Installing the OS

Required Components

  • Raspberry Pi 4B/Zero 2 w/3B 3B+/2B/Zero W

  • 1 x Personal Computer

  • 1 x Micro SD card

Steps

  1. Go to the Raspberry Pi software download page: Raspberry Pi Imager. Select the Imager version for your operating system. After downloading, open the file to start the installation.

    ../../_images/os_install_imager.png

  2. Upon launching the installer, your OS might display a security warning. For instance, Windows may show a caution message. If this occurs, select More info and then Run anyway. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Raspberry Pi Imager.

    ../../_images/os_info.png

  3. Insert your SD card into the computer or laptop SD card slot.

  4. Open the Raspberry Pi Imager application either by clicking its icon or executing rpi-imager in your terminal.

    ../../_images/os_open_imager.png

  5. Click CHOOSE DEVICE and select your specific Raspberry Pi model from the list (Note: Raspberry Pi 5 is not applicable).

    ../../_images/os_choose_device.png

  6. Select CHOOSE OS and then choose Raspberry Pi OS (Legacy).

    Warning

    • Please do not install the Bookworm version as the speaker will not work.

    • You need to install the Raspberry Pi OS (Legacy) version - Debian Bullseye.

    ../../_images/os_choose_os.png

  7. Click Choose Storage and pick the correct storage device for the installation.

    Note

    Be sure to select the correct device, especially if multiple storage devices are connected. Disconnect others if you’re unsure.

    ../../_images/os_choose_sd.png

  8. Press NEXT and select EDIT SETTINGS to customize your OS settings.

    ../../_images/os_enter_setting.png

  9. Set your Raspberry Pi’s hostname.

    Note

    The hostname is what your Raspberry Pi uses to identify itself on the network. You can connect to your Pi using <hostname>.local or <hostname>.lan.

    ../../_images/os_set_hostname.png

  10. Create a Username and Password for the Raspberry Pi’s administrator account.

    Note

    Setting a unique username and password is crucial for security, as the Raspberry Pi does not have a default password.

    ../../_images/os_set_username.png

  11. Set up wireless LAN by inputting your network’s SSID and Password.

    Note

    Wireless LAN country should be set the two-letter ISO/IEC alpha2 code for the country in which you are using your Raspberry Pi.

    ../../_images/os_set_wifi.png

  12. Click SERVICES and enable SSH for password-based remote access. Remember to click Save.

    ../../_images/os_enable_ssh.png

  13. Confirm your choices by clicking Yes.

    ../../_images/os_click_yes.png

  14. If your SD card has existing files, back them up to avoid data loss. Click Yes to proceed if no backup is necessary.

    ../../_images/os_continue.png

  15. Wait as the OS is written to the SD card. Once completed, a confirmation window will appear.

    ../../_images/os_finish.png