How to Install Arch Linux with Desktop Environment (Step by Step)

Published: December 19, 2024

In this extended guide, you'll learn how to install Arch Linux with a desktop environment and configure GRUB for system selection.

1. Installing Desktop Environment

• (Back to Past)

• Complete the basic installation steps covered in the previous guide, including partitioning, formatting, installing base packages, and configuring GRUB.

• Install Xorg (Display Server)

• Xorg is required for any graphical environment. Install it using:

pacman -S xorg xorg-server

• Install Graphics Drivers

• For Intel GPUs:

  pacman -S xf86-video-intel

• For NVIDIA GPUs:

  pacman -S nvidia nvidia-utils

• For AMD GPUs:

  pacman -S xf86-video-amdgpu

• Update System Clock

• Synchronize the system clock:

timedatectl set-ntp true

• Choose a Desktop Environment

• Choose a desktop environment (e.g., GNOME, KDE, XFCE). For example:



• GNOME

pacman -S gnome gnome-extra

Enable the GNOME Display Manager (GDM):

systemctl enable gdm.service




• KDE Plasma

pacman -S plasma kde-applications

Enable the SDDM Display Manager:

systemctl enable sddm.service




• XFCE

pacman -S xfce4 xfce4-goodies

Install a display manager like LightDM:

pacman -S lightdm lightdm-gtk-greeter

Enable LightDM:

systemctl enable lightdm.service

2. Test Your Installation

• Verification

• Reboot the system to verify that the desktop environment and GRUB are working correctly:

reboot

• Conclusion

• Your Arch Linux system is now installed with a fully functional desktop environment and GRUB configured for dual booting. You can continue to customize your system as needed!