How to Install (or Reinstall) Raspberry Pi OS on Your Pi

If you’re new to the Raspberry Pi world, installing (or reinstalling) the operating system can be a daunting challenge. Luckily, the Raspberry Pi Foundation does its best to make it go as smoothly as possible for you. This article will show you the easiest and safest method to do it on your own.

Raspberry Pi OS can be installed on a new SD card from any computer by using a program named “Raspberry Pi Imager.” Imager is a tool created by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It includes all versions of Raspberry Pi OS and lets you flash it to an SD card in a few clicks.

Think of this tutorial as your “quick start guide” to install Raspberry Pi OS for the first time. I’ll get straight to the point with the procedure. The whole RaspberryTips website will then be waiting for you for all your other questions and concerns.

If you’re feeling lost in all the Raspberry Pi jargon, I’ve got something to help you out. I’ve created a free glossary that explains all the essential terms and abbreviations in a way that’s easy to understand. It’s a great resource to have by your side. Get your free copy here.

Prerequisites to Install Raspberry Pi OS

Before jumping into the installation steps, let’s make sure you have everything ready, in terms of hardware and software.

Required Hardware

The hardware required to install Raspberry Pi OS is pretty minimal. Here is what you need:

• A Raspberry Pi board: Raspberry Pi OS works on any model, you’ll just need to be cautious while picking a version that is compatible with yours. If you want to use the desktop interface, a Raspberry Pi 5, 4 or 400, or 3B+ is recommended.
  Currently, it can be challenging to find one at a decent price. I share my tips with you in this other article if you need to buy one.
  
• A micro-SD card: The micro SD card is the main storage of the Raspberry Pi—like the hard drive on a traditional PC. You can find my benchmark of the fastest SD cards for your Pi here.
  
  If you already have a system installed on your Pi, you can use another SD card, so you don’t lose any data on it, and you can always plug it back if you need to get back to your current installation later. Nothing is stored on the main board directly, so when you switch SD cards, you switch everything.
  
  Side note: On recent models, it’s possible to use a USB drive instead. I’ll only mention SD cards in this article to keep things simple, but you can replace SD cards with USB drives everywhere if you want to use a USB drive instead.
  
• A good power supply: A Raspberry Pi will start as soon as it’s plugged into a USB cable, but it might not get the best performance using a random USB cable or phone charger. If you can afford it, try to use the official power supply (this is for the Pi 4, make sure to pick one compatible with your model). You can read this other article about power supply for more details.
  
• (Recommended) A monitor and display cable: It’s not mandatory, but I highly recommend plugging your Pi into a monitor (or even your TV), at least while doing the installation. You probably need a cable, with standard HDMI on one side (for the monitor), and a compatible display port on the Pi side (depending on the model you use).
  
  Avoid adapters if possible. They cause more issues than they solve. A decent micro-HDMI to HDMI cable is not expensive and always works best for me than an adapter + a standard HDMI/HDMI cable.
  
• (Recommended) A keyboard and mouse: Same thing, for beginners, I highly recommend plugging a keyboard and mouse for the installation (at least). I tested a few Raspberry Pi keyboards here if you need one, but I’m sure you already have a PC keyboard somewhere.

And that’s it! So basically, a Raspberry Pi, a micro-SD card and a power supply, and you’re ready to go. A keyboard, mouse and monitor are recommended, but you can start the installation without them if you have another computer.

Required Software: Raspberry Pi Imager

The only tool you need on your computer to install Raspberry Pi OS on your SD card is Raspberry Pi Imager. It has been developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation to make this process easier. No manual downloads or random apps are required anymore.

Here is how to get it on your computer:

• Go to the official Raspberry Pi website.
• Visit the “Software” page.
• Download Raspberry Pi Imager for your system:
  
  It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu. It’s even possible to install it on an existing Raspberry Pi OS system if you already have one. It’s already included in some RPI OS editions, so you may already have it.
• Once downloaded, install it the way you’d install any application on your computer.
  On Windows, it’s a double click on the file, and the next, next, next buttons.

With your hardware ready and software installed, you’re ready to move on to the flashing procedure.

Flashing Raspberry Pi OS onto an SD card

Insert the SD Card into Your Computer

Most of you will use your computer to copy the system files onto your SD card. To do this, you need an SD card slot, or a USB to micro-SD adapter if you don’t have a slot available on your computer (or want to use your Pi directly).

Find the port on your computer, it looks like:

Put the micro-SD card into an SD card adapter (generally included when you buy the micro-SD card) and insert it into the reader. Your computer will detect it, you can just close any message pop-ups—no formatting or anything required.

Use Raspberry Pi Imager

Here are the steps to install your system with Raspberry Pi Imager:

• Step 1: Choose OS
  If you click on the “Choose Operating System” button, you’ll get a list of all supported operating systems.
  
  If it’s your first time here, I recommend starting with the default option: Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit). It comes with a graphical interface and is compatible with all Raspberry Pi models.
  If you’re more familiar with this, you can browse the list, and maybe pick a different flavor, but the easiest option is to pick the first one (the recommended one).
  
• Step 2: Choose Storage
  If your SD card is properly connected to your PC, then it should show up on the list.
  Select your SD card.
  
  
• Step 3: Write
  Review your settings and click Next.
  
  
  Click NO when asked whether you want to “apply OS customisation settings?”
  

The write process will start, and files will be copied over to your SD card. It’ll take a few minutes, so don’t touch anything during that time. The SD card will be automatically ejected at the end, so you have nothing else to do for now.

Optional: OS Customisation

The popup above about “OS customisation” is there if you want to configure your OS installation with special options ahead of time. These settings will be applied directly on the first boot. For example you can set a custom username and password, Wi-Fi connection, etc.

If you’re new to this, I would recommend just skipping this step. The only reason you may want to use these settings as a beginner are if you don’t have a monitor and keyboard and/or you only have access to a Wi-Fi network.

If that’s the case, here are two articles where I get into more detail about it:

• Getting Started with Raspberry Pi Imager: The Ultimate Guide
• Install your Raspberry Pi without a Keyboard and Monitor

But for most of you, just keep the default setup, you’ll be guided on the first boot to do the same configuration.

Raspberry Pi OS: First Boot

Once the SD card is ready, it’s now time to plug everything into your Raspberry Pi and get started with your new system.

Hardware Connections

Please plug everything into your Raspberry Pi in the correct order before the first boot:

• Eject the SD card from your PC and insert it into the SD card slot on the Raspberry Pi.
• Plug in all accessories (monitor, keyboard, mouse, Ethernet, etc.)
• Finally, plug in the power supply. This turns on the Pi directly.

Here are more details for these steps if you need more guidance.

Insert the SD Card

All Raspberry Pi models have a micro SD card slot on the back. Here’s a picture of mine:

The micro SD card only fits in one way, so flip it around until you get it right. If it’s in the correct orientation, it will click when you press it gently.

Plug in Peripherals

You can then plug the other cables into your Raspberry Pi (but not the power supply yet).

• Display cable to your monitor: As mentioned earlier, it’s different for each model. So, it might be a standard HDMI port, a mini-HDMI or even a micro-HDMI port depending on which model you use. Plug the cable into the Raspberry Pi and then into your screen (monitor or laptop).
  
• Network cable (if possible): If you can plug your Raspberry Pi with an Ethernet network cable (RJ45), it’ll be easier for the initial setup—even if you decide to switch to Wi-Fi later. That’s because wired connections are usually configured automatically thanks to your Internet router.
  
• Mouse and keyboard: Plug them into the USB ports. If you have blue and black ports, I prefer using the black ones for this. The blue ports are faster, and so are better reserved for USB storage or things that will benefit from a faster connection.

Turn on the Raspberry Pi

Finally, plug the power supply into the power port on the Pi. Unlike your PC, the Raspberry Pi doesn’t have a power button (unless you have a special case like the Argon One or an official supply with a power switch). So, as soon as you plug in the power supply, the Pi will start.

That’s why it’s best to plug in the power supply last.

Anyway, the power input is on the side of the board. It’s different depending on your Raspberry Pi model: USB-C for Raspberry Pi 5/4/400, Micro-USB for Raspberry Pi 3, etc. So, I hope you have a compatible power supply.

First Boot

When you plug the power supply, the Raspberry Pi will turn on, and display many things on your screen. Don’t worry about any of them for now.

After a few minutes, and maybe some additional restarts, you should get to a welcome wizard, that will ask a few questions to complete the system configuration.

For example, you can configure your country and keyboard layout, create the main user account and connect to your wireless network if needed. The interface to do this is simple, it looks like:

Once done, you’ll finally get the full desktop experience of Raspberry Pi, with the default interface that looks like:

After this, you can use your system. You should be connected to your network (and probably to the Internet), and have access to a minimal list of preinstalled applications to get started (web browser, code editor, etc.).

If needed, you can open the Main Menu > Preferences > Raspberry Pi Configuration to adjust the system settings. In this submenu, you’ll also find other tools to help you (like tweaking the display resolution if needed).

Going Further With Raspberry Pi OS

Once Raspberry Pi OS is installed, you’re ready to open the treasure trove of tutorials I have on this site, where you can learn new things and move forward with your projects. I didn’t include everything in this article, but here’s just a small selection of guides you may be interested in.

System Configuration

• How to Change your Keyboard Layout on Raspberry Pi? (RPI OS)
• How to set up Wi-Fi on Raspberry Pi? (6 ways on RPI OS)
• 3 Easy Ways To Set A Static IP Address On Raspberry Pi
• How To Change The Screen Resolution On Raspberry Pi
• How to Set the Date & Time on Raspberry Pi (Desktop & Lite)
• How to Change Password on Raspberry Pi OS (Complete Guide)

Beginner’s Guides for Raspberry Pi OS

• How to install more applications on Raspberry Pi OS
• 17 Best Apps to Use a Raspberry Pi as a Desktop PC
• How to Change The Desktop Appearance on Raspberry Pi?
• Raspberry Pi OS Versions: All Your Questions Answered

Desktop

• 5 Best Web Browsers to Use on Raspberry Pi (I Tested Them)
• Can a Raspberry Pi 4 really Replace your Desktop PC? (I Tried)
• How to Use Bluetooth on Raspberry Pi: GUI & Command Guide

Programming

• The 7 Best Text Editors for Programming on Raspberry Pi
• Why Is Python Used On Raspberry Pi? (3 huge reasons)
• Getting Started with C++ on Raspberry Pi (Guide & examples)
• The 11 Best Raspberry Pi Robot Kits for Beginners in 2023

Project Ideas

• 15 Easy Projects for Raspberry Pi Beginners (With Links)
• How To Watch Netflix On Raspberry Pi OS (No app required)
• 10 Cool Games to Play on Raspberry Pi OS (Without Emulator)
• 15 Raspberry Pi Network Projects for Home and Office Use
• 7 Raspberry Pi Projects That Will Save You Money

And at any time, if you need something specific, the search engine is always there for you. We also have a community for Raspberry Pi fans, that can help you to get personalized assistance, inspiration, and many other benefits: you can find more details here.

Whenever you’re ready, here are other ways I can help you:

The RaspberryTips Community: If you want to hang out with me and other Raspberry Pi fans, you can join the community. I share exclusive tutorials and behind-the-scenes content there. Premium members can also visit the website without ads.

Master your Raspberry Pi in 30 days: If you are looking for the best tips to become an expert on Raspberry Pi, this book is for you. Learn useful Linux skills and practice multiple projects with step-by-step guides.

The Raspberry Pi Bootcamp: Understand everything about the Raspberry Pi, stop searching for help all the time, and finally enjoy completing your projects.

Master Python on Raspberry Pi: Create, understand, and improve any Python script for your Raspberry Pi. Learn the essentials step-by-step without losing time understanding useless concepts.

You can also find all my recommendations for tools and hardware on this page.