# How to Install the Omarchy Linux Distribution: Complete Setup Guide > Install Omarchy Linux easily with our guide. Learn about guided installation modes, LUKS encryption, and automated post-install setup for a seamless experience. - Repository: [37signals/omarchy](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy) - Tags: getting-started - Published: 2026-08-21 --- **Omarchy installs from a bootable ISO that runs a guided installer supporting full-disk, dual-boot, and unattended modes, with LUKS encryption enabled by default and automated post-install configuration via a first-boot wizard.** To install Omarchy, you download a bootable ISO from the basecamp/omarchy repository, write it to USB, and boot into the graphical installer. The installation process handles partitioning, encryption, and initial user setup automatically, leaving you with a ready-to-use Arch-based desktop environment. ## Prerequisites and ISO Preparation Omarchy distributes itself as a complete bootable image. The ISO contains the base system, installer logic, and package definitions found in `install/omarchy-base.packages`. ### Downloading the Official ISO Download the latest Omarchy release from the official GitHub releases page. The ISO includes all packages necessary for the base system, eliminating the need for network installation. ### Creating Bootable Media Write the ISO to a USB stick using `dd` or your preferred imaging tool. Replace `/dev/sdX` with your actual device identifier: ```bash sudo dd if=omarchy-2.0.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M conv=fdatasync status=progress ``` Boot your target machine from this USB to launch the Omarchy installer UI. ## Installation Methods The Omarchy installer supports three distinct installation modes, each defined in the repository's manual pages under the `manual/` directory. ### Full-Disk Installation This is the default and recommended installation path. The installer wipes the entire drive and creates a LUKS-encrypted partition, installing Omarchy as the sole operating system. To start a full-disk install: ```bash omarchy installer start ``` By default, the target partition uses **LUKS encryption**. If you require an unencrypted install (not recommended), deselect the encryption option during the partitioning step of the graphical wizard. ### Dual-Boot Installation For systems running Windows or another Linux distribution, Omarchy supports installation into free space without destroying existing partitions. This process is documented in [`manual/50-dual-boot-install.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/50-dual-boot-install.md). First, shrink your existing partition to create unallocated space. Then launch the installer with the free-space flag: ```bash omarchy installer start --free-space ``` The installer creates a new LUKS-encrypted partition in the available space and configures the bootloader to preserve your existing OS. ### Unattended Installation For automated deployments, Omarchy supports fully unattended installs using a `cidata` drive containing pre-generated configuration files. Place [`user_credentials.json`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/user_credentials.json) and optional `tailscale_authkey` files on a separate USB or partition. Trigger the automated workflow with: ```bash omarchy installer start --auto ``` The installer reads the configuration, partitions the disk, encrypts the volume, and creates the user account without displaying the graphical wizard. Complete specifications are available in [`manual/51-unattended-installs.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/51-unattended-installs.md). ## Post-Installation Configuration After the installer completes and the system reboots, Omarchy presents a first-boot wizard to finalize configuration. ### First-Boot Wizard The graphical wizard performs the following actions: - Creates your user account (username and password) - Sets the LUKS drive-encryption password (if encryption is enabled) - Optionally imports SSH `authorized_keys` for remote access - Optionally configures Tailscale using a provided auth-key The wizard writes configuration files to `/etc/omarchy-edition` and `/etc/skel`, which subsequent migration scripts and the `omarchy-reinstall` command reference to maintain system state. ### System Updates with omarchy-update Keep your installation current using the built-in update command. According to [`manual/30-updates.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/30-updates.md), `omarchy-update` pulls the latest packages from the Omarchy Arch mirror and applies pending system migrations: ```bash omarchy-update ``` This command ensures you receive security patches and feature updates specific to the Omarchy distribution. ### Package Management Install additional software using the Omarchy package helper. The command references package lists defined in `install/omarchy-other.packages` for optional components: ```bash # Install Joplin note-taking application from AUR omarchy pkg add joplin-bin ``` This integrates with the standard Arch package manager while maintaining Omarchy's configuration overlays. ## System Reset and Reinstallation If you need to restore the system to its post-install state while preserving the base system, use the reset functionality. The *Setup > Reset Computer* menu entry or the command-line tool restores the baseline snapshot created by the installer: ```bash omarchy-reinstall ``` This wipes user data and configurations but preserves the encrypted partition structure and base system packages defined in `install/omarchy-base.packages`, effectively returning the machine to a fresh-install state without requiring USB media. ## Summary - **Omarchy installs from a bootable ISO** that includes all base packages and a graphical installer. - **Three installation modes** are available: full-disk (default), dual-boot using `--free-space`, and unattended using `--auto` with a `cidata` drive. - **LUKS encryption is enabled by default** for all installation modes, with an option to disable during partitioning. - **Post-install configuration** occurs via a first-boot wizard that handles user creation, encryption passwords, SSH keys, and Tailscale setup. - **System maintenance** uses `omarchy-update` for updates and `omarchy-reinstall` for resets, both documented in [`manual/30-updates.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/30-updates.md) and the installer source files. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does Omarchy require manual partitioning during installation? No. The Omarchy installer handles partitioning automatically. For full-disk installs, it creates the necessary partitions and encrypted volumes without user intervention. For dual-boot scenarios, you must first free up space using your existing OS's disk management tools, then the installer automatically utilizes that unallocated space when run with `--free-space`. ### Can I disable disk encryption when installing Omarchy? Yes, though it is not recommended. The installer enables LUKS encryption by default for all installation modes. During the partitioning step of the graphical wizard, you can deselect the encryption option to proceed with an unencrypted install. Note that this reduces security and is generally discouraged for production systems. ### What files does Omarchy modify during the first-boot wizard? The wizard writes configuration data to `/etc/omarchy-edition` and populates `/etc/skel` with default user templates. These files are later referenced by `omarchy-reinstall` and migration scripts during system updates to ensure consistency between the base system and user environments. ### How do I perform an unattended installation of Omarchy? Create a `cidata` drive containing [`user_credentials.json`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/user_credentials.json) and optional authentication files like `tailscale_authkey`. Boot the Omarchy ISO with this drive attached, then execute `omarchy installer start --auto`. The installer reads the configuration, partitions the disk, applies encryption, and completes setup without displaying the graphical interface. Full specifications are documented in [`manual/51-unattended-installs.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/51-unattended-installs.md).