Raspberry Pi OS Lite vs. Desktop: What’s the Difference?
You’ve just gotten a Raspberry Pi and want to install an operating system. The only problem is that Raspberry Pi OS comes in two flavors: Desktop and Lite. Which one should you install? In this article, I’ll show you the difference between the two systems so you can make the best choice for you.
Raspberry Pi OS Desktop includes a Linux desktop environment (GUI) and graphical tools for system configuration. Raspberry Pi OS Lite comes with a command-line interface only.
The difference seems clear, but each comes with features and benefits that are less obvious at first glance. Let’s do a full comparison.
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Raspberry Pi OS Desktop
We’ll start with the Desktop version first, as I recommend it for new users. If you’re familiar with Windows or MacOS, you’ll feel right at home with Raspberry Pi OS Desktop.
Features of Raspberry Pi OS Desktop
If I were to describe the Desktop version in simple terms: there’s a “start menu” in the top left, a web browser, and a file manager that lets you navigate folders. Let’s continue by covering the Desktop’s best features.
Desktop Environment
As you might’ve guessed from its name, Raspberry Pi OS Desktop is a Linux distribution with a desktop environment (DE). A DE is a graphical user interface, which means you can use a mouse and keyboard to get around.
The desktop environment that comes pre-installed is called PIXEL. I find PIXEL perfectly suited to the Pi’s hardware, and I like how it looks more polished than other lightweight DEs.
Pre-Installed Apps
PIXEL comes with many graphical applications pre-installed. These programs let you get your Pi up and running quickly. All of your favorite players are here, such as:
- Web browser
- Media player
- File manager with archive extraction
- Image viewer
- Text editor
- Programming IDE
Of course, you can always add more apps. A simple click on “Add / Remove Software” from the menu is all it takes to install trusted packages from the official repository.
GUI Tools
The ability to install packages graphically highlights another great feature: Raspberry Pi OS Desktop lets you configure your system using GUI tools.
For example, the Desktop version makes it much easier to:
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- Connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- Extract zip or tar archives via the file manager.
- Kill processes with the task manager.
- Enable remote access to your Pi with SSH, VNC, or other methods.
If you aren’t fully comfortable using the Linux command line, these graphical tools are huge time-savers.
Are you a bit lost in the Linux command line? Check this article first for the most important commands to remember and a free downloadable cheat sheet so you can have the commands at your fingertips.
Requirements to Install Raspberry Pi OS Desktop
Raspberry Pi OS Desktop can be installed on all Pi models. However, its demands can be tougher for older Pis, and things run smoother on newer boards (such as the Pi 4 or Pi 5).
To get the Desktop version, you can use Raspberry Pi Imager. When Imager asks you to choose which operating system to install, Raspberry Pi OS Desktop will be listed as the default choice—just be sure to choose 64-bit or 32-bit to match your model.
Use Cases: Who’s the Desktop For?
I recommend Raspberry Pi OS Desktop for everyone. Its familiar graphical interface makes it easy for beginners and even children to pick up. It’s a great starting point into the world of Pi.
The Desktop version is also the best choice for mainstream users who plan on using the Pi as an everyday home computer.
Raspberry Pi OS Lite
What if you find the Desktop version too resource-heavy for your liking, or what if you never need a GUI? That’s where the Lite flavor comes in. Raspberry Pi OS Lite is a Linux operating system with a command-line interface only.
Features of Raspberry Pi OS Lite
The best features of the Raspberry Pi OS Lite are its performance, stability, and customization.
Lite performs faster than its Desktop counterpart because system resources don’t have to be spent on a desktop environment. It comes with useful packages pre-installed, like wget and Python. But be aware that they’re all command-line programs.
Secondly, the Lite version gives the Pi its legendary stability. I’ve been running Pi-Hole, DNS-over-HTTPS, and UniFi Network Server on my Pi 24/7. Over the years. I don’t even remember the last time I was forced to reboot—it’s that rock-solid.
Lastly, Lite is the most customizable version. Because it comes with minimal packages installed, the rest is up to you to shape your Pi as you see fit.
All of these benefits do come with tradeoffs. One downside is that you’ll probably find a command line less convenient than a GUI. Another is that you’ll need some Linux expertise to maintain your system.
Requirements to Install Raspberry Pi OS Lite
Raspberry Pi OS Lite performs well on all models, old and new.
To install Lite on your SD card, you can use Raspberry Pi Imager. When asked to pick an operating system, make sure to select “Raspberry Pi OS (other)”—then Lite will appear as an option. Make sure to choose 64-bit or 32-bit to match your model.
Use Cases: What Is Lite For?
I recommend Raspberry Pi OS Lite for power users. You might fit this description if you like to tweak your system to run as efficiently as possible or if you only access your Pi in headless mode.
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You might also be someone who logs in via SSH to administer your system and who uses rsync or an FTP server to transfer files from/to your Pi.
Servers
Raspberry Pi OS Lite excels at running servers. Since it’s lightweight, more system resources can be dedicated to server performance.
Here’s just a small sample of the many things Lite can be used to host:
IoT Projects
Raspberry Pi OS Lite is also perfect for IoT projects. Its robustness is exactly what you’d want in complex setups or mission-critical systems. Here are just a few examples of applications where Lite shines:
And Lite is not just for home projects, either. It has been deployed for many surprising uses that will blow your mind.
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Key Differences Between Desktop and Lite
We’ve finished covering the main differences between Raspberry Pi OS Desktop and Lite. Still don’t know which is best for you? Here’s a comparison summary:
| Raspberry Pi OS Desktop | Raspberry Pi OS Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Graphical desktop environment | Command line only |
| Pre-installed Software | Web browser, file manager, and editors | Minimal Linux command-line tools |
| Resources & Performance | Medium reqs. / medium perf. | Light reqs. / high perf. |
| Customization | Pre-installed software; still customizable | Fully customizable from scratch |
In short, the Desktop is best for mainstream users who want a graphical interface so they can use the Pi like a home computer. In contrast, Lite is better for power users with servers or projects in mind.
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FAQ
How do I choose between Raspberry Pi OS Desktop or Lite?
If you’re still unsure after reading the comparison above, Raspberry Pi OS Desktop is the safer choice. You can install Lite later if you find you have a specific need for it.
How do I install Raspberry Pi OS Desktop or Lite?
For either Desktop or Lite, the OS can be installed directly onto your SD card using Raspberry Pi Imager. You can run Imager from a Windows PC, a Linux distro, or macOS.
What is Raspberry Pi OS Desktop Full?
Raspberry Pi OS Desktop Full is almost the same as the Desktop version, except Desktop Full comes with extra apps pre-installed. For example: LibreOffice suite, Minecraft, GIMP image editor, audio recording software, Mathematica, and many others.
Can I switch from Desktop to Lite or from Lite to Desktop?
From Desktop to Lite: yes. You’ll have to disable booting to the desktop with raspi-config. After restarting, you can use APT to remove the desktop packages completely.
From Lite to Desktop: yes. Here’s our tutorial on how to make the switch, or just watch the video below. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even swap in other desktop environments instead of PIXEL.
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.
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