Step-by-Step Guide to Install Arch Linux with archinstall

#linux

Arch Linux Logo The archinstall script simplifies Arch Linux setup without sacrificing its core philosophy. Here’s how to use it.

Prerequisites

  • A bootable USB drive with the Arch Linux ISO
  • Internet connection (Ethernet recommended for stability)
    • Run ping archlinux.org to confirm connectivity.
    • Note: For Wi-Fi, use iwctl to connect before proceeding.

Step 1: Boot the Arch ISO

  1. Boot from the USB (usually via F12, F2, or Esc during startup).
  2. Select “Arch Linux install medium” from the boot menu.

Step 2: Connect to the Internet

Wi-Fi

Use iwctl:

iwctl
station wlan0 scan
station wlan0 get-networks
station wlan0 connect <SSID>
# Enter password when prompted
exit

Step 3: Launch archinstall

Start the installer:

archinstall

Step 4: Configure Installation

1. Configure Basic Settings

  • Language: Select your preferred language (e.g., English).
  • Locale: Choose your locale (e.g., en_US.UTF-8).
  • Keyboard Layout: Pick your keyboard (e.g., us).

2. Disk Configuration

  • Automatic Partitioning: Let archinstall handle it (recommended for beginners).
    • Select “Use a best-effort default partition layout” for automatic partitioning (or manually partition if preferred).
    • Confirm the disk and filesystem
      • Choose ext4 (simple) or btrfs (advanced with snapshots).

3. Set Hostname:

Name your machine (e.g., my-arch-pc).

4. Set Password for Root User**

Create a secure root password.

5. Create a Standard User

Add a non-root user with sudo privileges.

  • Set the username (e.g., jen).
  • Set the user password.

6. Select Desktop Profile:

Under “Desktop”, there are a few tiling WM options:

  • i3 (classic)
  • Hyprland (eye candy)
  • Qtile (Python-powered)

Choose Qtile. This installs Qtile and necessary dependencies.

7. Audio Configuration

Select pipewire (modern default) or pulseaudio (legacy).

10. Network Configuration:

  • Select “Copy ISO network configuration”

11. Timezone and NTP:

  • Select your timezone (e.g., UTC or region-specific).
  • Enable NTP (Network Time Protocol) for automatic time synchronization.

12. Review and Install:

Double-check your choices.

Step 5: Start Installation

Confirm installation by selecting “Install”.

Grab a coffee ☕ – this takes 5-15 minutes depending on your choices.

Step 6: Reboot into Arch

After installation completes, reboot:

reboot

If the BIOS loop back to the Arch ISO, try removing the USB drive.

Post-Installation:

  1. Log in: Use your user credentials. Qtile should start automatically.
  2. Verify network connectivity (e.g., ping archlinux.org).
  3. Update the system: 
    sudo pacman -Syu

Read more: Boost Arch Linux Download Speeds with Reflector

  1. Install Additional Packages: 
    pacman -S firefox kitty neovim
  2. Configure Qtile:
    Edit the config file to customize Qtile themes or keybindings: 
    nano ~/.config/qtile/config.py

Read more: Qtile: Customizing Themes and Keybindings

  1. Set up personal dotfiles.

Read more: Dotfile Management with GNU Stow