discussion Guide Linux Arch Linux Installation Guide: Step-by-Step Detailed Tutorial (2025 Update)

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Arch Linux Installation Guide: Step-by-Step Detailed Tutorial (2025 Update) 🐧​

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to install Arch Linux, the flexible and minimalist distribution in the Linux world, step by step. Since Arch provides full control to the user, its installation process is a bit different from other distributions. However, by following the steps in this article, you'll have a clean, up-to-date system tailored to your needs.

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Step 1: Download the Required Files for Installation 💿​

Before starting the installation, we need to download the ISO file that you will use to install Arch Linux. Use the official Arch Linux Download Page to get the latest and correct ISO file.
On that page, you can download the ISO file. For best speed and reliability, I recommend choosing one of the mirrors located in Turkey.

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Step 2: Write the ISO File to a USB Drive ✍️​

We need to write the downloaded Arch Linux ISO to a USB drive in a format your computer can boot from. We'll use Rufus, one of the most popular and user-friendly tools for this.

1. Download Rufus: https://www.hatalar.com/resources/rufus-indir.9/
2. Insert Your USB Drive: Plug in the empty USB drive to be used for installation. Rufus should automatically detect it.
3. Configure Settings: Select the ISO file, leave other settings at default.
4. Start the Process: After verifying the settings, click START. Rufus will warn you that all data on the USB will be erased. Confirm and wait for the process to complete.

Once done, your USB drive is ready for Arch Linux installation. Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive.

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Step 3: Begin Arch Linux Installation (Archinstall) ⌨️​

Before starting the installation, set your keyboard layout to Turkish Q by entering the following command. This helps avoid typing issues:

loadkeys trq

Now you're ready to launch the Arch installer. Use the archinstall command to start the guided setup. While it doesn't have a graphical interface, it walks you through configuration steps one by one.

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Step 4: Complete Installation via archinstall ✅​

Follow the steps below in order to complete the installation smoothly.

Step 4-1: Select Installation Language and Configure Keyboard Layout​

I recommend keeping the language set to English to avoid command-line issues. You can also choose Turkish, which is 98% translated. Don’t forget to select your keyboard layout—if you're using Turkish Q, select trq.

Step 4-2: Configure Update Mirrors and Repositories​

I recommend selecting multiple mirror servers for better download speed. For example: Turkey, Azerbaijan, Greece, Germany

Step 4-3: Disk Configuration​

I suggest using the default layout provided by Arch. Choose Use a best-effort default partition layout to proceed. For a stable setup, select ext4 as the file system. When prompted to create a separate /home partition, you can safely say no.

Step 4-4: Configure Swap and Bootloader​

Swap is enabled by default and is sized automatically based on your disk. It's generally recommended to keep it enabled, especially if your RAM gets full.

For the bootloader, you can choose Grub by default. However, you’ll need to disable secure boot in BIOS. If you don’t want to do that, select systemd-boot instead.

Step 4-5: Hostname and Authentication Configuration​

The Hostname is the name of your computer. You can use your gaming nickname or any name you like—just make sure it's in Latin characters. During Authentication, you’ll set the root password and create a new user. Don’t forget your root password—some programs may prompt you for it via sudo.

⚠️ The username you set here will be your login account after installation.

Step 4-6: Profile Selection and GUI Settings​

In the profile settings, choose Desktop instead of minimal or server. Since we want to manage Arch via GUI, not just terminal, continue with Desktop. Then, Arch will ask you to pick a GUI environment—we'll go with GNOME, but you can test others.

Since we’re using Desktop, Arch will ask you to select a graphics driver. We’re installing on a virtual machine, so the default option is fine. NVIDIA users should choose stable drivers.

Step 4-7: Applications (Bluetooth and Audio) Configuration​

From the Applications section, enable bluetooth if your system supports it. For speakers and headphones to work, you need to install audio drivers. Recommended driver: pipewire.

Step 4-8: Kernel and Network Configuration​

The default kernel is linux, but for a more stable system, you can choose linux-lts (LTS = Long Term Support). If you prefer a gaming-focused setup, go with linux-zen.

For reliable networking, it's best to use NetworkManager.

Step 4-9: Timezone and Final Installation Steps​

You're now at the final step. Choose your timezone (e.g. Istanbul), then proceed with the Install option. The installation may take 10–20 minutes depending on your internet and disk speed.

Once installation is complete, reboot your computer and log in with the user account you created. Now enjoy your custom, minimalist, and fully functional Arch Linux system! 🎉

 

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Our explanation only covers the method using an Ethernet cable connection. Our WiFi setup guide will be available soon.