A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Raspberry Pi OS on an SD Card

This tutorial will provide you with the necessary steps and tools required to install Raspberry Pi OS onto an SD card, which is essential for getting your Raspberry Pi up and running. Follow along to …


Updated October 10, 2023

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This tutorial will provide you with the necessary steps and tools required to install Raspberry Pi OS onto an SD card, which is essential for getting your Raspberry Pi up and running. Follow along to learn how to do it easily.

What You’ll Need

  1. A MicroSD card (at least 8GB)
  2. An SD card reader/writer
  3. Raspberry Pi Imager software
  4. A power source for the Raspberry Pi
  5. Monitor, keyboard, and mouse (optional)
  6. Internet connection to download Raspberry Pi OS

Step 1: Download Raspberry Pi OS

Download the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS from the official website: https://www.raspberrypi.org/software/operating-systems/. Choose between the full desktop version (which includes a graphical user interface) or the lite version (which is command line only).

Step 2: Install Raspberry Pi Imager

Download and install Raspberry Pi Imager from https://www.raspberrypi.org/software/. This software will help you write the OS image onto the SD card.

Step 3: Insert the MicroSD Card

Insert your microSD card into an SD card reader/writer and connect it to your computer. Make sure that the SD card is formatted in FAT32 or exFAT file system, as Raspberry Pi Imager may not recognize other formats.

Step 4: Launch Raspberry Pi Imager

Open Raspberry Pi Imager and select your microSD card from the “Storage” dropdown menu. Then, choose whether you want to install the full desktop version or the lite version of Raspberry Pi OS by selecting it from the “Operating System” dropdown menu. Click on “Write” to begin writing the image onto the SD card.

Raspberry Pi Imager

Step 5: Wait for the Process to Complete

The process of writing the OS image onto the SD card may take several minutes, depending on your computer’s performance and the size of the SD card. Do not remove the SD card until the progress bar reaches 100%.

Writing Image

Step 6: Eject the SD Card

Once the process is complete, safely eject the SD card from your computer and insert it into your Raspberry Pi.

Step 7: Connect Peripherals (Optional)

If you want to use a monitor, keyboard, and mouse with your Raspberry Pi, connect them before powering on the device. If you are using a Wi-Fi enabled model, make sure it is connected to the same network as your computer.

Step 8: Power On Your Raspberry Pi

Connect the power source to your Raspberry Pi and plug in the SD card. You should see the LED light on the board flashing.

Step 9: Complete Setup

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup of your Raspberry Pi, such as setting a username and password, connecting to Wi-Fi (if applicable), and updating the software.

First Boot

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Raspberry Pi OS on your SD card. Now you can start using your Raspberry Pi for various projects and applications.