Want to set up a headless server or lightweight IoT project using Raspberry Pi?
This guide walks you through installing the 64-bit Lite version of Raspberry Pi OS on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+.
🧰 1. Download Raspberry Pi Imager
👉 https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
Choose the installer based on your OS:
-
Windows →
.exe -
macOS →
.dmg -
Linux →
.deb/.rpm
Install it as usual.
💾 2. Prepare microSD Card & Raspberry Pi
- Use at least an 8GB microSD (Recommended: 16GB or more).
- In this tutorial, I use a 32GB microSD.
- Make sure you have a microSD card reader ready.
🚀 3. Launch Raspberry Pi Imager
- Insert the microSD card into your computer.
- Open Raspberry Pi Imager.
🧠 4. Choose OS
- Click "Choose OS"
- Select:
Raspberry Pi OS (Other)→Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit)
⚠️ "Lite" means no desktop environment — it's CLI only!
💽 5. Choose Storage
- Click "Choose Storage"
- Select your microSD card
⚙️ 6. Configure Settings (Optional but Recommended)
Click the gear icon ⚙️ at the bottom right to set:
- ✅ Enable SSH
- 👤 Set username and password
- 📶 Enter your WiFi SSID and password
- 🌍 Set Locale, Timezone, and Keyboard layout
📝 These settings will apply automatically when you boot. No manual config needed!
📥 7. Flash the OS
- Click Write
- Wait for the process to complete
- Eject the microSD card safely
🧾 8. Boot Your Raspberry Pi
- Insert the microSD card into your Raspberry Pi
- Power it up and wait for it to boot
- Login using terminal or SSH (if enabled)
Username: pi
Password: [your password]
🔗 Next Up: Home Labs #2: Setup Raspberry Pi with Cloudflare Zero Trust (Managed Tunnel)
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