How to dual boot on Raspberry Pi

All Linux users are particularly familiar with systems dual boot, especially those who routinely use Linux alongside Windows. Hardware enthusiasts know the Raspberry Piversatile and very economical device that works perfectly with Linux and on which it is also possible to somehow install Windows, as we explained to you some time ago through our guide. Well, remaining in this area, today we offer you a guide on how to dual boot on Raspberry Pi, in order to install and run two operating systems on board the small computer.

This procedure can only take place with help, which is provided to us in this case by PINNa site through which they can be created custom installation script tailored to the target hardware. Through PINN, in fact, it is possible to install multiple operating systems directly on board a support like a microSD or USB stick. In particular, the tool does not download the system image to media, it creates an installation file that runs on the device, in our case the Raspberry Pi. For the installation, therefore, you will need:

• A Raspberry Pi, in our case we used a Raspberry Pi 4;
• A microSD card from 32GB formatted in FAT32;
• Connect via Ethernet of the Raspberry;
• Keyboard, mouse, monitor and power supply for the Raspberry;
• Another computer.

Creation of the custom installation image via PINN

To start the procedure, we need to create the custom installation script, to do it, open the browser on your computer and go to the following address https://pinn.mjh.nz/then follow these steps:

1. Insert the microSD from 32GB formatted in FAT32 in the PC;
2. Once connected to the site, you will find yourself in front of the main screen. Here Select SD card and the card memory cut;
   

   

3. At this point in the next screen you will be prompted to select the template by Raspberry. It is essential to choose the correct model in order not to have problems later on during the installation phase;
   

   

4. At this point you will find yourself in front of the screen that will allow you to choose compatible operating systems. The systems will be classified and grouped according to their intended use. The choice here is very wide, since you can install generic distros, such as Manjaro or Arch, or more specific distributions such as Kali Linux and DietPi;
   

   

5. Select the systems you are interested in from the list and proceed by clicking on Next;
   

   

6. Use the cursor on the screen to split out at your leisure space on the board and proceed by clicking on Next;
   

   

7. Download the .ZIP file containing the installation and the file recovery.cmdline;
   

   

8. Extract the contents of the .ZIP file into one new folder PINN call;
9. Copy the file to this new folder recovery.cmdline;
   

   

10. Copy the contents of the folder created by PINN and just downloaded to the microSD;
    

    

11. Remove the microSD from the PC ed insert it into the Raspberry Pi;

At this point we will have our microSD card perfectly configured and ready to install.

Image installation

To successfully complete the installation procedure:

1. Connect the Ethernet cable, input devices and HDMI cable and turn on your Raspberry Pi. Files downloaded via PINN will finalize the installation;
2. Make sure that i operating systems of your choice appear in the list, as in the picture. Once this is done, click on install to begin the download, which is part of the beginning of the installation process. Obviously this operation will take more or less time obviously based on the speed of the network and the Raspberry Pi model in your possession;
   

   

3. When installation is complete, click OK to restart the system;
   

   

4. At the first reboot, the first system on the card will automatically start. Continue the setup and then restart the Raspberry Pi. On subsequent reboots, the Raspberry Pi will boot up and take you to the choice screen created via PINN.
   

   

At this point, the game is done: the procedure for dual booting on Raspberry Pi is complete. Now you just need to select the OS and click on BOOT to start the operating system you intend to use.

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