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I want to make a portable flash drive with Ubuntu Mate on it as backup and keep that flash drive in my backpack (which I take everywhere). I don't like to use other people's computers, so I'd rather have an own OS ready to use whenever needed. My intention is having the flash drive carry the actual system of Ubuntu Mate, not an installer.

Now I'm not entirely sure what to install, 64-bit or 32-bit. My main reason for that is that I don't know if plugging in my flash drive (with 64-bit Ubuntu Mate) on a 32-bit hardware machine, I can actually boot and use it.

Is that possible or should I go with 32-bit for compatibility?

Editing because of "possible duplicate": I think my question is similar, though more specific. I'd find it weird if moderators would not consider this a question on it's own. I've also been searching for an answer to this, for over an hour, without finding one. That's why I'm asking it on here.

sudodus
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5 Answers5

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A 64-bit version of Ubuntu will not even boot on a 32-bit system. A 32-bit version of Ubuntu will run on 32-bit AND 64-bit systems with no problems.

You should make a 32-bit LiveUSB/LiveCD. I have a portable (32-bit) Ubuntu environment on my keychain that I jump into when I access a Windows PC (yes, I'm an Ubuntu fan).

Caution: If your 64-bit system crashes and doesn't boot, you cannot jump into the system via chroot. That's why I also have a 64-bit LiveUSB for emergency.

Hope I helped you.

George Mathioudakis
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It does not matter if it is installed on a flash drive or an internal hard drive: it is the CPU that is making the calculations. If is is a 32 bit CPU, then it cannot run 64 bit anything (unless maybe you emulate it, but that seems pointless to me). 64 bit CPUs are backwards compatible, though. This does not only apply to Mate, it applies to everything. Note: x86 is 32 bit, amd64 is 64 bit.

Feldspar15523
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If you want a flash drive with an Ubuntu system installed on it, that you can boot on generic x86 PC (not Macs), you would be better off using the 32-bit ISO. Anyone who says it's not likely you're going to see 32-bit computers any more, has never been out in the real world.

It still will not run on any PC (Macs have different boot requirements for example).

However, the core answer to your question is no, you cannot run 64-bit code on a 32-bit CPU. There simply isn't enough space to fit the data.

dobey
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I would go for both 32bit and 64bit live usb. Multisystem here can resolve your issue within one pendrive.

kukulo
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Persistent live, 32-bit, in BIOS mode and UEFI mode even secure boot

It is possible but difficult to find an operating systems, that is 32-bit, and can boot both in BIOS mode and UEFI mode. Such a system can boot most PC computers with Intel/AMD processors.

The following link might be useful for you. It describes a persistent live Ubuntu based system with a 32-bit kernel, that can boot also in UEFI mode, even with secure boot,

LXLE is a 'respin' developed from Lubuntu which is a 'community flavour' developed from Ubuntu.

64-bit systems boot both in BIOS mode and UEFI mode

Installed system, boots both in BIOS mode and UEFI mode

It is possible to create an installed system in a USB pendrive, that can boot both in BIOS mode and UEFI mode. But this system does not work in 32-bit computers.

See this link,

An easy shortcut is to start from a compressed image file, which is described in the link.

Persistent live system, boots both in BIOS mode and UEFI mode

You can create a persistent live system from a 64-bit Ubuntu community flavour systems (Kubuntu, Lubuntu, ... Xubuntu), that works also in UEFI mode. But it will not work in computers with a 32-bit processor.

It is easier to make it as flexible as possible, when running in BIOS mode.

Several operating systems for 32-bit and 64-bit computers in BIOS mode

All 32-bit operating systems for PC computers with Intel/AMD processors boot in 32-bit computers and 64-bit computers. Most of them will not boot in UEFI mode. This is certainly an alternative, but new computers are usually delivered with Windows installed in UEFI mode, and you would need to enter the UEFI/BIOS menu system and set it in BIOS mode alias CSM alias legacy mode in order to run such a system in such new computers.

Persistent live, 32-bit, boots both in BIOS mode and UEFI mode, but not secure boot

Such Ubuntu and Ubuntu community flavour systems (Kubuntu, Lubuntu, ... Xubuntu) can be used to create a persistent live drive, that works also in UEFI mode. But they will usually not boot with secure boot. See these links,

sudodus
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