How to Install Arch Linux: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on installing Arch Linux, covering both the beginner-friendly archinstall method and the manual installation for those seeking more control. Arch Linux is a rolling-release distribution known for its flexibility and customization options, making this guide essential for anyone looking to dive into the world of Arch.

Step 1: Download the ISO Image

1. Go to the Arch Linux official website.
2. Navigate to the downloads section.
3. Download the latest Arch Linux ISO image.

Step 2: Prepare for Installation

• Ensure that you have a USB drive ready to create a bootable installation medium.
• Use tools like Rufus (for Windows) or dd (for Linux) to create the bootable USB from the ISO image.

Step 3: Boot from USB

1. Insert the USB drive into your computer.
2. Restart your machine and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
3. Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
4. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Step 4: Connect to WiFi

1. Once the Arch Linux live environment loads, open a terminal.
2. Use the following command to list available networks:

   iwctl
   

3. Connect to your WiFi network:

   station device_name connect your_SSID
   

4. Verify your connection:

   ping -c 3 archlinux.org
   

Step 5: Enable SSH (Optional)

• To enable SSH for easier installation, run:

  systemctl enable sshd
  systemctl start sshd
  

• This allows remote access to the installation.

Step 6: Install Arch Linux via the archinstall Method

1. Start the installer by running:

   archinstall
   

2. Follow the on-screen prompts to customize your installation, including disk selection, user setup, and package selection.

Step 7: Manual Installation Method

• If you prefer more control, follow these steps to install Arch manually.

Step 7.1: Partition the Disk

1. Use fdisk or cfdisk to partition your disk.
2. Create at least two partitions: one for the root filesystem and one for swap.

Step 7.2: Format Partitions

• Format the root partition with ext4:

  mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdX1
  

• Format the swap partition:

  mkswap /dev/sdX2
  

Step 7.3: Set Up an Encrypted Partition (Optional)

1. Use cryptsetup to create an encrypted partition:

   cryptsetup luksFormat /dev/sdX1
   

2. Open the encrypted partition:

   cryptsetup open /dev/sdX1 cryptroot
   

Step 7.4: Configure LVM (Optional)

1. Install LVM tools:

   pacman -S lvm2
   

2. Create physical volumes, volume groups, and logical volumes as needed.

Step 8: Install Required Packages

• Mount the root partition:

  mount /dev/sdX1 /mnt
  

• Install essential packages:

  pacstrap /mnt base linux linux-firmware
  

Step 9: Generate fstab File

• Generate the fstab file using:

  genfstab -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab
  

Step 10: Chroot into the Installation

1. Change root into the new installation:

   arch-chroot /mnt
   

Step 11: Set Up Users

• Create a new user and set their password:

  useradd -m -G wheel username
  passwd username
  

Step 12: Install Additional Packages

• Install any additional packages you may need, such as:

  pacman -S vim git
  

Step 13: Enable SSH

• Repeat the SSH enabling steps from earlier if you wish to use SSH.

Step 14: Install the Linux Kernel

• Ensure the Linux kernel is installed (already included in the pacstrap command).

Step 15: Install GPU Drivers

• For Nvidia users, install the drivers:

  pacman -S nvidia
  

• For AMD or Intel, install the respective drivers.

Step 16: Generate Initial RAM Disk

• Generate the initial RAM disk:

  mkinitcpio -P
  

Step 17: Configure Locale and GRUB

Set the locale

• Edit /etc/locale.gen and uncomment your locale.
• Run:

  locale-gen
  

1. Install GRUB:

   pacman -S grub
   

2. Install GRUB to the disk:

   grub-install --target=i386-pc /dev/sdX
   

Conclusion

You've successfully installed Arch Linux! With both the archinstall method for beginners and the manual method for advanced users, you now have a functioning Arch system. Explore additional packages and configurations to tailor your system to your needs. Happy computing!