Implemented logic to prevent Windows from assigning a drive letter to UEFI:NTFS partitions, which previously caused clutter or errors in File Explorer.
This release was notable for integrating support for newer bootloader technologies and refining how the application manages its internal files:
This version brought several refinements to the core Rufus experience, which is known for being up to twice as fast as alternative tools like UNetbootin or the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool. rufus 3.15.1812
Moved the default application directory to %LocalAppData%\Rufus\ , ensuring logs are always saved there upon exit for easier troubleshooting. Use Cases for Rufus 3.15.1812
One of the most significant changes was the update of the GRUB bootloader to version 2.06, ensuring better compatibility with recent operating systems. Implemented logic to prevent Windows from assigning a
If you are trying to write a Windows 12 (or whatever the 2026 LTSC is called) image to a USB 4.0 drive, you need the latest Rufus (4.x or 5.x) for proper driver stacks.
Included a workaround specifically for openSUSE Live ISOs and improved safety checks for the Fido ISO download script. Use Cases for Rufus 3
Running low-level utilities or flashing BIOS/UEFI firmware from a DOS-based environment.
The primary features introduced in this version included:
: Updated the GRUB bootloader to version 2.06 to improve boot reliability for various Linux distributions.
: Included specific workarounds to ensure openSUSE Live ISOs boot correctly, addressing previous issues with those images.