Install Raspberry Pi OS

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Install Raspberry Pi OS

There is a variety of Operating Systems that can be used on a Raspberry Pi, and there is also a number of ways to install the OS onto an SD Card. In this tutorial we explore the two main ways to get the recommended Raspberry Pi OS (previously Raspbarian) installed and running on your Pi.

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Installation Methods For Raspberry Pi OS

The first option below is to use the Raspberry Pi Imager application to install an image of the Raspberry Pi Operating System onto your SD Card.

The second option below is to use the New Out Of Box System (NOOBS). Most likely you would use this method if you have purchased a kit and it came with a pre-loaded SD Card, but you can also download NOOBS and put it onto a clean SD Card yourself.

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Raspberry Pi Imager

The Raspberry Pi Imager application is a small program that you can download from the makers of the Pi. As well as being the recommended method for installing an Operating System for your Pi, it is also a really simple way to get started.

Step 1

Download the Raspberry Pi Imager App from here: https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/

Step 2

Install Raspberry Pi OS onto your SD Card using The Raspberry Pi Imager App on either a Windows or Mac computer, as per below videos.

Raspberry Pi Imager on Windows

Raspberry Pi Imager on Mac

Step 3

Connect up your Raspberry Pi as per the below videos for your model.

Connect Up Raspberry Pi 4B

Connect Up Raspberry Pi 3B+

Connect Up Raspberry Pi 3B

Step 4

Boot up your Raspberry Pi for the first time and set initial configuration. This process is the same for models 4B, 3B+ & 3B.

First Boot & Initial Configuration Of Raspberry Pi

New Out Of Box System (NOOBS)

If you have purchased a kit, you will most likely have received an SD Card which has been pre-installed with NOOBS. In many ways this makes installation a bit quicker and easier.