If you’ve just unboxed a Raspberry Pi and wondered, “How do I even get this thing running?”, you’re not alone. That exact challenge is why software NOOBS exists.
NOOBS (New Out Of Box Software) was designed to remove one of the biggest barriers for beginners: installing an operating system without prior Linux knowledge or confusing command-line steps. Even in 2025, thousands of new Raspberry Pi users search for NOOBS because it offers a safe, visual, beginner-friendly setup.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What software NOOBS really is
- How it works under the hood
- Its strengths and limitations
- Modern alternatives like PINN and Raspberry Pi Imager
- Common mistakes and troubleshooting tips
- Step-by-step installation instructions
Unlike many tutorials, this article is based on hands-on experience and includes 2025 best practices, helping you choose the right installation method for your Raspberry Pi.
What Is Software NOOBS?
Software NOOBS stands for New Out Of Box Software. It’s not an operating system itself; it’s an install manager that guides you through selecting and installing a Raspberry Pi OS or compatible Linux distribution.
Think of NOOBS as:
- A bootable launcher
- A guided installer
- A safety net for beginners
When your Raspberry Pi boots from a NOOBS-prepared SD card, it loads a menu-driven environment instead of a raw OS. From there, you can select which operating system to install. NOOBS handles everything from partitioning to boot configuration, without requiring terminal commands.
Why NOOBS Was Created
In the early days of Raspberry Pi, beginners faced a steep learning curve:
- Choosing the correct OS image
- Flashing SD cards with third-party tools
- Formatting cards correctly
- Troubleshooting boot failures without guidance
Many first-time users ended up thinking their Raspberry Pi was broken. NOOBS was designed to eliminate these friction points, providing:
- Visual first boot
- Easy OS selection
- Built-in recovery
- Minimal Linux knowledge required
This is why NOOBS became the default choice for new users and educators for years.
How Software NOOBS Works
Understanding NOOBS’ mechanics helps clarify its advantages and limitations.
1. SD Card Preparation
- Format your SD card to FAT32.
- Copy the NOOBS files (extracted from the ZIP) onto the SD card. Do not copy the ZIP itself.
2. First Boot Behavior
- Insert the SD card and power on the Raspberry Pi.
- NOOBS menu loads automatically, presenting available OS options.
3. OS Installation
- Select an operating system (e.g., Raspberry Pi OS).
- NOOBS partitions the SD card, installs the OS, and configures boot settings.
- After completion, the Raspberry Pi boots into the installed OS.
NOOBS also allows for reinstallation or recovery without reflashing the SD card.
NOOBS Full vs NOOBS Lite
| Feature | NOOBS Full | NOOBS Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Download size | Includes OS files (larger file size) | Smaller download |
| Internet required | Works offline | Requires a stable internet connection |
| Installation speed | Faster (preloaded OS) | Slower (downloads OS during install) |
| Ideal for | Classrooms and labs | Beginners with internet access |
Tip (2025): NOOBS Full is generally better if you plan offline installs or multi-boot setups.
Is Software NOOBS Still Relevant in 2025?
Yes — but conditionally.
While NOOBS is no longer the primary recommendation from the Raspberry Pi Foundation, it remains useful for:
- Beginners seeking simplicity
- Offline installations
- Recovery scenarios
- Older Raspberry Pi models
It is less ideal if you want:
- The latest OS versions are immediately
- Speed and efficiency
- Deployment across multiple Pi devices
NOOBS vs PINN vs Raspberry Pi Imager
Many guides stop at comparing NOOBS to Imager — but there’s a modern fork you should know: PINN.
What Is PINN?
PINN (PINN Is Not NOOBS) is a community-maintained fork that updates NOOBS’ philosophy for modern hardware:
- Supports more operating systems
- Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5
- Improved multi-boot and recovery functionality
- Semi-officially recognized (Raspberry Pi Imager lists it as a utility option)
In practice, PINN is the active successor to NOOBS, maintaining ease of use while staying up-to-date.
| Feature | NOOBS | PINN | Raspberry Pi Imager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active development | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Active | ✅ Active |
| Multi-boot support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Improved) | ❌ No |
| Recovery | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Built-in | ❌ Manual |
| Pi 5 support | ⚠ Limited | ✅ Full | ✅ Full |
| Beginner-friendly | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Latest OS availability | ⚠ Slower | ✅ Updated | ✅ Latest |
| Official visibility | ❌ Legacy | ⚠ Semi-official | ✅ Official |
Practical takeaway:
- Choose PINN if you want multi-boot or recovery on modern hardware.
- Choose Raspberry Pi Imager if you want speed and the latest OS builds.
- Choose NOOBS only for legacy or controlled environments.
How to Install Software NOOBS (Step-by-Step)
What You’ll Need
- Raspberry Pi (any model)
- SD card (16GB+ recommended)
- SD card reader
- HDMI display, keyboard, mouse
1: Format Your SD Card
- Use FAT32
- Avoid exFAT or NTFS
- Full format recommended
2: Download NOOBS
- Download from official sources or GitHub
- Extract all files
3: Copy to SD Card
- Copy all extracted files directly onto the SD card
- Do not place them inside a folder
4: Boot and Install
- Insert the SD card into your Pi
- Power on
- Choose your OS and click Install
- Wait for completion and reboot
Common Mistakes With NOOBS
- Copying the ZIP file instead of extracting it
- Using the wrong SD card format
- Expecting the latest OS (NOOBS lags behind Imager)
- Assuming NOOBS = Raspberry Pi OS
- Using NOOBS on unsupported hardware (new Pi models)
When NOT to Use NOOBS
Avoid NOOBS if:
- You’re comfortable flashing OS images
- You need the newest features immediately
- You plan to deploy multiple devices
- You want more advanced configuration options
For experienced users, Raspberry Pi Imager or PINN is usually faster and more flexible.
Real-World Use Case: Schools and Education
NOOBS remains valuable in classroom settings:
- Internet may be limited
- Students often break SD cards
- Quick recovery is essential
- Multi-boot teaches OS concepts safely
NOOBS lets instructors reset and recover systems in minutes, making it relevant even today.
Where to Get Raspberry Pi Imager
If you decide NOT to use NOOBS or PINN, the recommended tool in 2025 is Raspberry Pi Imager.
- Download directly from the official Raspberry Pi website
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Workflow:
- Choose your Raspberry Pi model
- Select an OS
- Write it to the SD card
- Boot and go
The Future of Software NOOBS
NOOBS isn’t dead — but it’s no longer evolving.
- NOOBS: Legacy tool, safe for offline or educational use
- PINN: Living successor with active development, modern OS support
- Raspberry Pi Imager: Primary 2025 installer, fast, and up-to-date
Understanding this ecosystem ensures you make the right choice for your setup.
Decision Framework
| Scenario | Recommended Tool |
|---|---|
| Absolute beginner, offline, multi-boot | NOOBS Full |
| Beginner, modern Pi, multi-boot | PINN |
| Experienced, latest OS, fast setup | Raspberry Pi Imager |
| Classroom/education lab | NOOBS Full or PINN |
FAQs
Q1. Is NOOBS the same as Raspberry Pi OS?
No. Software NOOBS is an installer for Raspberry Pi operating systems, not an OS itself. It lets you select and install a system like Raspberry Pi OS without using the command line. Think of NOOBS as a beginner-friendly setup tool rather than the operating system your Pi will run.
Q2. Is NOOBS still supported in 2025?
Yes, NOOBS still works reliably, but it’s no longer actively developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. For ongoing updates and compatibility with newer hardware, PINN (PINN Is Not NOOBS) serves as the maintained, modern alternative for multi-boot and recovery features.
Q3. Can I use NOOBS on Raspberry Pi 5?
NOOBS has limited support for Raspberry Pi 5. While it may install older OS versions, modern Pi 5 features may not be fully compatible. For the best experience, use PINN for multi-boot/recovery or Raspberry Pi Imager for the latest OS installations.
Q4. Does NOOBS require an internet connection?
Only the Lite version of NOOBS needs an internet connection to download operating systems during installation. The Full version comes with OS files preloaded and works entirely offline, making it ideal for classrooms, offline setups, or areas with unreliable internet.
Q5. Can I install multiple operating systems with NOOBS?
Yes. NOOBS supports multi-boot installation on compatible SD cards. You can install and choose between multiple Raspberry Pi OS versions or Linux distributions at boot. For enhanced multi-boot features and modern Pi compatibility, PINN is recommended over NOOBS.
Q6. Which is better in 2025: NOOBS, PINN, or Raspberry Pi Imager?
It depends on your setup:
- PINN: Best for multi-boot and recovery, actively maintained, compatible with modern hardware.
- Raspberry Pi Imager: Fastest installation, latest OS versions, ideal for single-OS setups.
- NOOBS: Only recommended for offline or legacy environments, older OS support, beginner recovery.
Conclusion
Software NOOBS still delivers exactly what it was designed for: making the first Raspberry Pi experience less intimidating.
However, in 2025, NOOBS is largely legacy. PINN continues its mission with active updates and wider OS support, while Raspberry Pi Imager remains the primary, fast, and up-to-date installer. Knowing when to use each tool is key to saving time and avoiding frustration.
For beginners, offline users, or educators: NOOBS or PINN is ideal. For everyone else: Raspberry Pi Imager is the default choice.
Related: MBAM Software 2025 Guide: Support, Migration & Alternatives
