Arch Linux Distros List And Install Commands For Beginners

Arch Linux distros list

The Arch ecosystem has grown into distinct “sub-types.” These distributions (distros) take the Arch core and modify it for particular users, such as security specialists or gamers, but pure Arch still serves as the foundation.

Arch Linux distros categorized by their purpose:

The “User-Friendly” Entry Points

By offering pre-configured desktops and a graphical installer (Calamares), these distributions alleviate the “pain” associated with Arch.

EndeavourOS

Antergos’ spiritual heir is EndeavourOS. “Pure Arch” is extremely similar to it, except it has a welcoming app and an easy setup. Although terminal-centric, it is beneficial.

Manjaro

The most “corporate” Arch distro is Manjaro. It contains unique hardware detection techniques and its own software repositories, which were delayed for two weeks for stability.

Garuda Linux

Renowned for its performance enhancements and “Dragonized” neon looks. You can rollback an update from the boot menu if it causes problems with your system because it uses the Btrfs file system with automated snapshots.

The Gaming & Performance Experts

For customers who demand every extra frame per second (FPS) from their hardware, these are quite popular in 2026.

CachyOS

A 2026 rising star. It compiles applications especially for contemporary CPUs (x86-64-v3/v4) and uses kernels that have been optimized. On fresh hardware, it is notably quicker than conventional Arch.

SteamOS (Holo)

The Steam Deck’s operating system. It is based on Arch and is fully tuned for mobile and controller-based gaming, despite being immutable (closed down).

Also read about What Are The Arch Linux Advantages And Disadvantages?

The Aesthetics & Minimalists

Archcraft

It is well-known that Archcraft is “purely aesthetic.” It comes with lovely, pre-configured Window Managers like Openbox and Bspwm and is remarkably light (it can run on less than 500MB of RAM).

ArcoLinux

An extensive educational initiative. It provides several levels (L, D, and B) with hundreds of video tutorials to teach you how to gradually create your own unique ISO.

Particular Use Cases

BlackArch

A formidable “Penetration Testing” tool. More than 2,800 cybersecurity technologies are pre-installed on it. It is Kali Linux’s arch-based competitor.

Artix Linux

For those who like Arch without systemd, there is Artix Linux. It enables you to utilize other init systems, such as S6, runit, or OpenRC.

Parabola GNU/Linux-libre

A completely “Free Software” variant of Arch is Parabola GNU/Linux-libre. Because it eliminates all proprietary drivers and “bloat,” it is favored by those who value freedom and privacy.

Which one should you install?

• Adobe or Microsoft Office are required for Windows 11 games with robust anti-cheat software.
• Tinkerers and developers seeking a lightweight, completely customized machine use Arch Linux.
• EndeavourOS: You need Arch’s power and software in 15 minutes.
• Fedora: You’re looking for a sleek, contemporary workstation that “just works” while yet offering new capabilities.

If you want…	Choose this Distro
Simple Arch + Stability	Manjaro
Pure Arch with an Installer	EndeavourOS
Maximum Gaming Speed	CachyOS or Garuda
To Learn how Linux works	ArcoLinux
To Revive a very weak PC	Archcraft

Arch Linux install commands

Check Internet

bash

ping google.com

Set Keyboard Layout (optional)

bash

loadkeys us

Update System Clock

bash

timedatectl set-ntp true

Check Disk

bash

lsblk

Partition Disk (example using fdisk)

bash

 /dev/sda

Example layout:

• /dev/sda1 → EFI (512M)
• /dev/sda2 → Root
• /dev/sda3 → Home (optional)

Also read about What Is Linux Distributions (Distros)? Types And Features

Format Partitions

bash

mkfs.fat -F32 /dev/sda1
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sda2
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sda3

Mount Partitions

bash

mount /dev/sda2 /mnt
mkdir /mnt/boot
mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/boot
mkdir /mnt/home
mount /dev/sda3 /mnt/home

Install Base System

bash

pacstrap /mnt base linux linux-firmware nano networkmanager

Generate fstab

bash

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

Change Root

bash

arch-chroot /mnt

Set Timezone

bash

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

Set Locale

bash

nano /etc/locale.gen

Uncomment:

en_US.UTF-8 UTF-8

Then:

bash

locale-gen
echo "LANG=en_US.UTF-8" > /etc/locale.conf

Set Hostname

bash

echo "archlinux" > /etc/hostname

Set Root Password

bash

passwd

Install Bootloader (GRUB for UEFI)

bash

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

Enable Network

bash

systemctl enable NetworkManager

Create User

bash

useradd -m -G wheel hema
passwd hema
EDITOR=nano visudo

Uncomment:

sql

%wheel ALL=(ALL) ALL

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

Exit & Reboot

bash

exit
umount -R /mnt
reboot

Install Desktop (GNOME example)

bash

pacman -S gnome gdm
systemctl enable gdm
reboot

Beginner Friendly Method

Arch also provides a guided installer:

bash

archinstall

This gives you a menu-based setup (much easier).

Task	Command
Install system	pacstrap
Update system	pacman -Syu
Install software	pacman -S
AUR helper	yay
Chroot	arch-chroot

Arch Linux vs Windows 11 (2026 Edition)

Feature	Windows 11	Arch Linux
Philosophy	“The OS knows best.” Focuses on AI (Copilot), services, and ease of use.	“User knows best.” Focuses on minimalism, transparency, and manual control.
Performance	High background usage (telemetry, indexing, AI). Idle RAM: ~4-5GB.	Lean and lightning-fast. Idle RAM: ~500MB – 1GB (depending on desktop).
Updates	Major yearly versions + frequent forced reboots.	Rolling Release: Install once, update forever. No forced reboots.
Gaming	100% compatibility. Home of Game Pass and Anti-Cheat.	~90% compatibility via Steam/Proton. Fails on games with kernel-level Anti-Cheat.
Privacy	High data collection and targeted ads in Start Menu.	Zero telemetry. No data is sent anywhere without your permission.
Price	~$139 (or included with hardware).	Free.

If you don’t mind learning how the system operates and wish to recover your gear from corporate tracking, switch to Arch. If you play competitive shooters like Valorant or want specialized tools (Adobe Suite, CAD), stick with Windows.

Also read about Explain File Permissions In Linux & Ownership With Examples