Raspberry Pi users can launch multiple operating systems from one storage device. This requires a micro SD card with at least 32GB of capacity and a utility known as PINN.

PINN, which means PINN is not NOOBS, enables multiboot features on the Raspberry Pi.

Running several operating systems simultaneously can prove handy in various scenarios. It allows access to specialized environments like LibreELEC or Kali Linux when needed, or lets users experiment with different platforms out of interest.

PINN includes an installation tool that you load onto your Raspberry Pi. This setup permits adding numerous systems to the SD card, provided adequate storage is available.

On each startup, PINN displays a menu of available operating systems for selection. Choose an option, or let it default to launching the previously used system after a brief delay.

Several methods exist to load PINN onto the SD card. This guide suggests using the Raspberry Pi Imager tool, which is available in many Linux distribution repositories and can be added via package managers.

Launch the imager and begin by choosing your device model, from the Raspberry Pi 1 and Zero up to the latest Raspberry Pi 5, covering all variants.

This choice filters the imager to show only compatible images for your specific hardware.

Proceed to pick the PINN image by selecting the OS option, navigating to Misc Utility Images, and choosing PINN from the list.

In the following dialog, confirm PINN selection, then designate the target SD card using the storage picker.

With PINN in place, you can proceed to add various operating systems tailored for the Raspberry Pi.

For multiple installations, opt for an SD card of 32GB or larger capacity.

Be aware that the imager will fully wipe the chosen drive during the process.

As an extra precaution, you may pre-format the card with utilities like the SD Memory Card Formatter adapted for Linux. The imager typically auto-detects the right drive, but enabling the Exclude System Drives setting adds safety.

Double-check all configurations before proceeding to the next step.

The Raspberry Pi Imager will then copy PINN to the SD card. A cautionary prompt reappears, confirming that the drive's contents will be erased.

The transfer for PINN completes quickly due to the compact size of the image file.

Desktop preparation is finished at this point. Slot the SD card into the Raspberry Pi's reader and power on the device.

During the initial boot with PINN, the interface presents an OS selection menu. If using Wi-Fi instead of wired connection, input your network credentials first. Then, mark the boxes for the systems you wish to add.

Available choices include Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, MX Linux, and Kali, with separate sections for gaming, lightweight builds, and media-focused systems.

At the screen's base, PINN indicates remaining storage and the footprint of selected OSes, based on their default setups.

After picking your systems, initiate installation via the upper-left Install button.

A reminder warns of data loss from the upcoming OS placements. Before proceeding, PINN prompts for storage division per system.

The Nominal field lists space for core OS components, while Extra allows additional allocation. For equal distribution, use the Balance feature.

Upon rebooting the device, the boot interface prompts for your preferred OS to launch.

Confirm with OK to begin setting up the chosen systems in multiboot configuration.

Installation duration varies based on internet speed, card write performance, and image sizes.

Upon completion, a confirmation appears, returning you to the PINN multiboot menu, which will now load at every startup.

Pick an OS to launch by selecting Start. Subsequent boots will auto-load the last chosen system unless overridden.

It's advisable to initialize each OS once after setup: connect to the network, update packages, enable services like SSH or VNC, and add needed software.

PINN includes a recovery option for OS reinstallation in case of failures or fresh starts—press and hold Shift during boot.

Alongside common choices, the Raspberry Pi supports unique OS variants ideal for multiboot environments.

LibreELEC serves as a slim media server OS, optimized for Kodi on the Pi with rapid boot times and extensive add-on support.

Konstakang's LineageOS brings a current Android variant to the Raspberry Pi, enabling app installation and execution.

RetroPie facilitates retro gaming through customizable emulators and themes via an intuitive interface, requiring separate addition of legal game files.

Raspberry Pi OS Lite offers a bare-bones version without desktop environment, using just 400MB, operable via SSH, and extensible with desktops like KDE or MATE for enhanced capabilities beyond the full OS.

This piece originated in our affiliate outlet PC-WELT, adapted from its German version.