Raspberry Pi OS Versions: All Your Questions Answered (2024)

When I started using a Raspberry Pi, picking the operating system was straightforward. There were only three versions available: Lite, Desktop, and Full. Now, when you go to the official website or open Raspberry Pi Imager, even more versions are listed. How do you pick the right one for you?

The recommended Raspberry Pi OS version is Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm (64-bit). It includes a desktop environment and a few essential applications. It works on most newer Raspberry Pi models.

But why are there so many choices? In this article, I’ll explain and answer all your questions on this topic.

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What Is the Latest Version of Raspberry Pi OS?

Raspberry Pi OS is based on Debian and follows the same versions. Currently, the latest Raspberry Pi OS version available is Bookworm.

Debian distribution codenames are based on characters from the Toy Story movies. Raspberry Pi OS follows the same names and versions, while generally being a few months behind:

Currently, Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm is still the one that is put forward in Raspberry Pi Imager and on the website.

In Raspberry Pi Imager, the codename is mentioned in the image description:

So, you’ll have to be careful when you pick your system version. The latest versions are at the top of the list, but it’s not intuitive when you have no idea what “Bookworm” or “Bullseye” means.

Now that you know this, let’s move forward to several other things to consider.

Differences Between Raspberry Pi OS, Lite, and Full

Raspberry Pi OS has always been available in three versions:

• Desktop (default): Desktop environment included, with a few basic apps.
  If you want a graphical desktop but want to control which programs get installed.
• Full: Desktop environment with all the recommended apps.
  Get started directly, with everything pre-installed for you. The installed applications (desktop utilities, programming, entertainment, etc.) are validated by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and are available directly.
• Lite: No desktop environment, terminal only.
  Typically, for use in a server, a robot, or any project where a monitor is not required.
  It’s also recommended for older Raspberry Pi models.

In Raspberry Pi Imager, the default choices are all desktop versions:

Alternatively, if you wish to install either the Lite or Full versions, you’ll have to click Raspberry Pi OS (other):

See Also

15 Best Operating Systems for Raspberry Pi (with pictures)Raspberry Pi OS: Alles, was du wissen musstHow to Install (or Reinstall) Raspberry Pi OS on Your PiInstalling the operating system

Then, you’ll see these versions labeled in the image title:

As you can see in the screenshot, there is also a big difference in the download size for each version. The Lite version is only 300MB, while the Full version is 2.6 GB. Size might be something to consider too if you have a slow Internet connection.

You are making good progress! You now know the difference between Bookworm and Bullseye, and between the versions: Desktop, Full, and Lite. But there are still a few more things to clarify, so let’s keep going.

Should I Use Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit or 32-bit?

A 64-bit operating system improves performance if the processor is compatible. Only more recent Raspberry Pi models can run a 64-bit version of Raspberry Pi OS.

In May 2020, the Raspberry Pi announced a new variant of the Raspberry Pi 4, with 8GB RAM.
At the same time, they announced the name change from Raspbian to Raspberry Pi OS and the release of an early beta for a 64-bit operating system for this new Raspberry Pi model.

Today, the 64-bit version of Raspberry Pi OS is also compatible with the Raspberry Pi 3, 3B+, 3A+, 4, 400, 5, and Zero 2W. Try it if your model is compatible, but if you are not using one of these newer boards, just forget about it and keep using the 32-bit edition.

The 32-bit edition is safely compatible with all models, new and old, so that’s why the Raspberry Pi Foundation lists this version first on its webpage. However, now that the 64-bit edition is stable, it’s become the first choice in Raspberry Pi Imager:

I wrote a complete article on this topic, so if you want to learn more about the differences between Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit and 32-bit, I recommend clicking on the link to get the full story.

What Is Raspberry OS Legacy?

The legacy version is the Bullseye equivalent of Raspberry Pi OS. It has been kept in the list of systems available because not all applications were compatible with Bookworm.

In the past, the Raspberry Pi Foundation removed all links to the old version, even if the new version wasn’t 100% ready for production. This created a lot of dissatisfaction in the community, forcing them to make a “Legacy” edition, which is still available today.

Most bugs have been fixed in the newest version of Raspberry Pi OS, although we’re still seeing some issues with graphical applications with the new Wayland display server. Keep in mind that it still requires significant effort to switch from one version to another, depending on which applications and Python scripts you’re using.

When installing a new system, you should only need Raspberry Pi Legacy (Bullseye) if you code in Python or use apps that haven’t been updated for a while. In most cases, the newest Raspberry Pi Bookworm should work just fine now.

In Short, Which Version Should I Use?

The safer choice, in terms of security and features, is to install Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm (64-bit). It works on most newer Raspberry Pi models (especially a Raspberry Pi 4 with 8GB or Pi 5) and includes essential applications.

According to the Raspberry Pi Imager stats, most users have begun making the transition to Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit):

If you have an older model, such as the Pi 2 or older, then you can go with the 32-bit equivalent.

In terms of editions, the default desktop edition is a good fit for most. Use the Lite version only if you’re an advanced user who will use the Pi as a server. You can always install a Desktop environment later if needed.

And in my opinion, the Full version is rarely useful. It might come in handy, maybe, if you don’t have Internet on your Pi and want everything set up directly. In other cases, I doubt you’ll need everything, as it will just slow down your system.

Lastly, if you know that you’ll be installing applications that are not necessarily well-maintained or if you code a lot in Python, especially with camera modules and other sensors, then it might be safer to go with the older Raspberry Pi Legacy instead.

So, to sum up your options:

• First-time users and most people ⇒ Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm (64-bit).
• No Internet on the Pi ⇒ Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm Full (64-bit).
• Advanced users without monitor ⇒ Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm Lite (64-bit).
• Users with an older model ⇒ 32-bit equivalent.
• Cautious users ⇒ Legacy equivalent.

Want to chat with other Raspberry Pi enthusiasts? Join the community, share your current projects and ask for help directly in the forums.

Is Raspbian the Same as Raspberry Pi OS?

In May 2020, the Raspberry Pi Foundation renamed Raspbian to Raspberry Pi OS. For the end user, it’s basically the same thing. So, Raspberry Pi OS is the new name, and Raspbian should no longer be used.

It was a change that makes sense internally for their developers but not really for Raspberry Pi users. The goal was to make a distinction between the Raspbian project (which is an independent entity, with different releases) and the Raspberry Pi Foundation version of Raspbian.

For us, it’s still the same operating system that has been upgraded since then and hosted on the official website directly. On your side, don’t over-complicate things: you can just consider Raspbian and Raspberry Pi OS as the same thing.