How to install WoeUSB on Rocky Linux 9

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Learn how to install WoeUSB on Rocky Linux 9 with this step-by-step guide. Create Windows bootable USB drives easily using CLI or GUI methods on your Linux system. #centlinux #linux

Introduction

In today’s digital world, creating a bootable USB drive for Windows installation is a common task—especially if you’re a system admin, tech enthusiast, or just someone who likes to tinker with multiple operating systems. If you’re using Rocky Linux 9 and want to install WoeUSB, you’re in luck. WoeUSB is a straightforward and efficient tool for creating Windows bootable USBs from an ISO image. Unlike other complicated or outdated methods, it simplifies the entire process.

But here’s the catch—WoeUSB isn’t available in default Rocky Linux repositories, and installing it takes a few extra steps. That’s what we’ll dive into here, step by step. Whether you’re using the GUI or the CLI version, this guide will cover everything you need to know. So grab your favorite coffee, open up your terminal, and let’s get started.

What is WoeUSB?

WoeUSB is an open-source software tool that helps users create Windows bootable USB drives from ISO images. It supports both UEFI and Legacy BIOS boot modes, making it highly versatile for all kinds of systems. There are two versions of WoeUSB: a command-line interface (CLI) version and a graphical user interface (GUI) version. Both do the same thing, but the GUI version is more beginner-friendly.

One of WoeUSB’s standout features is its ability to bypass common issues like FAT32 file size limitations or formatting errors that other tools like dd or UNetbootin struggle with. In comparison to Rufus—a popular Windows-based USB booting tool—WoeUSB offers Linux users a native solution without the need for a virtual machine or Wine.

Moreover, WoeUSB works directly with official Microsoft Windows ISO images, ensuring reliability. It also automatically detects your USB devices, making it easier for users who may not be comfortable working entirely from the command line. For advanced users, the CLI version gives you more control and can be easily integrated into scripts or automation workflows.

So if you’re planning to create a bootable USB drive for installing Windows on a different machine, WoeUSB is one of the best choices out there. And it works exceptionally well with Rocky Linux 9—once you get it properly installed.

WoeUSB Prerequisites

Before you dive to install WoeUSB on Rocky Linux 9, there are a few critical prerequisites you need to take care of. First and foremost, ensure that your system is fully updated and that you have administrative privileges. This guide assumes you have sudo access, which is essential for installing packages and making system-wide changes.

Secondly, you’ll need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage capacity. This is the minimum size required for most Windows ISO files, especially Windows 10 or 11. Make sure to back up any data on the USB device, as it will be completely formatted during the process.

Here’s a checklist of what you need:

A Rocky Linux 9 system with internet access
sudo or root privileges
A USB flash drive (8GB or larger)
A Windows ISO file (Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11)
A terminal emulator

In addition to these, it’s highly recommended to have Git installed. We’ll be cloning the WoeUSB source code directly from its GitHub repository since pre-built packages are not available in Rocky Linux’s default repositories.

Once you’ve got all that sorted, you’re ready to proceed with updating your system and installing the necessary dependencies.

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Update Your Linux System

Before installing any new software—especially something that isn’t directly available from your default repositories—it’s a good idea to update your system. Updating ensures that all your existing packages and dependencies are up-to-date and compatible with whatever new software you plan to install.

Here’s how you can update your Rocky Linux 9 system:

sudo dnf update -y
sudo dnf upgrade -y

This will check for any available updates and apply them. It might take a few minutes depending on your internet speed and how many packages need updating.

Updating your system reduces the risk of package conflicts and missing dependencies, which can otherwise turn a simple installation into a frustrating mess. So don’t skip this step, even if you think your system is already up-to-date. A few minutes now can save you hours of troubleshooting later.

After updating, it’s also a good idea to reboot your system:

sudo reboot

Once your system restarts, you’ll be working in a clean and updated environment—perfect for installing WoeUSB.

Install Dependencies for WoeUSB

Installing WoeUSB from source requires several dependencies, including libraries and development tools. These aren’t installed by default on a fresh Rocky Linux 9 system, so let’s take care of them now.

First, enable the EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) repository, which contains many useful packages not included in the standard Rocky Linux repositories:

sudo dnf install epel-release -y

Next, install the development tools and libraries required to build WoeUSB:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools" -y
sudo dnf install git automake autoconf gcc-c++ wxGTK3 \
wxGTK3-devel gettext intltool libtool \
p7zip p7zip-plugins -y

These packages cover everything from compilation to file compression—basically everything WoeUSB needs to work properly. If you’re planning to use the GUI version, you’ll especially need the wxGTK3 and wxGTK3-devel libraries, as they handle the graphical interface elements.

Once all these packages are installed, you’re finally ready to download and install WoeUSB from its source.

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Clone the WoeUSB Repository

Now that your system is updated and all dependencies are in place, it’s time to get the WoeUSB source code. Since Rocky Linux doesn’t have WoeUSB in its official repositories, we’ll use Git to clone it directly from GitHub.

Use the following command to clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/WoeUSB/WoeUSB-frontend-wxgtk.git

This command will create a new directory named WoeUSB-frontend-wxgtk in your current location. It contains all the files needed to build and install the WoeUSB GUI version.

Navigate into the cloned directory:

cd WoeUSB-frontend-wxgtk

It’s good practice to always inspect the README.md or INSTALL files in any GitHub repo. They usually contain instructions, compatibility notes, or known issues that might affect your installation. In this case, you’ll see build instructions and optional steps that help customize the build for different environments.

Make sure you’re using the correct branch (usually master or main). You can check this using:

git branch

If you see other branches and want to switch, use:

git checkout branch-name

Once you’re inside the repository and ready, the next step is building WoeUSB from source.

Install WoeUSB on Rocky Linux 9

This is where the magic happens. You’ve got the source code; now it’s time to compile and install it. The process is pretty straightforward if you’ve installed all the required packages.

Start by running the following commands one at a time:

./setup-development-environment.bash
./configure
make
sudo make install

Let’s break this down:

./setup-development-environment.bash: Prepares your system and verifies that dependencies are in place.
./configure: Sets up the build environment and checks for required tools.
make: Compiles the source code into binaries.
sudo make install: Installs the WoeUSB binaries into your system.

This process may take a few minutes, depending on your system’s performance. If there are no errors, WoeUSB should now be installed and ready to use.

To verify the installation, simply run:

woeusbgui

This should launch the graphical interface of WoeUSB. If you’re using the command-line version, just type:

woeusb --help

It will display all available options and usage flags.

Create a Bootable Windows USB Using WoeUSB

Now that WoeUSB is installed, let’s walk through creating a bootable Windows USB. Here’s what you’ll need:

Your USB flash drive plugged in and unmounted
A Windows ISO file on your system

Using the GUI Version

Open WoeUSB from your application launcher or by typing woeusbgui in the terminal.
Click the file browser icon and select your Windows ISO file.
Select the USB device from the list (double-check it’s the correct one—/dev/sdX).
Choose the target filesystem (NTFS is usually recommended).
Click Install and wait for the process to complete.

This can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the speed of your USB stick and system. WoeUSB will format the USB, extract the ISO, and make it bootable.

Using the CLI Version

If you prefer the terminal, use the command:

sudo woeusb --target-filesystem NTFS --device /path/to/windows.iso /dev/sdX

Replace /path/to/windows.iso with your actual ISO path and /dev/sdX with your USB device. Be very careful here—not specifying the right device can wipe out important data.

Once the process finishes, safely eject your USB drive:

sudo umount /dev/sdX*

And that’s it—you’ve got a bootable Windows USB made right from Rocky Linux 9!

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

1. Missing Dependencies

Double-check that all packages are installed, especially wxGTK3 and libtool. If errors pop up during the ./configure or make steps, the issue usually lies here.

2. USB Device Not Detected

Make sure the device is not mounted. Use lsblk to find your USB device and unmount it with:

sudo umount /dev/sdX*

3. Permission Denied

Always use sudo when accessing system devices or during installation. Lack of root privileges is a common issue.

4. Installation Errors

Look for missing libraries or outdated packages. Updating your system again might help.

5. Write Errors

Your USB may be faulty or write-protected. Try using a different USB stick or use tools like gparted to reformat it before running WoeUSB.

These quick fixes can save hours of hair-pulling, so keep them in mind as you go through the process.

Use Cases and Practical Applications of WoeUSB

WoeUSB is far more than just a tool for burning ISO files—it’s a vital utility for anyone managing multiple systems, troubleshooting Windows PCs, or performing clean installations. Let’s look at the real-world use cases where WoeUSB shines:

1. Installing Windows on a New PC

If you’ve built a new system or upgraded hardware, you’ll need a clean install of Windows. WoeUSB allows you to quickly create a reliable bootable USB from any Windows ISO, so you don’t have to hunt down physical discs or use Windows-only tools.

2. Dual-Boot Setups

Running Rocky Linux alongside Windows on the same machine? A bootable USB created via WoeUSB simplifies the dual-boot installation process. You can easily choose where to install Windows without affecting your Linux partitions.

3. System Recovery and Troubleshooting

When a Windows system fails to boot, having a bootable USB can be a lifesaver. With tools like Windows Recovery Environment on the USB stick, you can repair installations, roll back updates, or perform system restores—all from a WoeUSB-prepared drive.

4. IT and Tech Support Roles

If you’re in IT support, you’ll frequently need to reinstall or repair Windows. WoeUSB is a lightweight, portable solution that turns any ISO into a quick-fix tool. Carry it on a flash drive and you’re always prepared.

5. Reinstallation and Resetting Systems

Wiping a system clean and starting fresh is often the best fix for performance issues or malware. WoeUSB lets you make fresh installation media quickly, skipping the need to use buggy Windows creation tools or outdated DVDs.

WoeUSB’s reliability and ease of use make it a favorite among system admins, developers, and even casual users. It bridges the Linux-Windows gap with a simple GUI and powerful CLI—making life easier no matter which OS you prefer.

Alternatives to WoeUSB for Rocky Linux Users

Although WoeUSB is the most popular tool for the job, it’s not the only one. Here are a few alternatives you might consider if WoeUSB doesn’t meet your needs or you want to explore other options:

1. Ventoy

Ventoy is a fantastic tool that allows you to copy multiple ISO files to a USB stick and boot from any of them without needing to reformat. It’s open-source, supports both Legacy and UEFI boot, and is regularly updated.

Install it using:

sudo dnf install ventoy

2. BalenaEtcher

BalenaEtcher is a GUI-based tool that supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. While it’s mainly for Linux ISOs, it can sometimes work with Windows images too, although it lacks the versatility of WoeUSB.

Download it from balena.io.

3. dd Command

The dd tool is a Linux classic. It’s powerful but unforgiving. It doesn’t check ISO compatibility or structure, so it might create a non-bootable disk if the image isn’t perfectly formatted.

Example:

sudo dd if=/path/to/windows.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress

4. UNetbootin

An older tool that still works for some distros. Not great for Windows ISOs though—it often creates non-bootable drives for Windows 10 or 11.

While WoeUSB is still the best choice for creating Windows USB drives on Rocky Linux 9, having a few backups in your toolkit never hurts.

Security Considerations While Using WoeUSB

Even though WoeUSB is open-source and widely trusted, it’s essential to follow some security best practices:

1. Download ISO Files Only from Official Sources

Never download Windows ISO files from third-party or torrent sites. Use the official Microsoft website to avoid malware or corrupted files.

2. Check Device Path Carefully

A simple typo can wipe out your hard drive. Always double-check the device path before writing the ISO:

lsblk

Verify that /dev/sdX really points to your USB.

3. Run as Root with Caution

Using sudo gives you full system access. Be cautious, especially with commands like dd, make install, or anything involving /dev.

4. Keep WoeUSB Updated

If you’re cloning from GitHub, pull the latest changes occasionally:

git pull origin master

New releases may include bug fixes or improved ISO compatibility.

5. Unmount Before Removal

Always unmount your USB device before pulling it out. This prevents data corruption:

sudo umount /dev/sdX*

Following these practices will ensure that your system remains secure and your USB drives boot correctly every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use WoeUSB to create bootable Linux USB drives?

No. WoeUSB is specifically designed for Windows ISO files. For Linux ISOs, tools like dd, Ventoy, or BalenaEtcher are better suited.

2. Does WoeUSB support Windows 11?

Yes, WoeUSB supports Windows 11 ISO images, provided you’re using an up-to-date version cloned from GitHub.

3. Why is my USB not booting after using WoeUSB?

Make sure you used the correct device path and that your BIOS settings support the format (UEFI vs Legacy). Also, recheck if your ISO file was downloaded completely and is not corrupted.

4. Is there a GUI alternative to WoeUSB for Linux?

Yes. BalenaEtcher and the GUI version of Ventoy are excellent alternatives if you prefer point-and-click interfaces.

5. What should I do if I get a “Permission denied” error?

Always use sudo with WoeUSB, as it requires root privileges to write to system devices.

Conclusion

Installing WoeUSB on Rocky Linux 9 might seem like a challenge at first—but once you walk through the steps, it’s surprisingly manageable. With just a few terminal commands and a little patience, you’ll have one of the most reliable tools for creating Windows bootable USBs right on your Linux desktop.

Whether you’re dual-booting, fixing a broken PC, or just setting up a new system, WoeUSB is a must-have utility in your Linux toolkit. It blends the best of both worlds: the power of Linux and the convenience of Windows installation—all from one bootable stick.

And if you followed this guide step-by-step, congrats! You now have WoeUSB up and running on Rocky Linux 9, along with a bootable Windows USB ready for action.

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