How to Install Manjaro Linux: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

Manjaro Linux is an increasingly popular Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. It is known for its user-friendly interface, rolling release model, and powerful set of features.

Whether you’re new to Linux or an experienced user looking for a sleek, stable, and highly customizable operating system, Manjaro is an excellent choice.

This guide will walk you through the process of installing Manjaro Linux from start to finish.

System Requirements for Manjaro Linux

Before starting the installation, ensure your system meets the following minimum requirements:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor (64-bit)
• RAM: 2 GB (4 GB or more recommended)
• Storage: At least 30 GB of free disk space
• Display: 1024×768 resolution or higher
• Bootable USB Drive: Minimum 4 GB capacity

Download the Manjaro Linux ISO

Visit the official Manjaro Linux website and download the ISO image of your preferred desktop environment (e.g., XFCE, KDE Plasma, GNOME). Each edition offers different features and user experiences:

• XFCE: Lightweight and highly customizable.
• KDE Plasma: Visually appealing with advanced features.
• GNOME: Modern and minimalistic.

Create a Bootable USB Drive

To install Manjaro Linux, you need to create a bootable USB drive:

• Windows Users: Use Rufus.
  1. Download and run Rufus from rufus.ie.
  2. Select your USB drive.
  3. Click Select and choose the Manjaro ISO image.
  4. Ensure the partition scheme is set to GPT for UEFI systems or MBR for legacy BIOS.
  5. Click Start and wait for the process to complete.
• Linux Users: Use the dd command or Etcher.

sudo dd if=/path/to/manjaro.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync

• Replace /path/to/manjaro.iso with the path to the downloaded ISO file and /dev/sdX with your USB drive (e.g., /dev/sdb).

Boot from the USB Drive

1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the target computer.
2. Restart the computer and access the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, Del, or Esc during boot).
3. Set the USB drive as the first boot device.
4. Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. The computer will boot from the USB drive, displaying the Manjaro Linux boot menu.

Start the Installation Process

1. Select Boot: Manjaro Linux from the boot menu.
2. Once the live environment loads, click on the Install Manjaro Linux icon on the desktop.
3. Choose your preferred language, location, and keyboard layout.

Partitioning Your Disk

Choose how you want to partition your disk:

• Automatic Partitioning: Select Erase disk if you want Manjaro to handle the partitioning automatically. This option will erase all data on the disk.
• Manual Partitioning: Choose Manual partitioning if you want to create custom partitions for root (/), home (/home), and swap space.

Example Partition Scheme:

• / (root): 20-30 GB
• /home: Remaining space for user data
• Swap: 2-4 GB or based on your RAM size

Create User Account and Set Password

1. Enter your name, computer name, username, and password.
2. You can choose to log in automatically or require a password to log in.

Review Installation Summary

Check that all installation settings are correct, including the disk layout and user details. Once everything is confirmed, click Install to begin the process. This step may take several minutes to complete.

Complete the Installation

Once the installation is finished, you will see a prompt to restart your system:

1. Click Restart Now.
2. Remove the USB drive when prompted.

First Boot and Post-Installation Setup

1. Log in with the user credentials you created during installation.
2. Update your system to ensure you have the latest packages and security patches:

sudo pacman -Syu

Install Additional Software

Manjaro comes with a set of pre-installed applications, but you might want to install more software:

• Web Browser:

sudo pacman -S firefox

• Office Suite:

sudo pacman -S libreoffice-fresh

• Media Player:

sudo pacman -S vlc

Configure Pamac and AUR Support

Pamac, the graphical package manager in Manjaro, can be configured to support the Arch User Repository (AUR):

1. Open Add/Remove Software.
2. Go to Preferences > AUR.
3. Enable AUR support to access additional community-maintained software.

Set Up Timeshift for System Backups

To create system backups and restore points:

sudo pacman -S timeshift

Set up Timeshift to automate snapshots and protect your data from unexpected issues.

Customize Your Desktop Environment

Explore the Appearance settings to customize themes, icons, and fonts according to your preference. Download additional themes from the Manjaro Settings Manager or community resources.

Secure Your System

Enable and configure the firewall:

sudo pacman -S ufw
sudo ufw enable

This adds an extra layer of security to your system.

Manjaro Linux provides a great balance between user-friendliness and powerful customization, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned Linux users.

By following this guide, you can successfully install and set up Manjaro Linux on your system, customize it to your needs, and start exploring its wide array of features.