# Raspberry Pi OS

> dedicated operating system for Raspberry Pi

**Wikidata**: [Q890474](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q890474)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_Pi_OS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/raspberry-pi-os

## Summary
Raspberry Pi OS is a Linux-based operating system specifically designed for Raspberry Pi single-board computers. It was formerly known as Raspbian and is based on Debian Linux, providing a repository of available software accessible through the apt command.

## Key Facts
- Raspberry Pi OS was officially renamed from Raspbian in 2020
- It is based on Debian Linux and uses the dpkg package management system
- The operating system is developed by Raspberry Pi Holdings, with community development until 2015
- It runs on ARM architecture and is specifically designed for Raspberry Pi hardware
- First released in 2012, with versions updated regularly (latest versions include 2021-10-30 and 2020-05-27)
- Uses the GNU General Public License
- Has a dedicated website at https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
- Available in multiple languages including English, Arabic, Bengali, Catalan, Czech, German, Spanish, Persian, and Finnish

## FAQs

### Q: What is Raspberry Pi OS?
A: Raspberry Pi OS is a Linux-based operating system specifically designed for Raspberry Pi single-board computers. It was formerly known as Raspbian and is based on Debian Linux, providing access to software through the apt package manager.

### Q: What hardware does Raspberry Pi OS run on?
A: Raspberry Pi OS runs exclusively on Raspberry Pi hardware, including various models like Raspberry Pi Zero, Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, and other Raspberry Pi single-board computers. It is optimized for ARM architecture.

### Q: Is Raspberry Pi OS free to use?
A: Yes, Raspberry Pi OS is free to use under the GNU General Public License. It is open-source software that can be downloaded and installed without cost.

## Why It Matters
Raspberry Pi OS matters because it provides a complete, user-friendly operating system specifically optimized for the Raspberry Pi platform, making it accessible for educational purposes, hobbyist projects, and embedded systems development. As the official operating system for Raspberry Pi hardware, it serves as the foundation for millions of projects worldwide, from basic computing tasks to complex IoT applications. Its Debian-based architecture ensures compatibility with a vast ecosystem of Linux software while maintaining the stability and performance required for the Raspberry Pi's limited hardware resources. The operating system democratizes access to computing by providing a free, capable platform that runs on low-cost hardware, enabling learning, experimentation, and innovation across diverse fields including education, home automation, robotics, and digital making.

## Notable For
- Official operating system for Raspberry Pi hardware, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility
- Based on Debian Linux, providing access to a vast repository of software packages
- Free and open-source under GNU General Public License, supporting educational and commercial use
- Specifically optimized for ARM architecture and Raspberry Pi's hardware constraints
- Regular updates and version releases, maintaining security and adding new features

## Body
### Development and History
Raspberry Pi OS originated as Raspbian, a Linux distribution specifically created for Raspberry Pi hardware. The project began in 2012, shortly after the first Raspberry Pi was released, to provide a complete operating system optimized for the platform's ARM architecture. Initially developed by the community, development was later taken over by Raspberry Pi Holdings.

### Technical Architecture
The operating system is based on Debian Linux, one of the most popular and stable Linux distributions. It uses the dpkg package management system and provides access to software through the apt command. The system is optimized for ARM architecture, which is the processor architecture used in all Raspberry Pi models.

### Versions and Updates
Raspberry Pi OS has undergone numerous updates since its initial release. Version history shows regular updates from 2016 through 2021, with notable releases including versions from 2016-11-25, 2017-04-10, 2018-03-13, and 2020-05-27. The operating system receives continuous updates to improve performance, security, and compatibility with new Raspberry Pi hardware.

### Software Ecosystem
As a Debian-based system, Raspberry Pi OS provides access to thousands of software packages through its repositories. Users can install software using the apt package manager, similar to other Debian-based distributions. The operating system includes a graphical desktop environment and various development tools suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

### Hardware Compatibility
Raspberry Pi OS is designed to work with all Raspberry Pi models, from the original Raspberry Pi 1 through the latest Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi Zero variants. The operating system automatically detects and configures hardware, providing optimized drivers and system settings for each specific model.

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## References

1. [Source](https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/raspberry-pi-os-debian-bullseye/)
2. [Source](https://raspbian.org)
3. [Source](https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspbian/release_notes.txt)
4. [Source](https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/raspbian/)
5. [Source](https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspios_armhf/release_notes.txt)
6. [Source](https://downloads.raspberrypi.org/raspios_full_armhf/release_notes.txt)
7. [The latest update to Raspberry Pi OS     7th Sep 2022. 2022](https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/the-latest-update-to-raspberry-pi-os/)
8. [Raspberry Pi OS … Release date: May 3rd 2023. 2023](https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/operating-systems/)
9. [2023](https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/bookworm-the-new-version-of-raspberry-pi-os/)
10. [Operating system images](https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/operating-systems/)
11. [A new release of Raspberry Pi OS - Raspberry Pi. 2024](https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/a-new-release-of-raspberry-pi-os/)
12. [Raspberry Pi OS downloads](https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/operating-systems/)
13. [A new Raspberry Pi OS release. 2025](https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/a-new-raspberry-pi-os-release/)
14. [Release Notes. 2025](https://downloads.raspberrypi.com/raspios_full_armhf/release_notes.txt)
15. [Trixie — the new version of Raspberry Pi OS. 2025](https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/trixie-the-new-version-of-raspberry-pi-os/)
16. [release_notes.txt. Raspberry Pi Foundation. 2025](https://downloads.raspberrypi.com/raspios_arm64/release_notes.txt)
17. [Source](https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/pixel-pc-mac/)
18. [Source](https://www.raspbian.org/FrontPage)
19. [Raspberry Pi OS: Why It's No Longer Called 'Raspbian'. 2020](https://www.tomshardware.com/news/raspberry-pi-os-no-longer-raspbian)
20. [Source](https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/8gb-raspberry-pi-4-on-sale-now-at-75/)
21. [Source](https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/)
22. [Source](https://www.raspberryconnect.com/raspbian-packages/49-raspbian-aptget)
23. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Raspbian-YKY8K9)