How to Install/Reinstall Kano OS for Raspberry Pi.
Tags: Raspberry Pi, Technology, Software, Kano Computing, Coding

Has your Computer Kit run into an issue and needs Kano OS (operating system) to be reinstalled? Do you want to install Kano OS to use with another Pi? It’s quick and easy to do!

You will need:

Memory card with black adapter

Desktop/laptop computer with a memory card reader

An Internet connection

Please note: While most Kano OS apps sync online with your Kano World profile, some files are saved locally, such as LibreOffice documents. Reinstalling Kano OS onto your memory card will delete any local files you have saved in your file system. Please back up these local files using Google Drive, which is located in the Kano OS app drawer, or by putting them onto a USB Thumb Drive prior to following the steps below.

Step 1

We’ll use a program called Etcher to write Kano OS to the memory card. You will need to download and install Etcher. Please ensure you have the authorization to do so.

Download Etcher from here.

The website will automatically choose the right version of Etcher to install on your computer.

Once Etcher is downloaded, open the program and follow the on-screen instructions to install and run it.

Step 2

Next, you’ll need to check which kit you have. Check out the below list to make sure you download the correct Kano OS image file for your Computer Kit:

Kano OS Image File

Compatible Computer Kit

Raspberry Pi 3 with a 16GB memory card

for the Computer Kit Touch

Raspberry Pi 3 with a 8GB memory card for the Computer Kit Complete and Computer Kit Sold February 2016 OnwardRaspberry Pi 2 with a 8GB memory card

for the Computer Kit Sold Before February 2016

Raspberry Pi 1 with a 8GB memory card for the Original Computer Kit

Not sure which Raspberry Pi or SD card you have? Click here!

The Kano OS image file is quite a big file, so don’t worry if it takes some time to download. If you’re not sure what Raspberry Pi you have, you can quickly check this by looking at the white text written on the green Raspberry Pi board (the brain of your computer!)

Step 3

Take the small memory card (microSD Card) out of the Raspberry Pi of your Computer Kit. It can be found on the underside of the Raspberry Pi.

Slide the small memory card into the black adapter that came with your Computer Kit. It should then look something like this:

Slot the card into your computer’s memory card reader.

Side note: If Etcher is telling you that your SD Card is locked or protected, make sure the small slider on the left side of your adapter is in the “up” position. You can find more information on this in this article here.

Step 4

Open the Etcher program you installed a little earlier on. Click “Flash from file”.

Select the file you downloaded and click “Open”.

Step 5

Etcher should automatically detect your memory card and select it. If not, please click the “Select target” button and select your card. If Etcher has chosen the wrong one, click the “Change” button to select the correct card. The card should show that it’s size is 15.93 GB or 7.9 GB depending on your memory card’s size.

Make sure you have selected the right drive! If you have any other storage devices plugged into your computer, you could accidentally wipe them. We recommend removing all other storage devices before continuing.

Step 6

You’re ready to go! Click the “Flash” button to get things started. The computer may need your permission to access the memory card.

Step 7

The computer is now doing all the hard work. It usually takes between 10–20 minutes to install and validate the new operating system, so go and make yourself a well-deserved cup of tea!

Step 8

That’s it! Once you see the “Flash Complete!” message, take the memory card out of your laptop, remove the black adapter, and put the micro card back inside your Computer Kit. You now have the latest Kano OS!

Didn’t quite work for you? No problem — let us know and we’d be happy to help!