BMCoCo-Pi 0.1.0rc3 · Windows setup, Linux console and model downloads.

Prepare an SD card using Windows

Download the Windows x86-64 release candidate and the ZIP for your exact Pi model from Downloads. The setup ZIP includes Python/Tk; you do not need GitHub access, Python or a compiler. System ROMs are not included.

This release was tested on Windows 11 x86-64. The actual packaged native UAC/helper fresh-card transaction quick-formatted the card, read back 96 new files, safely ejected it, and the owner confirmed Pi500 boot. Full GUI review/start/cancel and removal/failure recovery are not fully accepted. Pi4/Pi5 model compatibility is expected from their hardware families and has not been physically validated on those exact models.

Download and check

In PowerShell, calculate the setup ZIP's checksum:

Get-FileHash .\BMCoCo-Pi-Setup-0.1.0rc3-windows-x86_64.zip -Algorithm SHA256

Compare the full hash with the matching .sha256 file on Downloads. Check the model ZIP the same way. Keep the model ZIP compressed. This program is unsigned and has no verified publisher certificate. Approve only the candidate you verified and intend to run; do not disable security software or bypass organizational policy to run it.

Prepare the card

Make and verify a recovery backup of everything needed from the destination card. A fresh install erases all its partitions and files. Keep the backup and 12 required ROMs in a separate folder on the PC.
Use File Explorer's Extract All on the setup ZIP. Keep its files together, including _internal and Console. Run BMCoCoPiSetup.exe as your normal user. Optional terminal interface: Console/BMCoCoPiSetupConsole.exe.
Select the exact Pi model, its ZIP, and your ROM folder. Click 1. Verify bundle and ROMs. Resolve missing/wrong files before proceeding.
Click 2. Scan removable cards. Review physical device path, reader, capacity and serial. A letter such as F: is not sufficient identification.
Choose Fresh card — erase and install. Confirm the verified backup and type the exact displayed ERASE phrase. Click 3. Review and install…, review the exact card again and approve the resulting UAC request only if it matches the intended transaction.
The helper rechecks identity, stages verified inputs on the PC, locks the card's volumes, quick-formats one full-usable-capacity FAT32 partition, then copies and reads back every installed file. Unused space is not filled.
Wait for verified files, flush and safe ejection. A failed/cancelled fresh installation may be incomplete; do not boot it. If safe release fails, close applications and use Windows Safely Remove Hardware.
Insert the verified card into the powered-off Pi and follow First boot.

System/boot/fixed/unidentified disks, GPT layouts, unsupported sectors and partitions without a unique volume GUID are refused. Some reader drivers do not expose the required media-change identity; the application refuses these rather than guessing. Do not use a separate formatter to bypass its checks.

Existing BMCoCo-Pi card

Maintenance — add missing files does not format or replace existing boot files, profiles, media or settings. Differing required ROMs stop the operation. Back up first. Kernel updates are a separate Web UI operation.

Guide edition: November 2, 2026.