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003 Skill Lab Beginner

Install MicroPython on the Pico 2 W

Give the Pico 2 W the language it needs before asking it to do anything.

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Mission: teach the Pico its language

MicroPython is the version of Python that runs directly on the Pico 2 W. This setup step puts MicroPython firmware onto the board. After this, Thonny can talk to the Pico instead of only running code on your computer.
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Open Thonny first

Thonny window before Pico setup
Start from Thonny so the install tool is ready. Image source: SunFounder Pico 2 W Starter Kit documentation, Install MicroPython on Your Pico 2 W, © 2026 SunFounder.
Open Thonny. Leave it open while you connect the Pico in the next step.
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Enter BOOTSEL mode

BOOTSEL button on Pico 2 W
BOOTSEL tells the board to appear as a setup drive. Image source: SunFounder Pico 2 W Starter Kit documentation, Install MicroPython on Your Pico 2 W, © 2026 SunFounder.
Unplug the Pico. Hold BOOTSEL, plug the USB cable into your computer, then release BOOTSEL after the board appears as a drive. On many computers, the drive name starts with RPI. If it does not appear, try a different USB cable; charging-only cables are a common setup trap.
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Choose Install MicroPython

Thonny interpreter menu with install MicroPython option
The interpreter menu is in the lower-right area of Thonny. Image source: SunFounder Pico 2 W Starter Kit documentation, Install MicroPython on Your Pico 2 W, © 2026 SunFounder.
In Thonny, open the interpreter selector and choose the MicroPython install option. If that option is missing, update Thonny and reconnect the Pico in BOOTSEL mode.
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Pick the Pico 2 W target

Thonny MicroPython install dialog for Pico 2 W
Choose the Pico 2 W variant, not a random board. Image source: SunFounder Pico 2 W Starter Kit documentation, Install MicroPython on Your Pico 2 W, © 2026 SunFounder.
Select the Pico 2 W or Pico 2 WH MicroPython variant. Confirm the target volume is the Pico drive, then install. When installation finishes, the board may disconnect and reconnect. That is normal.
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Confirm the install

Thonny MicroPython install dialog after Pico 2 W selection
A successful install gets the board ready for MicroPython scripts. Image source: SunFounder Pico 2 W Starter Kit documentation, Install MicroPython on Your Pico 2 W, © 2026 SunFounder.
Confirm the target and install. When the setup finishes, return to Thonny and select the Pico MicroPython interpreter. If the board disappears for a moment, wait before unplugging. Firmware installs can cause a reconnect.
Checkpoint

Checkpoint

Mark this complete when: - MicroPython has been installed from Thonny. - Thonny can select a MicroPython interpreter for Raspberry Pi Pico. - The Pico is connected with a data USB cable. If Thonny cannot see the board, retry BOOTSEL mode and check the cable first.
Reflection

Private Dev Log

Write two or three sentences: 1. The easiest part of firmware setup was... 2. The confusing part was... 3. If the Pico is not detected later, I will check...
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References and next step

Reference used for setup flow and screenshots: https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/pico-2w-kit/en/latest/pyproject/python_start/install_micropython_to_pico.html Next lesson: Blink the Built-in LED.