Install Raspberry Pi OS with Raspberry Pi Imager
Flash the operating system and pre-configure Wi-Fi, user and SSH before the first boot.
Raspberry Pi Imager is the official free tool for Windows, macOS and Linux. It downloads the operating system, writes it to your card and lets you set your username, Wi-Fi and SSH in advance so the Pi is ready the moment it boots.
Writing an image erases the selected drive completely. Unplug other USB drives before you start.
Video tutorial
Video by Raspberry Pi, embedded from YouTube. The written steps below are our own and match the parts list.
Mission steps
Download Imager
Get Raspberry Pi Imager from raspberrypi.com/software and install it on your computer.
Select device, OS and storage
Choose your Pi model, then 'Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit)'. Pick the Lite version if you will never use a desktop. Select your microSD card — double-check it is the right drive.
Customize settings
When Imager asks to apply OS customization, choose Edit Settings: set a hostname (for example mc-pi), a username and strong password, your Wi-Fi name and password, your country and time zone. On the Services tab enable SSH.
Write and verify
Click Write. Imager erases the card, writes the OS and verifies it. This takes 5–15 minutes.
First boot
Insert the card in the Pi, connect power and wait about two minutes. The green activity light flickers while it expands the file system and joins your Wi-Fi.
Questions
Desktop or Lite?
Desktop if you will plug in a monitor or want a visual environment. Lite for servers, robots and anything headless — it boots faster and uses less RAM.