Before you start

What you need

myUSBdrive runs on a Raspberry Pi with your own USB drive. Here is the short shopping list. If you already have a Pi, you are most of the way there.

A Raspberry Pi in a case, power supply, USB drive, microSD card and reader, and a network cable laid out on a table

Everything here is inexpensive and widely available. You only buy it once.

A Raspberry Pi 3, 4 or 5

The small computer that runs it all. A Pi 4 or 5 is recommended for smooth media streaming; a Pi 3 is fine but may struggle streaming some movie formats.

A case for your Pi

Keeps it cool and protected. Any case that fits your Pi model will do.

A Raspberry Pi power supply

Use the official supply for your Pi model for reliable, steady power.

A microSD card

This holds the myUSBdrive software. 16GB or larger recommended.

A microSD card reader

To write the software to the card from your computer.

A USB drive you already have

Where your files live. Any USB stick or drive works; a mains-powered drive is recommended, especially if using a Pi 3.

A network cable

To connect your Pi to your router. A wired connection is required for initial setup.

Download the free myUSBdrive image

Got your kit? Enter your email and we will send you a download link for your Raspberry Pi.

What's included

  • File server and media player
  • Stream music, films, and photos from any device
  • Automatic drive mirroring to a second USB drive
  • Password protected access
  • Automatic updates

Free forever at home.

The download link is valid for 30 minutes. No password needed.

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The link expires in 30 minutes.
If it expires, come back here to request a new one.

Ready to install?
Step-by-step installation guide with screenshots →

Ready to install?

Follow the full walkthrough, with a screenshot for every step, from writing the SD card to signing in for the first time.

Step-by-step installation guide Watch the walkthrough