Hey fellow future-Arch-users! Today I’ll show you how to install Arch Linux without needing a PhD in wiki navigation. Thanks to the magical archinstall script, we can now get this done faster than it takes to compile Gentoo’s base system (okay, maybe not that fast).
Step 1: Get the ISO (Like a Digital Pirate)
First, grab the latest Arch ISO from their delightfully minimalist website:
👉 archlinux.org/download
Pro Tip: The “mirrors” page looks like it’s from 2003 – that’s how you know it’s legit.
Making Your USB Bootable
Windows Users:
Use Rufus in DD mode (not ISO mode!). DD stands for “Destroy Disk” if you select the wrong drive.Linux Chad Method:
sudo dd if=archlinux.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress(Replace
Xwith your USB drive letter. Yes, this will nuke everything on it.)
Step 2: Boot It Up (And Pray to Linus)
Smash F12/DEL/ESC during startup (depending on how much your motherboard hates you) to access the boot menu. Select your USB.
You’ll be greeted by a beautiful root@archiso~# prompt. No GUI? Good – we’re doing this properly.
Step 3: Let archinstall Do the Heavy Lifting
1. Internet Check (Because Offline Arch is Sad Arch)
ping google.com
- WiFi Warriors: Use
iwctl(Arch’s built-in WiFi sorcery):iwctl station wlan0 scan station wlan0 connect "YourWiFi" exit
2. Launch the Magic Script
archinstall
Now enjoy this beautiful TUI menu that does 90% of what took us 5 hours to do manually back in the day.
Configuration Cheat Sheet
| Setting | Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Disk | /dev/nvme0n1 or /dev/sda | Say goodbye to your Windows partition |
| Filesystem | ext4 (default) | btrfs if you’re feeling fancy |
| Hostname | arch-masterrace | Be creative |
| Desktop | gnome/kde/xfce | Or go hardcore with minimal |
| Bootloader | systemd-boot (UEFI) or grub (BIOS) | UEFI is cleaner, fight me |
| Timezone | Asia/Jakarta | Or wherever you VPN from |
Wait 5-10 minutes while Arch installs. Perfect time to brew some coffee (or ramen).
Step 4: Post-Install Party
After reboot, log in and run:
sudo pacman -Syu
(Translation: “Update everything because Arch moves faster than your ex”)
Optional But Recommended
Install
yay(AUR Helper):git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/yay.git cd yay && makepkg -siNow you can install all those
bloatwareessential packages:yay -S neofetch steam discordFlex Your Installation:
neofetch(Mandatory screenshot for Reddit karma)
💀 Troubleshooting
archinstallFailed?
Congrats! You’ve unlocked Manual Mode. Refer to the Arch Wiki – it’s our bible.WiFi Not Working?
sudo systemctl enable --now NetworkManager(Yes, I just recommended NetworkManager. Purists may scream.)
Final Thought:
This method gets you 80% of the “Arch experience” with 20% of the pain. Want full bragging rights? Do a manual install next time – I’ll wait with popcorn.
Now go forth and sudo pacman -Syu like it’s your job.
(this tech doc from ‘ramenaru’ -> Certified Arch Install Survivor)
