Troubleshooting • Re: Raspberry pi zero 2w unable to load the OS

Another test just to make sure there's not a hardware problem with the zero2W:

1. Beg, borrow, or steal a micro USB charge and sync cable. (It must be good for data transfer not just for charging)
2. Shutdown/disconnect the zero2W
3. Remove SD card
4. Plug micro USB end of cable into the zero2W's data USB port
5. On your Windows box open Device Manager
6. Plug the other end of the micro USB cable into the PC
7. Wait a minute or so.

Your windows box should play the new USB device notification sound.

Device manager should show a "BCM2710 Boot" device probably under "Other devices".

If it doesn't and you are 101% certain the cable is good and connected to the correct ports your Pi isn't.

And have you looked at the links I gave you earlier?

Statistics: Posted by thagrol — Sat Jan 17, 2026 11:13 pm

---