EndeavourOS Download & Install Commands step by step Guide

This blog post covers EndeavourOS’s features, system architecture, advantages, disadvantages, EndeavourOS download & installation instructions, and comparison to other arch-based distributions.

EndeavourOS

The well-known Linux distribution EndeavourOS is derived from Arch Linux. It was designed to make installation much simpler while still giving users access to Arch’s strength and versatility. Due to EndeavourOS’s graphical installer, both novice and expert users can install it, unlike regular Arch, which necessitates manual installation using command-line tools.

The Arch-based project EndeavourOS was introduced in 2019 as the replacement for Antergos. The EndeavourOS community strives to maintain the system’s resemblance to pure Arch while providing useful tools and pre-configured desktops as convenience features.

Important EndeavourOS Features

Arch Linux Base

EndeavourOS makes direct use of the Arch Linux repository. In other words, a rolling release approach ensures that users receive the most recent software upgrades. Upgrading versions does not require a system reinstallation.

Easy Installation

A few clicks is all it takes for users to install the operating system using the Calamares graphical installer. Users can choose between offline mode, which uses the Xfce desktop, and online mode, which allows them to choose from a variety of desktop environments, during the installation process.

Fast and lightweight

EndeavourOS is renowned for being performance-oriented and lightweight. Only necessary items are installed, allowing the user to alter everything else.

Multiple Desktop Environments

Users can choose from a variety of desktop environments, including:

The Xfce
KDE Plasma
The GNOME
The cinnamon
MATÉ
The Budgie
i3 and BSPWM (managers of the tile windows)

EndeavourOS is appropriate for both power users and conventional desktop users because to its versatility.

System Architecture

Arch Linux’s rolling release methodology is used by EndeavourOS. Instead of utilizing version numbers like Fedora or Ubuntu, this indicates that the system is updated on a regular basis.

Pacman, the package manager in use, is quick and effective. Additionally, EndeavourOS supports the Arch User Repository (AUR), a vast community-driven software collection that enables users to install thousands of extra apps.

Advantages of EndeavourOS

Close to Pure Arch: No significant changes are made to Arch by EndeavourOS. During a simpler setup process, users learn actual Arch Linux ideas.

Strong Community Support: Both the official Discord channels and forum are thriving. Helpful advice is given to beginners without becoming poisonous.

High Customization: From the desktop interface to the bootloader, everything is changeable.

Minimal Bloat: EndeavourOS does not have extraneous pre-installed apps like many other distributions do.

Disadvantages of EndeavourOS

Not Ideal for Absolute Beginners: Despite the ease of installation, users still require a basic understanding of Linux to maintain the system.

Rolling Release Risks: Frequent updates carry a slight chance of glitches or malfunctioning goods.

Requires Internet for Online Install: When setting up the majority of desktop features, an active internet connection is required.

Also read about Arch Linux Distros List And Install Commands For Beginners

EndeavourOS download

EndeavourOS is now running the “Ganymede Neo” update, which was formally made available on January 15, 2026, as of February 2026.

As a Rolling Release distribution, EndeavourOS just requires one ISO download for a new installation. You may stay up to date by simply running your updates (via yay or pacman) if you already have it installed.

Download Options

The ISO has a size of roughly 2.4GB to 3.0GB. Both of the following ways are available on the download page:

Using a magnet or torrent is the quickest method of downloading. Peer-to-peer networking is used, which mitigates disruptions and keeps the primary servers from becoming overloaded.

HTTP Mirrors: To view a list of worldwide mirrors, traverse down the page. The best download speed is achieved by choosing a mirror that is geographically close to you, such as the USA, Germany, or Singapore.

Verification (Critical Step)

Because users of EndeavourOS are security-conscious, you need to check the file integrity after downloading it:

Download the Signature: Get the ISO and the .sig or .sha512sum file.
Use the Terminal to confirm (Linux/macOS):
- It ought should come back in good condition.
GPG Signature: Johannes Kamprad signs the ISO. You can check the signature and retrieve the key (gpg --recv CDF595A1) to make sure the file hasn’t been altered.

What’s in the February 2026 ISO?

Kernel: Linux 6.18.4 LTS (suitable for laptops and CPUs produced in 2026).
Installer: Calamares 26.0.1, a more recent and reliable graphical client.
NVIDIA drivers: With support for the GTX 1600 and RTX 20 series and beyond, NVIDIA drivers now use the NVIDIA Open kernel modules by default.
Desktop: While the “Online” install offers you a choice of over ten environments, the “Offline” install use KDE Plasma 6.5.4.

How to Make Installation Media

You can’t simply copy the file to a USB after downloading it. I need you to “flash” it:
Windows users should use BalenaEtcher or Rufus.
Linux users should use Ventoy or the dd program.

If using Ventoy, ensure it is the latest version (v1.1.0+), as older versions may struggle with the 2026 Arch boot structure.

Also read about What Is Linux Mint? And Why Choose Mint Over Ubuntu? Explain

EndeavourOS install command

When installing EndeavourOS manually (or while working from the live environment), you will need to execute these basic installation commands. These are helpful for practice, lab tests, and process comprehension.

EndeavourOS Installation Commands (Step-by-Step)

Although the graphical installer (Calamares) is used by most users to install EndeavourOS, these commands are useful for manual installations and troubleshooting.

Boot into Live Environment

After booting from USB, you will be logged in as:

bash

user: liveuser
password: live

Check Internet Connection

Wired (automatic):

bash

ping -c 3 google.com

Wi-Fi:

bash

nmtui

(Select your Wi-Fi network and connect)

Update System Clock

bash

timedatectl set-ntp true

Verify:

bash

timedatectl status

Start Graphical Installer (Most Common)

This is the main command:

bash

calamares

This launches the full GUI installer.

Manual Installation Commands (Advanced Users)

If doing a pure terminal-based install:

Disk Partitioning

List disks:

bash

lsblk

Partition tool:

bash

cfdisk /dev/sda

(Replace sda with your disk)

Also read about What Is The GNOME Terminal In Linux? GNOME-Terminal Uses

Format Partitions

Example:

bash

mkfs.ext4 /dev/sda1
mkswap /dev/sda2
swapon /dev/sda2

Mount Partitions

bash

mount /dev/sda1 /mnt

Install Base System

bash

pacstrap /mnt base linux linux-firmware

Generate fstab

bash

genfstab -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab

Enter Installed System

bash

arch-chroot /mnt

Set Timezone

bash

ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/Asia/Kolkata /etc/localtime
hwclock --systohc

Set Hostname

bash

echo mypc > /etc/hostname

Set Root Password

bash

passwd

Install Bootloader (GRUB)

bash

pacman -S grub efibootmgr
grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot --bootloader-id=EndeavourOS
grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Exit and Reboot

bash

exit
umount -R /mnt
reboot

Important EndeavourOS Daily Commands

Purpose	Command
Update system	`sudo pacman -Syu`
Install software	`sudo pacman -S firefox`
Remove software	`sudo pacman -R firefox`
Search package	`pacman -Ss vlc`
Enable service	`sudo systemctl enable sshd`
Start service	`sudo systemctl start sshd`

AUR (Extra Software)

Install AUR helper (yay):

bash

sudo pacman -S yay

Install AUR package:

bash

yay -S google-chrome

In Real Life

90% users: Just run calamares
10% power users: Use the full manual method above.

EndeavourOS uses Arch Linux commands such as pacman, calamares, arch-chroot, and grub-install for installation and system management.

EndeavourOS vs Other Arch-Based Distros

Feature	EndeavourOS	Manjaro	Garuda
Base	Pure Arch	Modified Arch	Modified Arch
Installer	Graphical	Graphical	Graphical
Updates	Very fast	Slightly delayed	Fast
Bloat	Minimal	Medium	High
Target Users	Intermediate	Beginners	Gamers/enthusiasts

Also read about Linux Mint Installation Process Step By Step For Beginners

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