Linux Persistent Mode

Linux persistent mode refers to the ability to save changes, files, and system configurations when running a live Linux environment from a USB drive or other external media. Typically, when you boot a live Linux system (like Ubuntu Live or an AV Linux live session), any modifications you make are lost upon reboot. Persistent mode ensures that these changes are saved across sessions.

Key Features of Persistent Mode:

  • Retains Installed Software – Applications installed during a session remain available after a reboot.
  • Saves User Files – Documents, downloads, and other files remain intact.
  • Stores System Settings – Wi-Fi credentials, desktop customizations, and other settings persist.
  • Uses a Persistent Storage File or Partition – A reserved space on the USB (like a casper-rw or persistence partition) stores changes.

Limitations:

  • Limited Storage – Space depends on the USB drive capacity and allocated persistence file/partition size.
  • Not a Full Installation – It's different from installing Linux on a drive; some system-level updates may not work.
  • Performance Considerations – Running from a USB drive can be slower than a native installation.

In summary and in relation to Linux OS Bootable USBs we offer - persistent mode is possible on some of the Linux USBs (Linux Mint, Linux Ubuntu, Linux Kali), but requires advanced knowledge and one can easily mistakenly corrupt or wipe out the whole USB flash drive, while trying to set it up on already configured bootable USB flash drive, so please keep that in mind. It is best to research and build out a USB from scratch with persistent mode. Otherwise, it's best to install Linux on a hard drive or alongside Windows instead of using persistent mode.

Specifically for Linux Tails, persistent mode contradicts the anonymous approach/no data trace left behind idea, so our Bootable Linux Tails LIVE USB is setup without persistence mode availability (it's literally greyed out), as even though local persistent data is encrypted - it can still be accessed. If you really need Linux Tails Live USB with persistent mode - the bootable Live USB will have to be created in a slightly different way.