How to Install Arch Linux with Archinstall in 2026 (Quick Guide)

Source: Dev.to

ISO and Boot

1. Download the Arch ISO and create a bootable USB drive with Rufus or Ventoy.

   • Rufus tutorial:
   • Ventoy tutorial:

2. Boot from the USB drive

   • Press the appropriate key for your machine (e.g., F12, F2, Del) to open the boot menu and select the USB device.

3. After the ISO boots (on a VM or physical hardware), you’ll see a small menu. Choose the first entry: “Arch Linux Install Medium.”

4. Verify Internet connectivity

   ping 1.1.1.1

   If you need to connect via Wi‑Fi, see the tutorial.

5. When ready, start the installer:

   archinstall

Archinstall

The Archinstall menu appears with several options. Navigation basics:

• ↑ / ↓ – move up and down
• Enter – select an option
• Esc – go back

Below is a walkthrough of each menu item.

Installation Guide

Language

Select the installer language. You can keep it English (default) or choose another language (e.g., Spanish). Press Enter to confirm.

Locales

1. Keyboard layout – choose ES for Spanish or US for English.
2. Local language – pick the appropriate locale, e.g., es_CL.UTF-8 or en_US.UTF-8.
   Make sure it ends with UTF-8.
3. Leave the last option at its default and select Back.

Mirrors

Choose the country (or the one closest to you) to get the fastest package mirrors.

• Highlight the country → press Space to select → press Enter to continue.

Disk Configuration

1. Select Partitioning → Use a default partition layout.
2. Select the target disk (all disks will be listed).
   ⚠️ This will erase the selected disk. Back up any important data first.
3. Press Space on the desired disk → Enter.
4. Choose the filesystem (EXT4).
5. When prompted “Would you like to create a separate partition for /home?”, choose Yes (useful for frequent distro‑hopping).

LVM and encryption options are omitted for this beginner guide.

Swap

Swap is enabled by default. No changes needed.

Bootloader

Leave the default GRUB selected. (Only change if you have a specific need for systemd-boot or rEFInd.)

Kernels

The default kernel is pre‑selected. Add the Linux‑LTS kernel for extra stability and long‑term support.

Hostname

Enter a hostname for the machine (optional but recommended for network identification).

Authentication

1. Root password – enter and confirm.
2. User account – choose Add a User, then provide a username and password.
3. When asked if the user should be a superuser, select Yes.
4. Confirm and exit to return to the main menu.

Profile

Select the desired profile type: Desktop, Server, Minimal, or Xorg.

• For this guide, choose Desktop.

You’ll then see a list of desktop environments. You can install multiple, but it’s safest to pick just one (e.g., KDE, XFCE, or Cinnamon). In this example, XFCE is selected.

Proceed with the remaining prompts as they appear, then let Archinstall finish the installation. When the process completes, reboot, remove the USB drive, and enjoy your new Arch system!

Press “Enter”

When it comes to graphics drivers, it depends on each person and their settings; in my case, I’ll leave it set to “All open‑source.”

Login Manager (Greeter)

1. In the login manager (or Greeter), select the default option.
2. Click Back.

Applications

• Bluetooth – select Yes.
• Audio – I recommend PipeWire.

Network Configuration

Select the option labeled Use Network Manager (default backend).

Additional Packages

This isn’t necessary; we can install any missing programs later.

Timezone

Choose your time zone. In my case: America/Santiago.

NTP

Leave the NTP option enabled (default).

Pasos Finales

You now have an Arch Linux system ready to be installed, with video drivers and a graphical environment set up in no time.

1. Click Install.
2. You’ll be asked if you want to apply the settings – click Yes.
3. The installation will begin (duration depends on your computer and internet connection).

When the installation finishes, you’ll see three options.

• Select the first one (Exit Archinstall).

• Enter the command:

  shutdown now

  to shut down the computer immediately.

After the machine powers off, remove the USB drive and turn the computer back on.

Post‑Install

1. Log in – you’ll see a login screen; enter the user’s password to reach the desktop.

2. Check internet connectivity

   ping 1.1.1.1

3. Update the system

   sudo pacman -Syu

   • You’ll be prompted for the root password; enter it and press Enter.

4. Install a system‑info script (optional)

   sudo pacman -S fastfetch

   • Confirm the installation when asked.

5. Run the script

   fastfetch

   It will display your system’s components.

Conclusion

As shown in both the video and this guide, installing Arch Linux with archinstall is a fairly simple and quick process—ideal for those who want the benefits of Arch without the hassle of a manual installation.

Archinstall provides a guided experience that streamlines setup, allowing you to configure your system efficiently and customize it to your liking. If you’re new to Arch Linux or just want a fast installation, Archinstall is an excellent way to start your adventure with this powerful distribution.