🔧 How to Install Ubuntu Server on a USB for Raspberry Pi (2025 Guide)

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Want to build a homelab or run a serious Raspberry Pi project? Then ditch the SD cards and get ready to install Ubuntu Server onto a USB drive using Raspberry Pi Imager. Whether you’re building a multi-node Pi cluster (like we are), running self-hosted apps, or connecting to Azure — this is step one.

This guide works for Raspberry Pi 4 and 5, using either USB sticks or SD cards (just make sure you’ve got the right adapters). Let’s get into it.

🧰 What You’ll Need

  • Raspberry Pi 4 or 5
  • A 32GB (or larger) USB stick (or SD card with reader)
  • Raspberry Pi Imager (free from raspberrypi.com)
  • A laptop or desktop to run the Imager
  • Your Wi-Fi SSID & password (if using wireless)
  • A hostname and password you want to use

📥 Step 1: Open Raspberry Pi Imager

After downloading and opening Raspberry Pi Imager:

  1. Click “Choose Device” and select your model (we’re using Raspberry Pi 4).
  2. Click “Choose OS”
    • Scroll to “Other general purpose OS”
    • Choose “Ubuntu”, then find Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS (64-bit)
    • Why this version? It’s the latest Azure-supported release, perfect if you’re planning to use Azure Arc or other Microsoft integrations.
    • If you’re not using Azure, feel free to choose the most recent version listed.
Choose your pi model
Choose ‘other general purpose OS’
Choose Ubuntu
Choose your server version

⚙️ Step 2: Set Up Advanced Configuration

When you hit image, you;’ll be asked about advanced options before imaging.

Here’s what to configure:

Note: It’s no longer pi by default — this improves security.

Set a hostname (e.g. pi-node-1)

Enable SSH for remote access

Set Wi-Fi SSID and password (optional if using Ethernet)

Set a custom username and password

Make sure you enable SSH access (and keep this local on your network)
Set your username, password, hostname

💾 Step 3: Image Your USB (or SD Card)

  1. Click “Choose Storage” and select your USB stick
  2. Hit “Write”
  3. Accept any prompts about data being erased
  4. Sit back for a couple of minutes (1–5 mins depending on your PC speed)

🎉 That’s it — once it’s done, eject the drive and plug it into your Raspberry Pi.

✅ Final Step: Boot Your Pi

Plug in your imaged USB (or SD card) and power on your Pi.

  • If your config had SSH enabled, you’re ready to log in remotely.
  • If you used Wi-Fi, give it a minute to connect before trying SSH.
  • You’ll now have a clean, lightweight Ubuntu Server install — ready to build, host, automate, or join your cluster!

📦 Bonus: Why USB Over SD?

USB drives are generally faster, more durable, and better for long-term use — especially in clusters or server-like environments. They also make it easier to move configurations around or reuse devices for other projects.

🔗 Links & Resources

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