Manjaro Linux for Beginners: What it is and How to Install It (Step-by-Step)

What is Manjaro Linux?

Manjaro is a user-friendly, rolling-release Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. It ships with a modern package manager (pacman) and a simple app store (Pamac). Official desktop editions include Xfce (lightweight), KDE Plasma (highly customizable) and GNOME (clean & simple).

• Great for newcomers: easy graphical installer, automatic hardware detection, curated repositories.
• Always up to date: rolling release means you get new software continuously (no big “version jumps”).
• Choose your desktop: Xfce, KDE Plasma, GNOME — pick the look & workflow you prefer.

See official Manjaro editions & downloads

Before You Start

• Back up your files. Installation can erase disks if you choose that option.
• Hardware basics: at least 4 GB RAM, 30 GB free disk, dual-core CPU recommended.
• UEFI & Secure Boot: Use UEFI firmware with Secure Boot disabled for the standard installer.
• Have a USB drive: 4–8 GB or larger to create a bootable installer.

What you will download

• Manjaro ISO — choose Xfce (fast), KDE Plasma (feature-rich) or GNOME (simple).
• Checksum (optional but recommended) to verify your download.

Step 1 — Download Manjaro

1. Go to manjaro.org → Download (x86).
2. Pick an edition: Xfce (best for older/low-spec PCs), KDE Plasma or GNOME.
3. Click Download (choose a mirror close to you). Optionally download the SHA256 checksum.

Step 2 — Create a Bootable USB (Windows or Linux/macOS)

Windows (Rufus):

1. Download Rufus and run it.
2. Insert your USB drive. In Rufus, select your USB under Device and your Manjaro .iso via the disk icon.
3. For UEFI systems: Partition scheme = GPT, File system = FAT32.
4. When Rufus asks about write mode, choose DD Image (recommended for Manjaro ISOs).
5. Click Start and wait until it finishes.

Linux/macOS (balenaEtcher, simple):

1. Install balenaEtcher.
2. Open Etcher → Select image (choose the Manjaro ISO) → Select target (your USB) → Flash.

More options & tips: Manjaro Wiki: Burn an ISO

Step 3 — Check Firmware Settings (UEFI)

1. Reboot and enter firmware (UEFI) setup (keys like Del, F2, F10, F12, Esc vary by brand).
2. Enable UEFI boot mode. Disable Secure Boot.
3. Save changes and exit.

Reference: Manjaro UEFI Install Guide

Step 4 — Boot the USB

1. Use your boot menu key (often F12/F8) to choose the USB drive.
2. At the Manjaro boot menu, pick Boot with open-source drivers (try proprietary if you have NVIDIA and need it).
3. When the live desktop appears, connect to the internet if you can.

Step 5 — Install with the Graphical Installer (Calamares)

1. On the live desktop, click Install Manjaro.
2. Language → Region/Time → Keyboard.
3. Partitions:
   • Erase disk — simplest (wipes the selected disk and installs Manjaro).
   • Manual partitioning — for dual-boot/advanced users:
     • Use existing EFI System Partition (ESP) (FAT32, ~300–512 MB) and mount it at /boot/efi without formatting.
     • Create root (/) as ext4, size ≥ 30 GB. Optionally create a separate /home partition.
     • Swap: either a swapfile (automatic) or a swap partition (helpful for hibernation).
4. User: create your username & password; optionally allow admin privileges.
5. Review the summary → click Install. When done, click Restart now and remove the USB.

About the installer: Calamares project page

Step 6 — First Boot & Essentials

1. Update your system:
   • GUI: open Add/Remove Software (Pamac) → Updates.
   • Terminal: sudo pacman -Syu
2. Drivers (optional): open Manjaro Settings Manager → Hardware Configuration to switch/install graphics drivers (uses MHWD).
3. AUR & Flatpak (optional): in Pamac → Preferences → Third Party → enable AUR and/or Flatpak. (For AUR building you may need base-devel and git.)

• Hardware detection: MHWD overview
• Kernel management: Manjaro Kernels
• Updates explained: Software updates (forum)
• AUR in Pamac: Manjaro Wiki: AUR

Helpful Links

• Official Manjaro Downloads
• UEFI Install Guide (Secure Boot off)
• Burn an ISO to USB (Rufus/Etcher)