Raspberry Pi OS on a microSD card: getting started
A Raspberry Pi starts from a microSD card rather than a built-in disk. A card with Raspberry Pi OS already on it lets you start quickly.
Getting started
- Power the Pi off and insert the card.
- Connect a screen, keyboard and mouse.
- Connect power and wait for the first start-up screen.
- Follow the setup wizard for language, Wi-Fi and updates.
Check before buying
- Your model of Pi, and whether the card supports its 32-bit or 64-bit mode.
- Card size for your projects.
- A good power supply, which prevents many odd problems.
See our bootable SD and microSD cards and the guide to persistence.