Skip to main content

Download Arch Linux: official images and preparation

Share
Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp

English edition published on .

Arch Linux catalogue screenshot
Catalogue screenshot; the current release may look different.
Download Arch Linux
Project resources — opens a new tab

Page updated on · Official sources checked on that date.

Arch Linux: from the official image to installation

For installation on an x86-64 PC, obtain the ISO from the Arch Linux project, check its integrity and signature, then write it to a USB drive. Prepare networking and disk choices before starting installation.

The official Arch Linux Downloads page provides the image through torrents or HTTP(S) mirrors. It also provides resources for WSL and virtual machines: choose media matching your goal. A bootstrap archive is not an ISO to write to USB.

1. Choose media for your needs

Arch Linux targets x86-64 and starts with a minimal base to configure, as its official introduction explains. Check the target processor: “64-bit” does not distinguish an x86-64 PC from an ARM device. Architecture compatibility also does not guarantee support for every peripheral.

  • Fresh installation on a PC: choose the x86-64 ISO, then follow the USB preparation below.
  • Exploring in a virtual machine: use the ISO as a virtual optical drive. This helps you practise the procedure but does not test your physical Wi-Fi or graphics card.
  • Arch already installed: its rolling-release model updates the existing system. A new ISO is normally unnecessary for that; read the maintenance section of the Arch Linux profile.

Before installing to disk, back up documents to independent media and check that you can read them. If retaining another system, keep recovery tools available. List partitions to preserve and essential software using our software selection guide.

2. Check the ISO’s SHA256 and signature

Obtain the references and .sig signature for the same dated image from the official download page. Keep filenames intact: mixing editions can cause verification to fail. Do not use a checksum for another ISO.

On Windows, open PowerShell in the ISO’s folder. The Get-FileHash command documented by Microsoft calculates its hash:

Get-FileHash -LiteralPath '.\EXACT-NAME.iso' -Algorithm SHA256

On Linux, the sha256sum manual describes calculating the same hash:

sha256sum 'EXACT-NAME.iso'

Replace EXACT-NAME.iso with the actual filename. Compare the complete displayed value with the matching official SHA256; uppercase or lowercase hexadecimal letters do not change the value. If it differs, do not use the image and recheck the file and download.

Also verify authenticity. Arch’s “Download verification” section explains obtaining the release key and checking the signature using Sequoia or GnuPG. Follow it with the exact ISO and signature filenames. A correct checksum is insufficient if its reference has not been authenticated.

The GnuPG manual explains that verification requires knowing which file was signed and by whom. For detached signatures, it recommends specifying both files explicitly. Do not treat an unknown key or a warning as automatic validation; resolve the issue before installation.

3. Write the image to USB

Writing replaces the selected drive’s contents. Back them up and choose a capacity larger than the ISO. Simply copying the file into a USB folder does not write the image.

On Windows, Rufus creates this media and lists Arch Linux among supported images. balenaEtcher also writes and verifies media on Linux, Windows and macOS; check its supported platforms and OS versions before choosing the tool.

  1. Select the verified ISO in the tool. Avoid choosing an old copy with a similar name.
  2. Identify the USB drive by name and capacity. Check the destination before agreeing to erase it. Disconnect unnecessary drives if that helps prevent confusion.
  3. Start writing and wait for completion, including the tool’s verification. Media-write verification does not replace checking the ISO’s signature. Eject the media properly afterwards.

4. Boot and prepare installation

Use your computer’s boot menu to select USB; the key and options depend on the manufacturer. If it does not appear or an error blocks booting, note the message and read hardware and project documentation before changing firmware settings.

The archinstall project provides a guided installer within the Arch environment. Its getting-started documentation requires preparing networking before running it, particularly for Wi-Fi. The assistant helps enter choices; it does not decide which disk to erase, desktop to install or accounts to create.

For manual installation, the official guide is linked from Arch Linux Downloads. Before formatting, check the target disk and retained partitions. After installation, plan network configuration, applications and backups, then test essential tasks.

To compare derivative approaches, see the Arch family category. The Arch Linux profile explains software choices and maintenance work.