The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Raspberry Pi Desktop is now available as a 64-bit Debian Trixie image for compatible PCs and Macs. You can boot it from a USB drive or install it on an internal disk, then use Raspberry Pi Connect in a browser to screen-share with the computer or open a remote terminal while it is running Raspberry Pi Desktop. It does not remotely control the computer’s original Windows or macOS installation.
What Raspberry Pi Desktop for PC and Mac includes
This is a Debian image for conventional computers, not Raspberry Pi OS for a Raspberry Pi board. Raspberry Pi’s download listing identifies the PC/Mac image as 64-bit Debian 13 (Trixie), amd64, with kernel 6.12. The launch announcement is dated 6 October 2026, while the download listing gives 5 October 2026 as the release date. Raspberry Pi’s announcement and official download listing provide the release details.
The image is listed at 2,616 MB, with 2,616 MB required storage. Its listed SHA-256 checksum is 270fdcf1585fcc6a30760e78c37d1d0c522e33e4a809adf51fc4027f053e6513. These download details can change, so check the current listing when you download the image and compare its checksum with the value shown there.
Can it run on your PC or Mac?
Raspberry Pi says most PCs made in roughly the last 15 years and most Intel-based Macs should be capable of running 64-bit Debian. That is broad vendor guidance, not a compatibility guarantee for every model, component, or peripheral. Apple Silicon Macs are not supported by this release: Raspberry Pi says Debian support for Apple Silicon is still experimental. See the launch announcement for Raspberry Pi’s compatibility qualifications.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Choose how to try or install it
| Option | What it does | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Live USB with persistence | Runs Raspberry Pi Desktop from a USB stick without installing it to the internal drive. Choose persistence to keep changes on the USB between sessions; the boot menu also includes a reset option to return the stick to a clean image. | Trying the system while keeping the computer’s internal disk unchanged. |
| Internal installation | Uses the Calamares Debian installer to install the system on the computer’s hard drive or SSD. | Using Raspberry Pi Desktop as an installed operating system. |
Raspberry Pi’s installation instructions call for a USB stick to boot the live image. They do not state a minimum capacity, speed rating, brand, or tested model.
Boot from a USB stick
- Download the PC/Mac ISO from the Raspberry Pi operating-systems listing, and check the listing’s current file details and checksum.
- Write the ISO to a USB stick using an image-writing utility. Writing an image typically erases existing contents on the selected stick, so back up any files on it first.
- Restart the computer and select the USB stick as the boot device using the computer’s boot menu or firmware settings.
- At the Raspberry Pi Desktop boot menu, choose “run with persistence” if you want changes to remain on the USB stick. Choose the reset option there if you want to clear persistence and return it to a clean image.
Install to the internal drive
From the running desktop, launch the Calamares installer using its desktop shortcut or open System Tools and choose “Install Raspberry Pi OS.” Follow the installer to place the system on the internal hard drive or SSD. Installing to an internal disk is a separate, more permanent choice than booting the live USB; take care to select the intended drive and understand the installer’s disk changes before proceeding.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- CanaKit Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
How Connect provides remote access
During setup, Raspberry Pi Desktop asks you to enter a device name. That name identifies the PC or Mac in the device list on the Connect website. From a browser, you can use screen sharing or a remote terminal to access the named computer while it is running Raspberry Pi Desktop. Connect is remote access to this Debian session; the announcement does not describe it as a way to control the host’s original Windows or macOS installation. The release announcement describes setup, and the Raspberry Pi Connect page lists service capabilities.
Raspberry Pi’s Connect page lists screen sharing, remote shell, and remote updates. Its published plans distinguish individual use from organization and fleet management:
Rank #3
- CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Essentials Starter Kit
| Plan | Listed price | Listed scope |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Free | Unlimited devices |
| Organization | $0.50 per device per month | Organization and fleet-management features |
These are the terms shown on the Connect product page; confirm that page for current prices and plan details before relying on them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about Connect’s adoption
In a post dated 9 May 2025, Raspberry Pi’s Chris Lowder said Connect had an install base of over 100,000 devices as it left beta after version 2.5. That is a historical figure reported at that time, not a current device count. Read Lowder’s 2025 announcement.
Rank #4
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 16GB with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (16GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Raspberry Pi’s release materials establish the image specifications and describe Connect’s access options, but do not provide independent performance benchmarks, latency figures, a security audit result, or model-by-model compatibility tests. No performance or universal-compatibility conclusion follows from the release details alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit 45W PD Power Supply for the Raspberry Pi 5
- Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K 60p)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
