Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Convert your Raspberry Pi Zero W or Zero 2 W into a portable USB gadget using a single micro-USB to USB data cable. This configuration lets your computer serve as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse for the Pi while sharing its internet connection.
In this tutorial, I walk you through the process of enabling USB Gadget Mode from start to finish. We cover everything from initial configuration in the Raspberry Pi Imager to final internet sharing settings on Windows.
What You Will Learn:
Manifest Generation: How to create a Capabilities Enhanced Manifest.
Imager Configuration: Setting up the Raspberry Pi Imager for gadget mode.
SD Card Preparation: Flashing the Micro-SD card with the correct settings.
Windows Integration: Installing the necessary Windows USB Gadget drivers.
Internet Sharing: Configuring Windows settings to share your connection with the Pi.
Resources Mentioned:
- Intro to Raspberry Pi Connect: youtu.be/gTqhIItQHSk
- USB Gadget Blog Post: raspberrypi.com/news/usb-gadget-mode-in-raspberry-pi-os-ssh-over-usb
- Raspberry Pi Connect: connect.raspberrypi.com
- Raspberry Pi Imager: raspberrypi.com/software
- Python Download: python.org
- My GitHub page: github.com/carolinedunn/terminal-games
What You Need:
Raspberry Pi: Zero 2 W - amzn.to/4r6PE1G
MicroUSB Cable - amzn.to/4kmg6ls
MicroSD Card - amzn.to/49XlPuo
USB Card Reader (if necessary) - amzn.to/46A4gOL
Internet Connection
The links provided are affiliate links in which I may make a small commission but doesn't affect the price that you pay. This helps to keep my channel going to produce content for you.
Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to RPi Zero USB Gadget Mode
1:26 - Project Prerequisites: Pi Connect & Imager
2:20 - Required Hardware Overview
3:34 - Generating the Capabilities Enhanced Manifest
5:07 - Configuring Raspberry Pi Imager Settings
7:24 - Flashing the Micro-SD Card
7:49 - Initial Boot and Online Verification
9:36 - Updating RPi OS via Remote Shell
9:54 - Installing Windows USB Gadget Drivers
10:37 - Sharing Internet Connection via Windows Settings
11:52 - Final Testing: Running Terminal Games
đ A Womanâs Guide to Winning in Tech
If youâve ever been underestimated, talked over, or given âfeedbackâ that wasnât actually helpful, this book is for you. A Womanâs Guide to Winning in Tech blends sharp humor with practical career strategies to help women navigate tech on their own termsâwithout changing who they are.
Available on Amazon, Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark
Learn more: winningintech.com
Follow the book:
Facebook: facebook.com/winningintech
Instagram: instagram.com/winning.tech
Convert your Raspberry Pi Zero W or Zero 2 W into a portable USB gadget using a single micro-USB to USB data cable. This configuration lets your computer serve as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse for the Pi while sharing its internet connection.
In this tutorial, I walk you through the process of enabling USB Gadget Mode from start to finish. We cover everything from initial configuration in the Raspberry Pi Imager to final internet sharing settings on Windows.
What You Will Learn:
Manifest Generation: How to create a Capabilities Enhanced Manifest.
Imager Configuration: Setting up the Raspberry Pi Imager for gadget mode.
SD Card Preparation: Flashing the Micro-SD card with the correct settings.
Windows Integration: Installing the necessary Windows USB Gadget drivers.
Internet Sharing: Configuring Windows settings to share your connection with the Pi.
Resources Mentioned:
- Intro to Raspberry Pi Connect: youtu.be/gTqhIItQHSk
- USB Gadget Blog Post: raspberrypi.com/news/usb-gadget-mode-in-raspberry-pi-os-ssh-over-usb
- Raspberry Pi Connect: connect.raspberrypi.com
- Raspberry Pi Imager: raspberrypi.com/software
- Python Download: python.org
- My GitHub page: github.com/carolinedunn/terminal-games
What You Need:
Raspberry Pi: Zero 2 W - amzn.to/4r6PE1G
MicroUSB Cable - amzn.to/4kmg6ls
MicroSD Card - amzn.to/49XlPuo
USB Card Reader (if necessary) - amzn.to/46A4gOL
Internet Connection
The links provided are affiliate links in which I may make a small commission but doesn't affect the price that you pay. This helps to keep my channel going to produce content for you.
Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to RPi Zero USB Gadget Mode
1:26 - Project Prerequisites: Pi Connect & Imager
2:20 - Required Hardware Overview
3:34 - Generating the Capabilities Enhanced Manifest
5:07 - Configuring Raspberry Pi Imager Settings
7:24 - Flashing the Micro-SD Card
7:49 - Initial Boot and Online Verification
9:36 - Updating RPi OS via Remote Shell
9:54 - Installing Windows USB Gadget Drivers
10:37 - Sharing Internet Connection via Windows Settings
11:52 - Final Testing: Running Terminal Games
đ A Womanâs Guide to Winning in Tech
If youâve ever been underestimated, talked over, or given âfeedbackâ that wasnât actually helpful, this book is for you. A Womanâs Guide to Winning in Tech blends sharp humor with practical career strategies to help women navigate tech on their own termsâwithout changing who they are.
Available on Amazon, Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark
Learn more: winningintech.com
Follow the book:
Facebook: facebook.com/winningintech
Instagram: instagram.com/winning.tech
