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Raspberry Pi Imager
Cambridge, United Kingdom
What it is
Raspberry Pi Imager is a free desktop utility for writing Raspberry Pi OS and other operating systems to storage media for use with a Raspberry Pi. It includes popular system images, supports downloads from Raspberry Pi and third-party vendors such as Ubuntu, and lets users select local images or configure a custom image repository from a file or URL. For supported systems, setup options can set a hostname, time zone, user credentials, Wi-Fi credentials, and remote connectivity. SSH can be enabled with password or public key authentication. After writing, the utility verifies the image; Raspberry Pi recommends completing this check. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with AppImage downloads documented for other Linux distributions. Anonymous usage telemetry is on by default and can be disabled in App Options. Writing an image erases all data on the selected storage device, so the destination requires care. Compatible Raspberry Pi models can also install an operating system over a wired network without a separate computer or SD card reader.
For and against
For
- Free to use on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Can preconfigure credentials and remote connectivity.
- Verifies written images.
- Compatible models support wired network installation.
Against
- Writing an image overwrites the selected device's data.
- Anonymous telemetry is enabled by default.
The verdict
Raspberry Pi Imager combines operating system selection, storage writing, verification, and supported-device setup options in one free utility. Check the selected destination carefully before writing, and turn off telemetry in App Options if preferred.
Who it suits
It suits people preparing bootable storage for Raspberry Pi devices, including those setting up a device without a display who need credentials or remote access configured in advance. It is also relevant to users who want to write a locally stored or custom-repository image.
Plans and prices
Raspberry Pi Imager
Desktop imaging utility · Windows, macOS, Linux
Read 8 Oct 2026 · raspberrypi.com
On the record
- Custom images
- Users can select a local operating system image, and advanced users can configure a custom image repository from a file or URL.raspberrypi.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Device setup
- For supported operating systems, Imager can preconfigure a hostname, time zone, user credentials, Wi-Fi credentials, and remote connectivity.raspberrypi.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Installation options
- Raspberry Pi Imager is available for Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, and Raspberry Pi OS, with Linux AppImage downloads documented for other Linux distributions.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The tool is for people preparing bootable storage for Raspberry Pi devices, including headless setups that need preconfigured credentials or remote access.raspberrypi.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Network install
- Compatible Raspberry Pi models can install an operating system over a wired network without a separate computer or SD card reader.raspberrypi.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Raspberry Pi publishes the Imager source code in a public GitHub repository.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- OS selection
- Imager includes popular operating system images and supports images downloaded from Raspberry Pi or third-party vendors such as Ubuntu.raspberrypi.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Raspberry Pi Imager installs Raspberry Pi OS and other operating systems onto storage media for use with a Raspberry Pi.raspberrypi.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security reporting
- Raspberry Pi accepts vulnerability reports for Raspberry Pi Imager and describes its investigation and disclosure process on its security page.raspberrypi.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- SSH
- Imager can enable SSH with password or public key authentication during operating system customization.raspberrypi.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Storage warning
- Writing an image overwrites all data on the selected storage device, and the documentation advises users to select the destination carefully.raspberrypi.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Telemetry
- Anonymous usage telemetry is enabled by default and can be disabled in App Options; the project says the collected counts are not associated with personal data.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Write verification
- After writing an image, Imager verifies that it was written correctly, and Raspberry Pi recommends completing verification.raspberrypi.com · read 8 Oct 2026
