How to install Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian) from the Raspberry Pi Imager

Have you just joined the growing Raspberry Pi community? Trust me: you've taken the first step into a whole universe of possibilities. But before you get the most out of that powerful little board, you need to install an operating systemComplicated? Not at all: here we explain how to install Raspberry Pi OS (formerly known as Raspbian) from Raspberry Pi Imager, the official, fast, and reliable method.

Install Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian) from Raspberry Pi Imager

The Raspberry Pi has become a essential tool for tech enthusiasts, developers, and educators alike. It's so versatile that you can do a lot of things with it, from home automation projects to personal servers. In a previous post we already talked about Everything you can do with a Raspberry Pi in 2025. Wow, that's useful!

Now, before starting any project with your Raspberry Pi, you need to download an operating system. In this regard, Nothing better than installing Raspberry Pi OS, the official operating system of the projectFormerly known as Raspbian, this software is based on Debian and comes fully optimized for the Raspberry Pi hardware. Its various versions also include all kinds of utilities tailored to different purposes.

Why is Raspberry Pi Imager the best option for installing Raspberry Pi OS?

Nothing better to install Raspberry Pi OS than using the Raspberry Pi Imager installer. To understand the usefulness of this tool, it's helpful to go back a bit. In the early days of the Raspberry Pi, installing the operating system was a more complicated process. First, you had to manually download the system image, and then a separate tool to burn that image to a microSD card (such as Etcher or Win32DiskImager).

While this method worked (and still works), it left room for errors, such as downloading the wrong image or burning the card incorrectly. Fortunately, Raspberry Pi Imager came along to simplify everything. It's a Official application of the Raspberry Pi Foundation that integrates the entire process into an intuitive and clean interfaceAdvantages? Plenty:

• All you need in the same program.
• RP Imager suggests the correct OS versions for your Raspberry Pi model—it's almost impossible to go wrong.
• Best of all: it allows you to configure Wi-Fi, the user and activate SSH before of inserting the microSD into the Raspberry, something that was previously a headache for novices.
• After writing the image, check that the data has been recorded correctly, which prevents corrupted cards that won't boot.
• Not only does it allow you to install Raspberry Pi OS, but also other operating systems such as Ubuntu, LibreELEC (for Kodi), RetroPie (for emulation) and much more.

In short, installing Raspberry Pi OS from Raspberry Pi Imager It is the official, recommended, and by far the smartest way to get started.If this is your first time, following the steps below will be very helpful for you to complete the entire process. We'll start by listing everything you need and finish with the initial startup and use. Let's get started.

Steps to install Raspberry Pi OS from Raspberry Pi Imager

 

The first thing in the process of installing Raspberry Pi OS from Raspberry Pi Imager is to gather all the necessary elementsSome are obvious, but we'll list them anyway so you don't miss anything:

• A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux to run the Imager.
• A microSD card, which will be your Raspberry Pi's hard drive. We recommend a card with a capacity of at least 16 GB and Class 10 or higher (preferably UHS-I or A1/A2) to ensure good performance. Remember, speed does matter.
• A microSD card reader built into the computer or via a USB adapter.
• The Raspberry Pi board with its official power supply or one of equivalent quality, an HDMI cable to connect the monitor, and a keyboard and mouse.

Step 1: Download and install Raspberry Pi Imager

Everything on the table, let's start with Download Raspberry Pi Imager from their official website. Depending on your operating system, the page will display a large blue button with the compatible image. Click on it to download the file and run it to install it on your computer.

Step 2: Install Raspberry Pi OS on the microSD card

Now comes the main part. Open the Raspberry Pi Imager application and you will see a minimalist interface with three buttons: Raspberry Pi Device, Operating System and StorageThe first allows you to select the Raspberry Pi device; the second, the operating system you'll install on it; and the third, the microSD card you'll burn it to. They've made it super easy!

The vast majority of users select the operating system Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit), which is recommended by defaultClick on it and then select the storage card. To do this, you'll first need to insert it into your computer. The system will automatically recognize it.

Once this is done, you click on Next and you will see a window with the question "Do you want to apply OS customization settings?» This part interests us a lot, so click on Edit SettingsThere you can pre-configure your Raspberry Pi so that it boots up ready to use:

• Set the computer name, username and password.
• Configure the Wi-Fi network by entering its name and password.
• Check the Enable SSH box if you want to access your Raspberry Pi from another computer on the network using a terminal.
• Configure the time zone and keyboard layout.

Finally, save the changes and click Yes to begin writing to the microSD card. Remember that all data on it will be completely erased. Wait a moment until the process is complete and the system verifies that everything has been left in its place.

Step 3: The first boot

As you can see, installing Raspberry Pi OS from the Raspberry Pi Imager is very simple. When it's ready, just extract the microSD from the computer and insert it into the slot on the Raspberry Pi. Then, connect the peripherals and finally the power supplyIf all goes well, you'll be at the official Raspberry Pi OS desktop in just a few minutes. Easier than you thought!

So now? What do you plan to do with your Raspberry Pi? The options are many and varied. Start by exploring the operating system, get to know it thoroughly until you feel comfortable with it. At this point, you've acquired a very powerful, low-cost, and versatile tool. Take advantage of it!