MediCat USB 21.12

MediCat USB is a bootable repair toolkit built around Windows PE and Ventoy, designed to diagnose, recover, and fix modern PCs without relying on a working OS session. It consolidates disk imaging, data recovery, boot repair, and offline antivirus scanning into a single multiboot drive that technicians can carry into any field scenario.

MediCat USB Key Features And Interpretations

The curated catalog reflects a practical MediCat USB tools list antivirus backup imaging, including disk imaging/cloning, partition managers, bootloaders, and offline antimalware within a PE desktop.
If you need to perform MediCat USB data recovery file restore, the toolkit bundles recovery and file utilities accessible directly from Mini Windows without touching the installed OS.
Can MediCat USB scan and remove malware offline safely? Yes – booting into PE avoids live‑OS interference and helps malware scans run cleanly and reliably.
Which MediCat tool is best to clone or image a failing drive? Imaging suites and bootable entries in v21.12 provide reliable cloning/imaging options for fragile disks.
How can I reset a forgotten Windows password using MediCat USB? Password and account utilities are included for emergency lockout remediation from a safe, offline state.
How do I add ISO files to the MediCat Ventoy menu? Ventoy’s menu structure and plugins let you expand MediCat with installers and diagnostics you already trust.
What’s the MediCat USB download size and do I need USB 3.0? The footprint is large. A USB 3.0 drive (or USB SSD enclosure) significantly improves imaging, scanning, and file copy speeds.

Free Download — MediCat USB 21.12

Download links

DIRECT

What’s new in recent versions

Version 21.12

Restored multiple bootable ISOs/WIMs for imaging and recovery (e.g., AOMEI Backupper, DiskGenius, EasyUEFI, Macrium Reflect, MiniTool ShadowMaker, Symantec Ghost).
Better trackpad support in Mini Windows, a rebuilt Malwarebytes Bootable, plus stability and UX improvements across the menus.
Windows 11 recovery additions and theme/menu refinements to the portable apps ecosystem.

Version 21.05

Overhauled GRUB info menu on F6 with changelog and bootable‑tools list
F7 toggles graphics/text mode on the fly.

Version 21.03

Switched and updated key tools
Reinforced BIOS+UEFI support
Guidance emphasized 32 GB minimum and preference for USB 3.0 media.

Architecture and boot

Built on Ventoy, MediCat uses a multiboot design where the primary files and plugins define menus and boot entries, enabling flexible customization without constant re‑imaging.
For setup, many follow MediCat USB Ventoy partition NTFS exFAT setup to balance compatibility and large file handling, especially when mixing installers and PE images.
If your firmware needs a one‑time menu, the typical MediCat USB boot menu key F12 UEFI BIOS pattern applies on many laptops and desktops for selecting the USB device.
If you already have Ventoy, and still answer “How do I install MediCat over an existing Ventoy USB without wiping it?” – community‑tested approaches preserve your current ISOs while layering MediCat.

Toolkit and scenarios

The MediCat USB documentation troubleshooting guide 2025 helps resolve common UEFI/Secure Boot, driver, and network recognition issues during PE sessions.
If security software blocks the installer or portable tools, note MediCat USB antivirus false positives installer and temporarily whitelist during setup to avoid broken copies.

Compatibility and Secure Boot

Does MediCat USB work with Secure Boot on Windows 11?

Yes, with caveats. Many enroll a Ventoy key or use temporary Secure Boot workarounds when firmware is strict.

How do I enroll the Secure Boot key for MediCat and Ventoy?

Follow a step‑by‑step MOK enrollment to keep Secure Boot enabled while allowing trusted PE boot.

Why won’t MediCat USB boot on my UEFI laptop and how do I fix it?

Verify SB status, USB partition layout, and boot order. Then test on another port/device if issues persist.

MediCat USB vs Hiren’s BootCD PE and Gandalf’s Windows PE

Use cases

MediCat: broad, frequently updated multiboot with Mini Windows and diverse imaging, recovery, and AV tools suitable for field techs.
Hiren’s: streamlined Windows PE x64 with a focus on legally distributable tools, ideal for corporate compliance environments.
Gandalf’s: large prebuilt WinPE with many portable apps, convenient when you want an all‑in‑one Windows‑like desktop immediately.

Licensing posture

MediCat: community‑led bundle requiring users to obtain and maintain components via documented channels and installers.
Hiren’s: conservative curation to avoid licensing conflicts and keep enterprise usage straightforward.
Gandalf’s: omnibus WinPE builds assembled for convenience and rapid diagnostics.

Breadth and updates

MediCat: frequent menu/boot improvements, restored bootable imaging entries in v21.12, and active troubleshooting documentation.
Hiren’s: stable WinPE with a dependable core set of repair tools maintained by the official project.
Gandalf’s: comprehensive PE with numerous utilities that appeal to technicians preferring a Windows‑centric toolkit.

You can find other programs to take care of your PC in the System Utilities section.

How To Use MediCat USB — Pro Tips

How do I add ISO files to the MediCat Ventoy menu? Keep entries tidy by validating boots in a VM and organizing ventoy .json cleanly.
If your system blocks files, address MediCat USB antivirus false positives installer by whitelisting during extraction and verifying checksums before first boot.
On laptops, use the MediCat USB boot menu key F12 UEFI BIOS and confirm the USB is first in the one‑time boot list before troubleshooting Secure Boot or partitions.
When speed matters, pick USB 3.0 or a USB SSD enclosure – it dramatically improves imaging throughput and malware scan times.

System requirements

OS: Windows 10/11 to prepare the USB
Storage: 32 GB USB drive (minimum)
Firmware: UEFI access with ability to toggle Secure Boot or enroll keys

Conclusion

MediCat USB pairs a rich Mini Windows with Ventoy’s flexible multiboot to cover the full repair arc from “won’t boot” through imaging, recovery, malware cleanup, and password fixes without touching the installed OS. If you align setup with best practices (fast USB media, clean partitioning, Secure Boot key enrollment, and careful AV whitelisting), MediCat becomes a dependable daily‑carry for technicians and power users who need a modern, extensible rescue toolkit.