How To Install Arch Linux 2025 (The Easy Way) - Separate Disk - Standalone

Arch Linux is an open source, rolling release Linux distribution. Arch Linux is kept up-to-date by regularly updating the individual pieces of software that it comprises. Arch Linux is intentionally minimal, and is meant to be configured by the user during installation so they may add only what they require.

How to Install Arch Linux 2025 (Separate Disk, Standalone)

Installing Arch Linux on a separate disk in standalone mode ensures a clean setup without interfering with other operating systems. This guide walks you through the process step by step, making it easier to get started.

Preparation

• Have a dedicated disk ready. It will be formatted, so back up any important data.
• If you already have Windows installed, disconnect the Windows disk before starting. After installation, reconnect it to switch between systems via BIOS/UEFI or boot menu.
• Create Arch Linux installation media, such as a bootable USB drive.
• Insert the USB drive, restart your PC, and set the BIOS/UEFI to boot from it.
• Disable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI, as Arch Linux does not support it out of the box.

Booting the Installation Media

1. Select "Arch Linux install medium" and press Enter.
2. Increase console font size with: setfont ter-128n
3. Check internet connectivity:
   • Ethernet: ping -c 5 google.com
   • Wi-Fi: Use iwctl to connect. Commands include:
     • device list
     • device wlan0 set-property Powered on
     • rfkill unblock wlan
     • station wlan0 get-networks
     • station wlan0 connect WIFI_NAME
4. Verify connection again with: ping -c 5 google.com

Preparing the System

1. Synchronize packages: pacman -Sy
2. Update signing keys: pacman -S archlinux-keyring
3. Ensure archinstall is available: pacman -S archinstall
4. Start the installer: archinstall

Installation Menu

• Set language, locales, and mirrors.
• Configure disk:
  • Use default partition layout or manual partitioning.
  • For GPT disks, create EFI partition (1 GiB, FAT32, mount at /boot), root partition (ext4 or btrfs, mount at /), and optional swap partition.
  • For non-GPT disks, root and swap partitions are sufficient.
• Optional: enable disk encryption or swap on zram.
• Select bootloader (GRUB recommended).
• Set hostname, root password, and create a user account with sudo privileges.
• Choose profile (desktop recommended), desktop environment (GNOME suggested), graphics driver, and login manager.
• Select audio server (PipeWire recommended) and kernel if needed.
• Configure network (Network Manager suggested).
• Add optional packages and enable multilib if required.
• Set time zone and begin installation.

Final Steps

• After installation, optionally enter the chroot shell for post-install configuration.
• Shutdown with shutdown now, remove the USB drive, and reboot into Arch Linux.

Installing Arch Linux on a separate disk in standalone mode ensures a clean, controlled environment. With this setup, you can fully customize your system without affecting other operating systems.