Where Does Raspberry Pi Imager Store Cache and Settings?
Raspberry Pi Imager caches the last image with Qt settings per OS. Cache paths and registry notes.
Last updated
Raspberry Pi Imager caches only the most recent download. A lastdownload.cache file sits in the per-OS cache folder with a hash key recorded in settings. Older images never accumulate, so the cache stays small by design.
Settings follow Qt conventions per platform: a config file on Linux, registry keys on Windows, a plist on Mac. Those hold last paths, hashes, customization answers and telemetry. The SD target itself carries the written system; the PC side holds just cache plus prefs.
Where Raspberry Pi Imager stores this, by platform
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Raspberry Pi\Imager\cache\lastdownload.cache
Last image only with siblings for OS lists. Settings in HKCU\Software\Raspberry Pi\Raspberry Pi Imager registry including Wi-Fi answers. Registry clears on uninstall per installer script.
~/Library/Caches/Raspberry Pi/Imager/lastdownload.cache
Same last-only cache model. Settings in a Qt plist under Preferences with a version-dependent filename; print it with QSettings fileName when scripting. Exact plist name varies by release.
~/.cache/Raspberry Pi/Imager/lastdownload.cache
Same cache file confirmed by directory listings in the tracker. Settings at ~/.config/Raspberry Pi/Raspberry Pi Imager.conf with older builds using Imager.conf. Only the last fetch caches.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Raspberry Pi Imager downloads?
Only the latest one persists as lastdownload.cache in the per-OS cache folder above. Earlier images delete on next fetch by design. Keep your own copies of released images elsewhere when reuse matters.
How do I reset Raspberry Pi Imager settings?
Delete the Qt config for your OS with the app closed: conf file on Linux, registry branch on Windows, plist on Mac. Wi-Fi passwords and customization answers clear with it. Cache deletion alone leaves settings intact.
Does the cache include my Wi-Fi password?
No. Images cache as files while credentials live in settings: registry on Windows, conf or plist elsewhere. Treat settings exports like passwords when sharing debug info.
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