecting system disks
- Modern UI: clear and intuitive, even for beginners
- Fast flashing: optimized pipeline for high-speed USB writing
- Supports compressed images: ZIP, GZ, BZ2, XZ
How to Use Balena Etcher
Using Etcher is extremely simple and follows a three-step process:
- Select image — choose your
.isoor.imgfile - Select target — pick your USB drive or SD card
- Flash — Etcher writes and verifies the image automatically
For Windows 11 installers, Linux distributions, or rescue systems like Rescuezilla, Etcher ensures clean and bootable output every time.
When Should You Use Etcher?
Etcher is the best choice when you need:
- A simple graphical tool instead of CLI flashing (
dd) - High reliability with automatic verification
- Quick USB creation for testing multiple OS builds
- Flashing for embedded devices (Raspberry Pi, Jetson Nano, Orange Pi)
- A portable solution with no installation (Linux ZIP versions)
If you want multi-boot USB functionality, consider alternatives like Ventoy or YUMI. For raw imaging or SD card backups, tools like Win32 Disk Imager are also useful.
Download Options
| Platform | Type | Download |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1.4 Windows x64 | Standard Installer | Download |
| 2.1.4 macOS ARM64 | DMG | Download |
| 2.1.4 Linux x64 | Portable ZIP | Download |
Useful Links
- Official Website
- GitHub Repository
- License: Apache 2.0
FAQ
Is Balena Etcher safe?
Yes. Etcher isolates system drives to prevent accidental overwriting and includes full write verification.
Can Etcher create Windows 10/11 USB installers?
Yes — just select your official Microsoft ISO and flash it to a USB drive.
Why does Etcher not show my USB drive?
It may be write-protected, corrupted, or locked by another application. Try reformatting or reconnecting the device.
Does Etcher support multi-boot USBs?
No. For multi-boot USBs use Ventoy or YUMI.
Is Etcher faster than Rufus?
Rufus is typically faster on Windows, but Etcher is cross-platform and easier for beginners.