Information updated on using the official sources linked in this profile.
Manjaro: choosing a desktop and understanding updates
Manjaro is an Arch-based Linux distribution with its own software repositories and ready-to-install desktop editions. It follows a rolling-release model: choosing an interface also means allowing time to follow updates and maintain the system.
Who is it for? Someone who wants to explore this ecosystem with a prepared desktop and is willing to consult documentation when things change. First check essential applications and hardware. A distribution’s name does not guarantee performance or compatibility on your computer.
KDE Plasma, Xfce or GNOME: start with how you work
The official x86 image page offers three official editions: KDE Plasma, Xfce and GNOME. These are different interfaces within the same project, not three support tiers. Other images are labelled as community editions; check who maintains them before choosing.
| Edition | What to compare | Useful test |
|---|---|---|
| KDE Plasma | An interface with extensive appearance and behaviour settings. | Arrange windows, panels and shortcuts to suit your work. |
| Xfce | A desktop that emphasises modest resource use and a conventional layout. | Open your applications together to assess usability on your computer. |
| GNOME | An organisation centred on activities and workspaces. | Switch tasks using your keyboard and touchpad. |
This is not a measured ranking. An interface that suits you and working peripherals matter more than a general promise of speed.
Manjaro and Arch Linux use different repositories
Manjaro uses an Arch foundation but distributes packages through its own repositories. The Manjaro documentation on repositories and the AUR explains that separation. Do not replace Manjaro repositories with Arch repositories to obtain a newer package.
Our Arch Linux profile explains its minimal starting point. See also Arch-based distributions to compare related projects. Check commands written for Arch against Manjaro documentation before running them.
Rolling release: update the system as a whole
The Manjaro rolling-release model updates an existing installation without reinstalling for each ISO. Numbered images are snapshots, particularly for new installations; their number alone does not describe a computer that has already received updates.
The maintenance documentation excludes partial upgrades. Avoid arbitrarily holding packages or refreshing package lists without upgrading the system. Use your installation’s update tool and read the proposed changes before confirming.
- Keep a backup of important data before an operation that could affect your work.
- Allow enough time and a suitable connection to complete the update.
- If an error or conflict occurs, record the message and find the appropriate procedure before forcing an operation.
Pamac and the AUR: check where software comes from
Pamac, the Add/Remove Software tool, is preinstalled in many editions. It searches for software and shows which packages will be installed, updated or removed. Start with your installation’s official repositories and review the summary, including dependencies.
The AUR is a community collection of build scripts, separate from official repositories. Enabling it is not necessary to start using Manjaro. The project does not support problems with AUR software; packages may need intervention or stop working after an update. Read their pages, build instructions and reports before relying on them.
Our Software section (in French) groups applications by use. Always check that instructions apply to your system: a package or installation method for one distribution is not automatically available for all others.
Kernels, peripherals and installation preparation
The Manjaro kernel manager can retain several kernels and let you choose one at boot. The documentation recommends considering “Recommended” and LTS labels. An LTS kernel does not turn the entire distribution into a fixed long-term-support release.
Before installing, copy your files and test Wi-Fi, sound, webcam, suspend and external displays in the trial session. Open copies of your usual documents too. Keep your existing working environment until essential requirements are covered.
Continue to the Manjaro download page and select a suitable official image. Our pre-installation checklist helps organise testing. No hardware test or benchmark is claimed here.
Sources and method. Linked official Manjaro pages checked on 24 October 2026. Usage choices and preparation steps are editorial guidance. Check images, packages and kernels again when you install.