JamesNLondon

Q: USB disk with multiple boot options

Hi,

 

I have a 128GB USB stick, and would like to have it set up to be dual (maybe triple) boot:

 

  • OS-X
  • Windows
  • Maybe Linux

 

I can (and have) got it booting happily with OS-X on it.

 

I'm struggling to get it to boot Windows and OS-X.

 

So far, I've managed to get the Windows 10 ISO file onto a exFAT partition, but (as the partition map applies to the whole disk, not each partition), as it's not a Master Boot Record, it won't recognise it.

 

I'm beginning to wonder if this is even possible.

 

I'm not precious about using Boot Camp, and am happy to install the ISO file with other utilities (e.g. UNetbootin which seems to work quite well).

 

Anyone got any ideas?

 

Thanks!

Posted on Aug 19, 2016 8:33 AM

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Q: USB disk with multiple boot options

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Eric Root,

    Eric Root Eric Root Aug 19, 2016 8:44 PM in response to JamesNLondon
    Level 9 (69,803 points)
    iTunes
    Aug 19, 2016 8:44 PM in response to JamesNLondon

    You can run Windows in a virtual machine, which saves having to reboot to Boot Camp. This allows you to access Mac OS and Windows from one boot.

     

    Parallels

     

    VirtualBox

     

    VM Fusion

  • by JamesNLondon,

    JamesNLondon JamesNLondon Aug 20, 2016 3:43 AM in response to Eric Root
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 20, 2016 3:43 AM in response to Eric Root

    Thanks, but that's not what I'm after.

     

    I want a USB device that can boot multiple operating systems - reasons being (a) recover and (b) lack of HD space on my mac, so putting non Mac Operating Systems on an external drive.

     

    As I said, I'd like one USB device that can book OS-X and Windows. Running a VM from a Mac OS from a USB drive will be pretty slow and painful!

     

    Any other ideas? I'm a bit stumped.