9 Raspberry Pi Non-Linux Operating Systems

Looking for a way to get the most out of your Raspberry Pi? Launching a project that just needs something more? Oddly enough, Linux can be a problem, so why not consider an operating system other than Linux? Some have been released or adapted for use on the Raspberry Pi.

List of non-Linux Raspberry Pi OS for 2019

Looking for a Raspberry Pi operating system that is not Linux? These nine alternatives should suit you:

Windows 10
Windows 10 IoT Core
NetBSD
OpenBSD
OS RISK
Android
android stuff
Plan 9
Chromium OS

It’s an enticing mix, isn’t it? Let’s take a look at each one and help you decide which Raspberry Pi operating system you’re going to install next.

1. Windows 10 on Raspberry Pi

Most Raspberry Pi users are happy with Linux for many reasons, not least because it’s free to use and open source. And yet, it’s incredible that there’s a free version of Windows 10 that will run on the Raspberry Pi 3B and 3B+.

Two tools are available: WOA Deployer for Raspberry Pi and Windows on Raspberry Imager. Both do the same thing. Once launched, they prepare an ARM version of Windows 10, which is then written to an SD card.

Not sure what to choose? If you want everything to work out of the box, choose WOA Deployer for Raspberry Pi. Need configuration options? Use Windows on Raspberry Imager.

Download : WOA Deployer for Raspberry Pi for Raspberry Pi 3B/B+

Download : Windows on Raspberry Imager

2. Windows 10 IoT Core

Looking for something more functional than Windows 10? Microsoft’s dedicated version of the Internet of Things is ideal for IoT projects. Compatible with the Raspberry Pi (and available as an option on NOOBS), Microsoft describes Windows 10 IoT Core as «…a version of Windows 10 that’s optimized for small devices with or without a display and runs on the Raspberry Pi 2 and 3, the Arrow DragonBoard 410c and MinnowBoard MAX. Windows 10 IoT Core uses the rich, extensible Universal Windows Platform (UWP) API to create great experiences.”

This makes it look a lot like Android stuff (see below).

The difference between this and the other operating systems listed here is that it is more of a deployment system. With an application deployed (either from the default selection or one developed by you), the Raspberry Pi essentially becomes an application.

Download : Windows 10 IoT Core

Want to know more? Try These Raspberry Pi and Windows 10 IoT Projects

3. NetBSD

Also taken from UNIX is NetBSD, which is more closely related to BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution), which itself is an extension of UNIX.

But what does BSD offer the Raspberry Pi user? Well, like Linux, BSD is open source and similar to UNIX. Many applications and utilities work with both, meaning that switching to BSD is the easiest option on this list. BSD has strengths that Linux doesn’t, such as better GPIO connectivity.

Download : RaspBSD for Raspberry Pi 2 and 3
Download : FreeBSD for Raspberry Pi B and 2

Our comparison will help you if you are new to BSD.

4. OpenBSD for Raspberry Pi 3

OpenBSD for Raspberry Pi, an alternative to FreeBSD, is more suitable for use as a network server. Many administrators consider OpenBSD the most secure server operating system available.

So, if your goal is to find a non-Linux operating system for a server project, OpenBSD is your best bet.

Apart from this difference, OpenBSD is very similar to FreeBSD. Note that OpenBSD’s lack of SD drivers means you need to install it on a USB stick. There is no OpenBSD version for Raspberry Pi 4 yet, so stick with the Pi 3 version.

Download : OpenBSD for Raspberry Pi 3

5. OS RISK

Install RISC OS on Raspberry Pi as a Linux Alternative

Another great choice is the RISC OS, which has its roots in the home computer boom of the 1980s. Interestingly, it was developed in Cambridge, where the Raspberry Pi was created and where the Raspberry Pi Foundation is based.

RISC OS is one of the operating systems that can be installed using the NOOBS installation tool. [ССЫЛКА] RISC OS is fast and has a consistent user interface and includes a structured BASIC interpreter. If your programming background goes back to the 1980s and BASIC is your root in coding, this is helpful.

Despite its age, there are several good applications for RISC OS, including a web browser. Please note that you need a three-button mouse to use RISC OS; a clickable scroll wheel on your mouse should be enough.

Download : RISC OS for Raspberry Pi

You will learn more about RISC OS (including how to install and use it) in our dedicated installation guide.

6.Android

Android runs on Raspberry Pi 3

Surprisingly, the Raspberry Pi can run Android. Although Android uses the Linux kernel, the jury will see if it can be considered a Linux distribution.

Although not an official version, the ability to install Android is a big plus. Combine Android with Raspberry Pi and touch device for a new way to use your computer. You can even set up the Google Play Store, giving you access to all your favorite games and apps.

There are several Raspberry Pi-based projects available — look for a build for a specific Pi model for best results.

Download : Android 9.0 Pie for Raspberry Pi

7. Android stuff

Meanwhile, Android Iings platform for IoT development is also available for Raspberry Pi. It is an embedded operating system designed for IoT devices with low memory and limited power consumption.

Android Things supports Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi, as well as Weave features, which Google hopes will become the default protocol for IoT.

Download : Android Stuff for Raspberry Pi

8. Plan 9

Plan 9, released as an open source operating system in 1992, has a small footprint and is aimed at developers. Its light presence makes it perfect for the Raspberry Pi.

A descendant of UNIX, Plan 9 is as easy to install on the Pi as any other compatible operating system.

Once launched, you will see a command prompt before the mouse-driven user interface known as «rio» loads. Beware, Plan 9 looks very rudimentary and has very little visual connection to any operating system you’ve previously used. Possibly there are similarities with RISC OS (see above). However, Plan 9’s UNIX heritage will help anyone with a premonition.