Introduction: Set Up MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico in Minutes
Getting started with microcontrollers can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re dealing with drivers, SDKs, and complex toolchains. Thankfully, the Raspberry Pi Pico W makes things easier, and with MicroPython, you can start coding hardware projects in minutes instead of hours.
In this guide, we’ll walk through setting up your Pico W for MicroPython step by step. By the end, you’ll have your board ready to run Python code. And if you’d like a quick overview, we’ll wrap up with a video recap showing the whole process in action.
Supplies
Raspberry Pi Pico
Step 1: Download the Software (firmware)
Step 2: Get Your USB Cable Ready
The cable has a small end and a big end. The small end goes into your Raspberry Pi Pico W.
Step 3: Hold the BOOTSEL Button
On the Pico W, there’s a little button called BOOTSEL. Hold it down with your finger.
Step 4: Plug It Into Your Computer
While still holding BOOTSEL, plug the big end of the USB cable into your computer. Let go of the BOOTSEL button after it’s plugged in.
Step 5: Your Pico Shows Up Like a USB Drive
Your computer will open a window, just like when you plug in a USB stick. The drive will be called Raspberry Pi Pico.
Step 6: Copy the File
Find the firmware file you downloaded and drag it into the Pico window. Once it’s done, the Pico will restart by itself, and the window will close.
