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Installing the OS on an NVMe SSD

If you are using an NVMe SSD and have an adapter to connect the NVMe SSD to your computer for system installation, you can use the following tutorial for a quick installation.

Required Components

  • A Personal Computer

  • A NVMe SSD

  • A NVMe to USB Adapter

  • Micro SD Card and Reader

1. Update the Bootloader

First, you need to update the Raspberry Pi 5 bootloader to boot from NVMe before trying USB and then SD Card.

Note

At this step, it is recommended to use a spare Micro SD card. First, write the bootloader to this Micro SD card and then immediately insert it into the Raspberry Pi to enable booting from an NVMe device.

Alternatively, you can write the bootloader directly to your NVMe device first, then insert it into the Raspberry Pi to change its boot method. Afterwards, connect the NVMe SSD to a computer to install the operating system, and once the installation is complete, reinsert it back into the Raspberry Pi.

  1. Insert your spare Micro SD card or NVMe SSD into your computer or laptop using a Reader.

  2. Within the Raspberry Pi Imager, click Raspberry Pi Device and select the Raspberry Pi 5 model from the dropdown list.

    ../_images/os_choose_device_pi5.png
  3. On the Operating System tab, scroll down and select Misc utility images.

    ../_images/nvme_misc.png
  4. Select Bootloader (Pi 5 family).

    ../_images/nvme_bootloader.png
  5. Select NVMe/USB Boot to enable Raspberry Pi 5 to boot from NVMe before trying USB and then SD Card.

    ../_images/nvme_nvme_boot.png
  6. In the Storage option, select the appropriate storage device for the installation.

    Note

    Ensure you select the correct storage device. To avoid confusion, disconnect any additional storage devices if multiple ones are connected.

    ../_images/os_choose_sd.png
  7. Now you can click NEXT. If the storage device contains existing data, ensure you back it up to prevent data loss. Proceed by clicking Yes if no backup is needed.

    ../_images/os_continue.png
  8. Soon, you will be prompted that NVMe/USB Boot has been written to your storage device.

    ../_images/nvme_boot_finish.png
  9. Now, you can insert your Micro SD card or NVMe SSD into the Raspberry Pi. After powering the Raspberry Pi with a Type C adapter, the bootloader from the Micro SD card or NVMe SSD will be written to the Raspberry Pi’s EEPROM.

Note

Afterward, the Raspberry Pi will boot from NVMe before trying USB and then the SD Card.

Power off the Raspberry Pi and remove the Micro SD card or NVMe SSD.

2. Install OS to NVMe SSD

Now you can install the operating system on your NVMe SSD.

  1. Within the Raspberry Pi Imager, click Raspberry Pi Device and select the Raspberry Pi 5 model from the dropdown list.

    ../_images/os_choose_device_pi5.png
  2. Select Operating System and opt for the recommended operating system version.

    ../_images/os_choose_os.png
  3. In the Storage option, select the appropriate storage device for the installation.

    ../_images/nvme_ssd_storage.png
  4. Click NEXT and then EDIT SETTINGS to tailor your OS settings.

    ../_images/os_enter_setting.png
    • Define a hostname for your Raspberry Pi. The hostname is your Raspberry Pi’s network identifier. You can access your Pi using <hostname>.local or <hostname>.lan.

      ../_images/os_set_hostname.png
    • Create a Username and Password for the Raspberry Pi’s administrator account. Establishing a unique username and password is vital for securing your Raspberry Pi, which lacks a default password.

      ../_images/os_set_username.png
    • Configure the wireless LAN by providing your network’s SSID and Password.

      Note

      Set the Wireless LAN country to the two-letter ISO/IEC alpha2 code corresponding to your location.

      ../_images/os_set_wifi.png
    • To remotely connect to your Raspberry Pi, enable SSH in the Services tab.

      • For password authentication, use the username and password from the General tab.

      • For public-key authentication, choose “Allow public-key authentication only”. If you have an RSA key, it will be used. If not, click “Run SSH-keygen” to generate a new key pair.

      ../_images/os_enable_ssh.png
    • The Options menu lets you configure Imager’s behavior during a write, including playing sound when finished, ejecting media when finished, and enabling telemetry.

      ../_images/os_options.png
  5. When you’ve finished entering OS customisation settings, click Save to save your customisation. Then, click Yes to apply them when writing the image.

    ../_images/os_click_yes.png
  6. If the NVMe SSD contains existing data, ensure you back it up to prevent data loss. Proceed by clicking Yes if no backup is needed.

    ../_images/nvme_erase.png
  7. When you see the “Write Successful” popup, your image has been completely written and verified. You’re now ready to boot a Raspberry Pi from the NVMe SSD!

    ../_images/nvme_install_finish.png