# Source: introduction.adoc

*Note: This file could not be automatically converted from AsciiDoc.*

== Introduction

Raspberry Pi Connect provides secure access to your Raspberry Pi from anywhere in the world.

image::images/hero.png[width="100%"]

Connect is installed by default in Raspberry Pi OS Desktop and Raspberry Pi OS Full (desktop with recommended software). An alternate *Lite* variant of Connect, that only supports remote shell access with no ability to screen share, is installed by default in Raspberry Pi OS Lite.

To use Connect, xref:connect.adoc#link-connect[link your device with a Connect account]. Visit https://connect.raspberrypi.com[connect.raspberrypi.com] to access the desktop or a shell running on your Raspberry Pi in a browser window.

Connect uses a secure, encrypted connection. By default, Connect communicates directly between your Raspberry Pi and your browser. However, when Connect can't establish a direct connection between your Raspberry Pi and your browser, we use a relay server. In such cases, Raspberry Pi only retains the metadata required to operate Connect.

NOTE: To use Connect, your Raspberry Pi must run https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/bookworm-the-new-version-of-raspberry-pi-os/[Raspberry Pi OS _Bookworm_] or later.