This is the English translation of the Italian version you can see on my blog: Come installare MicroPython sulla Raspberry Pi Pico

Key Features of the Raspberry Pi Pico W

The Raspberry Pi Pico W (datasheet) is built around the RP2040 microcontroller designed by Raspberry Pi. Its specifications include:

• RP2040 microcontroller (datasheet) (dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ @ 133 MHz)

• 264 KB of SRAM

• 2 MB of QSPI flash memory

• 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity (2.4 GHz) via Infineon CYW43439 chip (datasheet)

• 26 multifunction GPIO pins

• Support for 2× I2C, 2× SPI, 2× UART

• PWM output on 16 pins

• Three 12-bit analog input pins

• On-chip clock and timer with year, month, day, weekday, hours, seconds, and automatic leap year calculation

• On-chip temperature sensor connected to a 12-bit ADC

• Micro-USB port for power and programming

• Operating voltage: 1.8 V – 5.5 V

• Form factor: 21 mm × 51 mm

• Operating temperature range: –20 °C to +85 °C

Thanks to its compact size, it's perfectly suited for breadboards, prototyping, and DIY projects.

NOTE :The installation is similar for the Pico, Pico W, Pico 2 version

✅ Summary

1. Download the latest firmware from the official MicroPython site.

2. Boot the Pico W in bootloader mode (hold BOOTSEL while connecting).

3. Copy the .uf2 file to the Pico drive to flash it.

4. Use Thonny or a serial terminal to code and interact with MicroPython.

5. Test with a simple LED blink script.

📌What You’ll Need

• Raspberry Pi Pico 

• Micro-USB cable (for data, not just charging)

• Computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux (instructions based on Windows 10)

• Internet connection

🔧 Additional Tips

• If you bought a Pico or Pico W (not Pico H or WH), it won't come with header pins soldered—you'll need to solder them yourself.

• You can use a small fine-tip soldering iron (~25–30 W) and lead-free solder (97% tin, 3% copper, 1 mm diameter). 

Step 1: Download the MicroPython Firmware

1. Go to the official MicroPython website and navigate to the Pico W firmware page: https://micropython.org/download/rp2-pico-w/

2. Download the latest .uf2 firmware file (e.g., version v1.25.0 dated 2025-04-15).

3. Save the .uf2 file to your computer. 

Step 2: Put the Pico W into Bootloader Mode

1. Hold down the BOOTSEL button on the Pico.

2. Connect the Pico W to your computer using the micro-USB cable.

3. Release the BOOTSEL button after about 1–2 seconds.

4. The computer should detect a new USB drive labeled RPI‑RP2.

You’ll see two files: INDEX.HTM and INFO_UF2.TXT. 

Step 3: Install MicroPython

1. Drag and drop the downloaded .uf2 file onto the RPI‑RP2 USB drive.

2. The Pico will automatically reboot after a few seconds.

3. MicroPython is now installed! 

Step 4: Interact with MicroPython

You can use either a serial-terminal or an integrated development environment (IDE). A beginner-friendly method is to use Thonny:

• Thonny is a free, open-source Python IDE ideal for beginners.

How to Install and Configure Thonny:

• Download Thonny from https://thonny.org

• Install and launch the application.

• Go to Tools → Options → Language, select your preferred language, and restart Thonny.

• Then go to Tools → Options → Interpreter, and choose the Pico W as the interpreter. 

• Select:

  Interpreter: MicroPython (Raspberry Pi Pico)
  Port: It should be detected automatically (e.g., COMx or ttyACM0)

Click OK

🎺​You can now write MicroPython code and upload it directly to the Pico.

Step 5: Run a Test Program (Blinking LED)

The Pico W has a built‑in LED connected on GPIO 15 (note: GPIO 25 is used on original Pico). Type this example in Thonny:

from machine import Pin
import time

led = Pin("LED", Pin.OUT)  # Built-in LED on GPIO 15

while True:
    led.toggle()
    time.sleep(1)  # 1 second pause

Running this will make the LED blink at 1 second intervals. To start the program click on the Run button