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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Raspberry Pi Desktop is now available as a 64-bit Debian image for compatible PCs and Macs. You can try it from a live USB drive, install it on an internal drive, and use Raspberry Pi Connect in a browser to screen-share with or open a remote terminal on the computer while it is running Raspberry Pi Desktop. Connect does not remotely control the computer’s original Windows or macOS installation.
What the new PC and Mac release includes
Raspberry Pi’s launch announcement is dated 6 October 2026, while its operating-system download listing gives 5 October 2026 as the release date. The PC/Mac edition is based on 64-bit Debian 13 (Trixie), uses the amd64 architecture, and is listed with kernel 6.12. It is a Debian image for conventional computers, not Raspberry Pi OS intended to run on a Raspberry Pi board. Raspberry Pi’s announcement and download listing provide the release details.
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Will 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 able to run 64-bit Debian. That is broad guidance, not a guarantee for every model or configuration. Apple Silicon support for Debian remains experimental, and Raspberry Pi says Apple Silicon Macs cannot run this release. Check the announcement for the current compatibility qualification before choosing a computer.
How to try Raspberry Pi Desktop or install it
The live image lets you boot from USB without first installing the system to the computer’s internal drive. You can keep changes on the USB by selecting the persistence option; the boot menu also offers a way to reset persistence and return the stick to a clean image. Alternatively, the Calamares Debian installer installs Raspberry Pi Desktop on an internal hard drive or SSD. Raspberry Pi’s release instructions describe both routes.
#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
- Get the image: Open the official operating-system download listing and select the PC/Mac image. The listing gives a 2,616 MB download, 2,616 MB required storage, and SHA-256 checksum
270fdcf1585fcc6a30760e78c37d1d0c522e33e4a809adf51fc4027f053e6513. Check the live listing when downloading, since release details can change. - Boot a live USB: Write the downloaded ISO to a USB stick, then start the computer from that USB media. Use the computer’s boot-menu method to select the stick; the exact key or procedure depends on the model.
- Choose whether to keep changes: Select “run with persistence” in the boot menu if you want changes retained on the USB. Choose the reset-persistence option when you want to return it to a clean image.
- Or install to the internal drive: Start the Calamares Debian installer from its desktop shortcut or through System Tools > Install Raspberry Pi OS, then follow the installer’s prompts to install on the hard drive or SSD.
The release instructions require a USB stick for the live-image route but do not specify a minimum capacity, speed, brand, or tested model. Confirm that the drive has enough usable space for the download and image-writing process.
How Raspberry Pi Connect gives you 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 start screen sharing or open a remote terminal for that named computer. The computer must be running Raspberry Pi Desktop for this access; Connect is not described as a way to control the same machine when it is booted into its original Windows or macOS system. See the Raspberry Pi Connect page for the service’s listed capabilities, which also include remote updates.
Rank #2
- CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Essentials Starter Kit
Individual and organization plans
Raspberry Pi’s Connect page lists an individual tier as free, with unlimited devices. Its organization tier is listed at $0.50 per device per month and includes organization and fleet-management features. These are the prices and plan details listed on the product page; check that page for current terms before signing up.
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What to know before relying on it
- Compatibility guidance is general rather than a tested list of individual computer models. Apple Silicon Macs are excluded from this release.
- The official sources specify features and system details, but do not establish speed, latency, or a security-audit result. Do not assume a particular remote-session performance from the feature description alone.
- Connect’s adoption figure is historical: in a 9 May 2025 post marking the service’s exit from beta after version 2.5, Raspberry Pi’s Chris Lowder said it had an install base of over 100,000 devices. That dated figure is not a current device count. Read the 2025 announcement.
Why Raspberry Pi brought its desktop to other computers
In the launch post, Simon Long recounted Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton’s suggestion: “wouldn’t it be cool if I could run this on my Mac…?” The result is a way to try the Raspberry Pi desktop environment on supported PC and Mac hardware, with Connect available for browser-based access to that running system.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- A RASPBERRY PI 5 KIT FROM AN APPROVED RESELLER: This Vilros Complete Starter Kit for Pi 5 Includes Raspberry Pi 5 Board with all the accessories you need to get started.
- 9 PART KIT INCLUDES MOST ACCESSORIES NEEDED YOU TO GET UP AND RUNNING: 1. Raspberry Pi 5 Board–2.Metal/Aluminum Alloy Passive & Active Cooling Case–3.Raspberry Pi 5 Compatible Power Supply–4. PWM fan With 10k Max RPM Capacity (pre-installed in the case)--5. 32GB Micro SD Card With 64bit Raspberry Pi OS Preinstalled–6. Standard HDMI to Micro HDMI Adapter Cable--7.Neoprene Storage bag–8.Vilros Quickstart Guide for Raspberry Pi–9. Mini To Standard Camera Module Adapter Cable to use a camera module with a PI 5
- RASPBERRY PI 5 SPECS AND FEATURES:--Processor: Broadcom BCM2712 2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU, with cryptography extensions, 512KB per-core L2 caches, and a 2MB shared L3 cache----Features: 2.4GHz quad-core, 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU–VideoCore VII GPU supporting Vulkan 1.2 and OpenGL ES–LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM (4GB and 8GB options)--PCIe 2.0 x1 interface for fast peripherals ( Requires adapter)--Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz –Bluetooth 5.0 / Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- MULTIFUNCTION PASSIVE & ACTIVE COOLED CASE: The case features a built-in pole/column that contacts the main chip on the Raspberry Pi 5 board via an included thermal pad to passively cool the board and also includes a preinstalled PWM Fan that plugs directly into the fan port on the board. The fan will only turn on if needed and will also increase RPMs as needed. Other features include a built-in power button that shows the onboard light status, camera module compatibility, and can be used in the single-layer configuration for hat compatibility
- HIGH-QUALITY COMPONENTS: All components are manufactured with Raspberry Pi in mind and are backed by the Vilros 1-Year warranty.
Rank #3
- Pi5 8GB Pack: RasTech Pi 5 8GB kit includes 1 x Pi5 8GB board ,1 x 64GB Card, 2 x Card Readers,1 x Active Cooler,1 x Case for Pi5, 2 x 4K Micro HD Out Cable,1 x GaN 27W 5A USB-C Power supply,1 x Screwdriver and 1 x instructions.
- Pi5 8GB Board: The Pi5 board is equipped with a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz and an 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU with support for OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, which delivers a significant increase in graphics performance. Dual HD Out 4Kp60 display outputs and a built-in dual 4-channel MIPI camera/display transceiver provide state-of-the-art camera support. The Pi 5 offers a 2-3 times increase in CPU performance compare to Pi4.
- Important Graphics Features: Equipped with an 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU and providing better graphics performance, suitable for multimedia applications,gaming,and graphics intensive tasks.Provides 1 UART interface,1 card slot that supports high-speed operation, 2 USB. 3 0.5 ports that support synchronous 0Gbps operation,2 USB 2.0 port ports,2 4Kp60 display outputs that support HDR.Built-in dedicated dual 4-channel 1Gbps MIPI DSI/CSI connectors,triple the total bandwidth.
- Cooling Kit for Pi 5: Compatible with Active Cooler for Raspberry Pi5, It can provide Pi 5 board with better cooling effect in using. The Case can accurately access usb-c power jack,Micro HD Out ports, usb ports, Ethernet jack, card slot, power button, 4-lane MIPI DSI/CSI connectors and so on, and it also supports installation of cooling fan.
- 64GB Card Kit and GaN 27W USB-C Power Supply: With extra 64GB card to store more files and card readers for multiple medium, keep better performance for Raspberry Pi 5, 27W USB C Power Supply is Compatible with Pi5 8GB, offers a variety of output voltage options, including 5.1V at 5A, 9.0V at 3.0A, 12.0V at 2.25A, and 15.0V at 1.8A, providing for different device requirements.
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