Installing MicroPython
Set up MicroPython on your Raspberry Pi Pico 2W
Before You Start
- ✓ Raspberry Pi Pico 2W (assembled with electronics)
- ✓ USB-A to Micro-USB cable (data transfer capable)
- ✓ Computer with internet connection
- ✓ 10-15 minutes of setup time
Step 1: Download MicroPython Firmware
Visit Official MicroPython Site
Download Latest .UF2 File
Look for the latest stable release (e.g., v1.23.0) and download the .uf2 file
⚠️ Important: Make sure to download the Pico 2 W version (with WiFi), not the regular Pico or Pico W (older model)
Save to Downloads Folder
The file should be named something like RPI_PICO2_W-20240602-v1.23.0.uf2
Step 2: Flash Firmware to Pico 2W
Put Pico into Bootloader Mode
- • Disconnect USB cable from Pico
- • Hold down the BOOTSEL button (small white button on the board)
- • While holding BOOTSEL, plug USB cable into Pico
- • Release BOOTSEL button after 2 seconds
Verify Pico Appears as USB Drive
Windows
Drive named "RPI-RP2" in File Explorer
macOS
Volume "RPI-RP2" on Desktop
Linux
Mounted at /media/RPI-RP2
Copy .UF2 File
Drag and drop the downloaded .uf2 file onto the RPI-RP2 drive
Wait for Auto-Reboot
The Pico will automatically reboot after copying. The RPI-RP2 drive will disappear—this is normal!
✓ Success indicator: The onboard LED should blink briefly, and the drive should unmount automatically
Step 3: Install Thonny IDE
Thonny is the recommended IDE for MicroPython development. It provides a simple interface with built-in serial console and file management.
Download Thonny
Go to thonny.org and download the installer for your operating system
Install Thonny
Windows
Run the .exe installer with default settings
macOS
Drag Thonny to Applications folder
Linux
Use package manager or bash installer
Launch Thonny
Open Thonny. On first launch, it will show a setup wizard—you can use default settings.
Step 4: Connect Thonny to Your Pico
Select Interpreter
In Thonny, go to Tools → Options → Interpreter
Choose MicroPython (Raspberry Pi Pico)
From the dropdown, select: MicroPython (Raspberry Pi Pico)
Select Port
Under "Port", select the USB port your Pico is connected to (usually auto-detected)
- • Windows:
COM3,COM4, etc. - • macOS:
/dev/cu.usbmodem14101 - • Linux:
/dev/ttyACM0
Test Connection
Click OK and look at the Shell panel (bottom of Thonny). You should see:
Type "help()" for more information.
>>>
Verify Installation
Test with Blink Script
Type or paste this code into Thonny's main editor window:
from machine import Pin
import time
led = Pin("LED", Pin.OUT)
for i in range(5):
led.on()
time.sleep(0.5)
led.off()
time.sleep(0.5)
print("Blink test complete!")Click the Run button (▶️) or press F5. The onboard LED should blink 5 times.
🔧 Troubleshooting
Pico not appearing as USB drive
- • Try a different USB cable (some cables are charge-only)
- • Try a different USB port on your computer
- • Hold BOOTSEL longer (5 seconds) before releasing
Thonny can't find the Pico
- • Unplug and replug the USB cable
- • Restart Thonny
- • Check Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (macOS) to see if USB device is detected
- • Try selecting "Try to detect port automatically" in Thonny settings
Wrong firmware version error
- • Make sure you downloaded Pico 2 W firmware, not regular Pico W
- • Re-flash the firmware by repeating Step 2
✅ Installation Complete!
Your Raspberry Pi Pico 2W is now running MicroPython and ready for Fabrica code.
Next: Proceed to Uploading Code to transfer the Fabrica control software to your Pico.