Raspberry Pi OS Installation

This guide explains how to install Raspberry Pi OS on a Raspberry Pi in a clean and reliable way.

Other Linux distributions and devices can also be used to run the required services, but this guide focuses specifically on Raspberry Pi OS running on Raspberry Pi hardware, as it is the recommended and simplest setup.

What is Raspberry Pi OS?

Raspberry Pi OS is a Linux distribution based on Debian, officially maintained by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

It is optimized for:

• Raspberry Pi hardware
• Low power consumption
• Long-running services
• Headless (no screen) setups

Raspberry Pi OS behaves like a standard Linux system.

Using other Linux distributions or devices

The required services can run on any Linux system, including:

• Other Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.)
• Mini PCs
• Servers
• NAS devices

However:

• Installation steps may vary slightly
• Package names or system tools may differ

For clarity and reliability, this documentation focuses on Raspberry Pi OS on Raspberry Pi hardware.

When to use Raspberry Pi OS

Raspberry Pi OS is ideal when you need:

• An always-on device inside the local network
• Low power consumption
• A reliable Linux environment
• A system to run Docker containers continuously

This makes it well suited for:

• Remote Wake-on-LAN bridge services
• Home servers
• Network utilities

Supported hardware

This guide applies to:

• Raspberry Pi 3
• Raspberry Pi 4
• Raspberry Pi 5
• Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W

Ethernet connection is strongly recommended for reliability.

What you need before starting

You will need:

• A Raspberry Pi
• A microSD card (16 GB or larger recommended)
• A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• Internet access
• Ethernet cable (recommended)
• Power supply for the Raspberry Pi

Step 1: Download Raspberry Pi Imager

Raspberry Pi OS is installed using Raspberry Pi Imager.

1. Open a web browser
2. Go to the official Raspberry Pi website https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
3. Download Raspberry Pi Imager for your operating system

This is the recommended and supported installation method.

Step 2: Prepare the microSD card

1. Insert the microSD card into your computer
2. Open Raspberry Pi Imager
3. Click Choose OS
4. Select Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit)
   (recommended for Docker usage)
5. Click Choose Storage
6. Select your microSD card

Step 3: Configure OS settings (recommended)

Before writing the image:

1. Click the Settings / Gear icon
2. Configure:
   • Hostname (example: raspberrypi)
   • Username and password
   • Enable SSH
   • Set locale and keyboard
   • Configure Wi-Fi (optional, Ethernet recommended)

These settings allow headless usage.

Step 4: Write the OS image

1. Click Write
2. Confirm the operation
3. Wait for the process to complete

The microSD card will be erased and prepared.

Step 5: Boot the Raspberry Pi

1. Insert the microSD card into the Raspberry Pi
2. Connect:
   • Ethernet cable
   • Power supply
3. Power on the Raspberry Pi

The system will boot automatically.

Step 6: First login

If using SSH and hostname:

ssh username@raspberrypi.local

If hostname resolution does not work, use the IP address instead.

If using a screen:

• Log in with the configured username and password

Step 7: Update the system

After logging in, update the system:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

This ensures the system is fully up to date.