Before using your Raspberry Pi, you need to install (flash) an operating system (OS) onto a bootable storage device such as a microSD card or SSD.
The easiest and recommended way is to use Raspberry Pi Imager, the official tool for downloading and writing Raspberry Pi OS images on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Step 1. Download and Install Raspberry Pi Imager
Download the latest version of Raspberry Pi Imager for your operating system.
Install Raspberry Pi Imager
Choose the installation method that matches your operating system:
Windows / macOS
- Download the latest version from the official Raspberry Pi website.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Raspberry Pi OS
sudo apt install rpi-imager
Other Linux distributions
- Download the latest AppImage from the Raspberry Pi website.
- Make the AppImage executable before running it.
Launch Raspberry Pi Imager
Start Raspberry Pi Imager using one of the following methods:
- Open it from your Applications menu.
- Double-click the Raspberry Pi Imager desktop icon.
- On Linux, run the AppImage as root. For example:
sudo ./Raspberry_Pi_Imager-<version>-desktop-x86_64.AppImage
Replace <version> with the downloaded Imager version number.
Step 2. Select Your Raspberry Pi, OS, and Storage Device
After launching Raspberry Pi Imager:
1. Select your Raspberry Pi
Click Device, choose your Raspberry Pi model, and then click Next.
2. Choose an operating system
Click OS and select the operating system you want to install.
- The recommended Raspberry Pi OS for your board appears at the top of the list.
- To install a downloaded image file, select Use Custom and browse to the image on your computer.
Click Next when finished.
3. Insert your storage device
Connect your storage device to the computer.
For example:
- microSD card (using a built-in or USB card reader)
- USB flash drive
- SSD connected through a USB adapter
4. Select the storage device
Click Storage, choose the correct storage device, and then click Next.
Important: Make sure you select the correct storage device. All existing data on the selected device will be permanently erased during the flashing process. If multiple storage devices are connected, verify the capacity carefully or disconnect unnecessary drives to avoid accidental data loss.
If the selected operating system supports customization, Raspberry Pi Imager will automatically open the Customization window.
Step 3. Customize the Operating System (Recommended)
Many operating systems, including Raspberry Pi OS, allow you to configure basic settings before flashing.
Although you can skip this step, completing it now will save time during the first boot.
Typical settings include:
- Hostname
- Time Zone
- Username and Password
- Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID) and Password
- SSH (Remote Access)
- Raspberry Pi Connect
If you have previously used Raspberry Pi Imager, some of these settings may already be pre-filled.
After reviewing the settings, click Save to continue.
Step 4. Write the OS Image
After completing the configuration, Raspberry Pi Imager displays a summary of your selections.
1. Start flashing
Click Write in the lower-right corner.
2. Confirm data erasure
A warning message will inform you that all data on the selected storage device will be erased.
Click Yes (or I Understand, Erase and Write, depending on your Imager version) to continue.
If your operating system requests administrator permission, allow Raspberry Pi Imager to access the storage device.
3. Wait for the writing process
Raspberry Pi Imager downloads (if necessary) and writes the operating system to your storage device.
This process may take several minutes depending on your internet speed and storage device.
4. Verify the image
After writing is complete, Raspberry Pi Imager automatically verifies the image to ensure it was written correctly.
Although verification is optional, it is strongly recommended to prevent boot issues caused by corrupted data.
5. Finish
Once the writing and verification processes are complete, Raspberry Pi Imager displays Done.
Click Finish to exit the application.
Next Step
Your bootable storage device is now ready.
Insert it into your Raspberry Pi and continue with one of the following setup methods:
- Standard Setup – Connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to complete the initial configuration.
- Headless Setup – Access your Raspberry Pi remotely over the network without a monitor or keyboard.
Your Raspberry Pi is now ready to boot.