How to install Arch Linux (Step by Step)

Published: December 19, 2024

In this guide, you will learn how to install Arch Linux from scratch, with detailed steps and commands.

1. Prepare Your System

• Prepair USB Flash Drive

• First, download the latest Arch Linux ISO from the official Arch Linux website. Create a bootable USB using a tool like Rufus or Etcher.

• Boot into the Arch Linux Installer

• Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. Select the Arch Linux ISO to start the installation process.

2. System Configuration

• Check Internet Connection

• Ensure you are connected to the internet. Use the following command:

ping -c 3 archlinux.org

• Update System Clock

• Synchronize the system clock:

timedatectl set-ntp true

• Partition Your Disk

• Use fdisk or cfdisk to partition your disk. For example:

fdisk /dev/sda

• Create the following partitions:

• EFI partition (e.g., /dev/sda1)

• Root partition (e.g., /dev/sda2)

• Format and Mount Partitions

• Format the partitions:

mkfs.fat -F32 /dev/sda1
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sda2

• Mount the root partition:

mount /dev/sda2 /mnt

• Create and mount the EFI partition:

mkdir /mnt/boot
mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/boot

• Install the Base System

• Install the base packages:

pacstrap /mnt base linux linux-firmware

• Configure the System

• Generate the filesystem table:

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

• Chroot into the new system:

arch-chroot /mnt

• Set Up Localization

• Edit the locale configuration:

echo "en_US.UTF-8 UTF-8" > /etc/locale.gen
locale-gen
echo "LANG=en_US.UTF-8" > /etc/locale.conf

• Chroot into the new system:

3. Install Bootloader

• Install GRUB

• Install GRUB bootloader::

pacman -S grub efibootmgr
grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot --bootloader-id=GRUB
grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

3. Finish installation

• Exit and Reboot

• Exit the chroot environment:

exit

• Unmount all partitions:

umount -R /mnt

• Reboot your system:

reboot

• Conclusion

• Your Arch Linux system is now installed! You can continue with further configuration, such as installing a desktop environment or additional tools.