How to Install Clover Bootloader on USB Drive Using Windows

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How to Install Clover Bootloader on USB Drive Using Windows

Want to learn how to install the Clover Bootloader on a USB drive using Windows? This guide will help you create a bootable USB that can load multiple operating systems like Windows and Linux. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to get started!

Why Use Clover Bootloader?

Clover Bootloader is a powerful tool that allows you to boot into multiple operating systems from a single USB drive. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just exploring dual-boot setups, this guide simplifies the process.

Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Tools for Clover Bootloader Installation

Before beginning the installation of the Clover Bootloader on your USB drive, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary tools. These include the Clover Bootloader (CLA), 7-Zip, Explorer++, and Rufus. To start, download and install the following tools (download links are provided below):

Make sure you’ve downloaded and installed these tools before proceeding.

Step 2: Set Up Your USB Drive

Now that you have the necessary tools, it’s time to set up your USB drive. Start by using the `diskpart` utility to manage disk partitions.

Launch Diskpart and Identify Your USB Drive

Open your terminal and type the following command to access the disk partition tool:

diskpart

Once you’re in diskpart, run the command to list all disks connected to your system:

list disk

Identify your USB drive (it will usually show as Disk 1). To confirm, run the following command to list all volumes:

list volume

Locate the FAT32 partition (around 100 MB in size) for your USB drive.

Assign a Drive Letter

After selecting the correct partition, you need to assign it a drive letter. To select the partition, use:

select volume 1

Then, assign a letter to the drive:

assign letter=X

Step 3: Extract and Organize the Necessary Files

With your USB drive prepared, the next step is to extract the necessary files to make it bootable.

Install and Use 7-Zip

If 7-Zip isn’t already installed, install it first. Then, use 7-Zip to extract the Explorer++ folder and Clover Bootloader files to your USB drive.

Verify the EFI Folder

Open Explorer++ as an administrator, navigate to your USB drive (X:), and confirm the presence of the `EFI` folder. This folder contains the boot files needed for the Clover Bootloader to work.

Step 4: Create a Bootable USB Drive Using Rufus

The next step is to create a bootable USB drive using Rufus. This tool will help you set up the Clover Bootloader to make the USB drive bootable on multiple systems.

Set Up Rufus

Download and open Rufus. Once it’s launched, select your USB drive in the application.

Start the Bootable Process

Now, select the extracted Clover Bootloader folder as the bootable image. Once set, click the `Start` button. This will format your USB drive and set it up as a bootable drive. Confirm the prompt that warns you about formatting the drive and proceed. This process usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 5: Boot with Your USB Drive

Once the USB drive is bootable, it’s time to test it.

Test Without the USB Drive

Before inserting the USB drive, restart your system and press `F12` to access the boot menu. You should only see default boot options like Windows.

Boot with USB Drive Inserted

Insert your USB drive into the system and reboot. Enter the boot menu again, and this time you should see an option like `EFI USB Device`. Select it and press Enter.

The Clover Bootloader will now appear, allowing you to choose from various operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux) to boot into.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed the Clover Bootloader on your USB drive, allowing you to boot into multiple operating systems. This setup gives you flexibility and control over your system’s boot options.

If you face any issues or have questions, leave a comment below. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more tutorials!