This is a short, step-by-step guide for anyone who wants to install Manjaro. The goal is to download, install, and start using Manjaro, a Linux distribution.
What is Manjaro Linux?
Manjaro is an open-source and free Linux distro. It is based on another popular distro called Arch Linux. The OS is user-friendly, and you can choose the user interface you like (Xfce, KDE, GNOME, etc.).
Dual-booting of Windows and Manjaro
Some people like having 2 OSes on their computer. For those of you, there is a chance to install it on a separate partition.
To create a new partition, you can use Disk Management. To start it, you can use Run and write “diskmgmt.msc” and press Enter.
If you have an additional drive for this installation, you can format it, and after that, click on the free space and create a partition. If you don’t, you can use one that has some space, right-click on it, and choose to Shrink Volume.
Make sure you have at least 30GB if you are a casual user or a lot more if you want to use it for work (100GB+).
Pre-installation Manjaro Linux
Download the ISO file
First, let’s get the ISO file from the official site of Manjaro. There are many desktop environments: XFCE, KDE Plasma. GNOME or a custom version Manjaro-Architect, where you can choose between community builds and even older 32-bit version.
Download the version you would like.
Create a bootable USB drive with the ISO
For creating the bootable USB drive, you can use a 4GB drive or 8GB+ if you have chosen a heavier version.
We will use a software called balenaEtcher (https://www.balena.io/etcher/) because it is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can use another one.
You will need to get and set up the software. Then run balenaEtcher and insert your USB drive. Inside the application, choose the ISO. After that, choose the correct drive (the USB drive) and click Flash.
Boot from an external USB drive
There is a different process to boot from the flash drive, depending on the manufacturer of your computer.
Usually, it involves pressing the power button and immediately after pressing one of the following keys DEL, ESC, F1, F2, F8, or F10.
You might need to start the BIOS and change the settings there to allow boot from another drive.
Booting the Manjaro Live Environment
When you pick the “boot from the USB drive” option, you will see the Manjaro Welcome screen.
If you have any external graphics card or another extra component, you better choose non-free (proprietary) drivers. You can select it by moving with the arrow keys to the “driver=free” sign and press Enter. From there, you can pick non-free.
The next step is to choose “Boot: Manjaro.XXX” and wait.
Installing Manjaro Linux
You will see an icon on the desktop that says, “Install Manjaro Linux” press it two times.
Welcome
On the first screen, pick the right installation language for you.
Location
Then choose location and time zone. There you can also select the language and the date formats for the OS.
Keyboard
Choose the right configuration for you. You can add different languages now or later. Whatever you prefer.
Partitions
Here you can choose from 4 options:
- Install Alongside. Now you can use the partition on your drive that you have dedicated already and install it alongside your previous OS.
- Replace a Partition. If you had a dual-boating system already and want to change your current Linux or Windows with the new OS and keep one of them.
- Erase Disk. Install from 0 after deleting everything.
- Manual Partitioning. Use for a custom installation and also can be used for Dual Boat.
Choose the right option for you.
Users
Create a user for this computer and a password. You will also be able to put the administrator’s account details.
Summary
This screen will show you your choices. When you verify your decisions, press the Install button.
Finish
In the end, re-boat your computer. Now you are ready! You already have a Manjaro Linux installed on your computer, congrats!