Icon of program: Etcher

Etcher for Windows

  • Free
  • In English
  • V1.19.25
  • 3.8
  • (117)

Burn OS image to SD cards

Modern laptops and desktops no longer allow users to insert discs anymore. With this, burning ISO image of operating systems to a disc is a niche existence. Good thing, there are utility programs that allow users to burn OS images to SD cards and USB drives. BalenaEtcher—more commonly known as Etcher—is an open-source and free app used for writing image files onto storage media. It is a simple burner that seamlessly burns images of your OS in three easy and straightforward steps. With this, novice users can avoid having to deal with sophisticated procedures.

Streamlined interface

Before you start downloading Etcher into your desktop, you need to know that the app's download is quite large. However, its functionality proves to be worth it. The software has a modern and stylish interface, consisting of a single window where you can specify the image you want to burn and the drive you want the image saved. Note that Etcher supports only a handful of images, including ISO, IMG, or ZIP formats.

To make up for its limited format support, Etcher does most of its operations automatically. Your only assignment is to select the OS image and the card. In case you have multiple cards connected, the program lets you choose which one you prefer for processing. If you want to burn OS images on multiple cards or drives, Etcher allows simultaneous processing.

Once done, you can load a new image or burn the same one on another drive. Etcher burns 50% faster than some similar apps. More, it makes drive selection obvious to prevent wiping your entire hard-drive. It also offers validated burning, so you can avoid writing images on corrupted cards.

Burning made easy

The advantage of using Etcher is that it offers a simplified operation. The app allows you to create a bootable image in three easy steps, which are outlined in the interface upon launching. The process starts with you selecting an ISO file. Then, you will need to choose which drive you want the ISO image saved. After that, you only need to start the flashing

By default, Etcher tries to identify the correct driver automatically after you selected the ISO image. With this, you can skip another the second step and jump to the final step. The program displays your progress in percent, along with the current write speed and the estimated time of completion. 

The app validates the copying of data after every process to ensure that everything is copied correctly. It also helps to avoid running into corruption issues when running the operating system or installing it on a new device. 

The entirety of the operation will take only a couple of minutes. It will take longer due to the validation. You may disable the step in the settings if you don't require it. Additionally, you may display the reporting of errors. On top of that, the drive is unmounted when the process is complete. On the downside, Etcher does not come with many configuration options. 

Seamless OS installation with Flash with Etcher

Etcher introduces a feature to make OS installation even easier—Flash with Etcher. This button can be added to your website or blog, allowing users to quickly flash your operating system straight from your site. It’s a streamlined solution designed to enhance user convenience. Integrating the button is simple—you just have to embed a code where you want it to appear. Whether you're a developer or an organization sharing OS images, this new feature ensures a hassle-free experience.

An efficient tool

Etcher is a handy option if you are looking for an efficient image burning tool. The app offers a hassle-free solution, allowing you to burn the OS of your choice to any portable storage. More, the process completes fast and without complications. All in all, the app is worth a try if you want to run your operating system to another platform. 

  • Pros

    • Simplified process
    • Hard drive friendly
    • Clean and organized interface
    • Validated burning
  • Cons

    • Download is quite large
    • Supports only a handful of file formats
    • Limited configuration options
    • Validation sometimes takes ages
 0/1

App specs

  • License

    Free

  • Version

    1.19.25
  • Latest update

  • Platform

    Windows

    Other platforms (1)
  • OS

    Windows 10

  • Language

    English

  • Downloads

    42.8K

    Last month's downloads

    • 282
  • Size

    181.99 MB

  • Developer

Also available in other platforms

Program available in other languages


Icon of program: Etcher

Etcher for PC

  • Free
  • In English
  • V1.19.25
  • 3.8
  • (117)

User reviews about Etcher

by jeff smith

The user interface is simple and easy to use, it works well,and it's free! Highly recommended:-)

by Double E CPU

This Version worked on Windows professional 10.1809 and Flashed CentOS 7.7 for RaspberryPi on microSD

You may also like

Alternatives to Etcher

Explore Apps

Latest articles

Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.
Softonic
Your review for Etcher
Softonic

In Softonic we scan all the files hosted on our platform to assess and avoid any potential harm for your device. Our team performs checks each time a new file is uploaded and periodically reviews files to confirm or update their status. This comprehensive process allows us to set a status for any downloadable file as follows:

Clean

It’s extremely likely that this software program is clean.

What does this mean?

We have scanned the file and URLs associated with this software program in more than 50 of the world's leading antivirus services; no possible threat has been detected.

Warning

This software program is potentially malicious or may contain unwanted bundled software.

Why is the software program still available?

Based on our scan system, we have determined that these flags are possibly false positives.

What is a false positive?

It means a benign program is wrongfully flagged as malicious due to an overly broad detection signature or algorithm used in an antivirus program.

We’d like to highlight that from time to time, we may miss a potentially malicious software program. To continue promising you a malware-free catalog of programs and apps, our team has integrated a Report Software feature in every catalog page that loops your feedback back to us.

Flag any particular issues you may encounter and Softonic will address those concerns as soon as possible.

OSZAR »