Installing Windows 10 IoT Core on Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

Discover how to run Windows 10 IoT Core on the latest Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+. This guide covers the required hardware, software downloads, flashing the SD card, and basic performance monitoring.

Introduction

The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ features a 1.4 GHz 64‑bit quad‑core CPU, dual‑band Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 4.2/BLE, Gigabit‑equivalent Ethernet, and PoE support via a dedicated HAT. Windows 10 IoT Core is built for secure, small‑form‑factor devices, offering a rich UWP experience on ARM and x64 SoCs. Microsoft’s Technical Preview Build 17661 now supports the 3 B+, and this tutorial walks you through installing it.

Prerequisites

• Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ with 5 V/2.5 A power supply
• Micro SD card (≥32 GB, Class 10, e.g., Samsung 32 GB EVO)
• Micro‑SD card reader
• HDMI display, mouse, keyboard
• Ethernet cable (Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth are disabled in this preview)

Step 1: Install the IoT Dashboard

Download the Windows 10 IoT Core Dashboard from Microsoft’s site. This tool simplifies image flashing and device management.

Step 2: Download the System Image

Get the “Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Technical Preview Build 17661” image from Microsoft’s download page. After extraction, locate flash.ffu in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft IoT\FFU\RaspberryPi2.

Step 3: Flash the SD Card

Insert the Class 10 SD card into your PC. Open the IoT Dashboard, select Raspberry Pi 2 & 3 → Custom, browse to flash.ffu, enter a device name and password, then click Burn to write the image.

Step 4: Assemble the Hardware

Connect power, Ethernet cable, HDMI, mouse, and keyboard to the Pi. Insert the flashed SD card, then power on. The device should boot into the Windows 10 IoT Core welcome screen.

Step 5: Monitor Performance

Open a web browser and navigate to the device portal at 192.168.0.102:8080 (IP will vary). From the Process → Performance section you can view CPU, memory, network, and I/O metrics.

Step 6: Update the System

In the device portal, click Windows Update. The system will automatically download and install the latest build, ending with version 10.0.17672.1000.

Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth Work‑Arounds

The preview build disables on‑board Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth. For wireless connectivity, use a Realtek RTL8188EU USB Wi‑Fi adapter and an ORICO BTA‑403 Mini Bluetooth 4.0 module. Plug them into the Pi’s USB ports and install the appropriate drivers via the device portal.

Summary

You now have a fully functional Windows 10 IoT Core environment on the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+. With the dashboard, you can manage the device, monitor performance, and keep it updated with the latest Microsoft releases.