# How to Install Omarchy: Complete Guide for Full-Disk and Dual-Boot Setups > Install Omarchy easily with our complete guide. Automate partitioning encryption and bootloader setup for full-disk or dual-boot systems. - Repository: [37signals/omarchy](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy) - Tags: how-to-guide - Published: 2026-08-23 --- **Omarchy installs from a bootable ISO that automatically handles partitioning, LUKS encryption, and bootloader configuration, supporting both full-disk and dual-boot installations.** The Omarchy distribution from the `basecamp/omarchy` repository ships as a complete bootable ISO. You can install Omarchy as a standalone system or alongside existing operating systems, with the installer managing disk encryption and the Limine bootloader without manual intervention. ## Prerequisites and Preparation Before you install Omarchy, gather the necessary hardware and firmware settings to ensure the process completes without errors. ### Download the Official ISO Grab the latest Omarchy ISO from the official [Omarchy download page](https://omarchy.org/). Verify the checksum if provided to ensure the image downloaded correctly before writing it to installation media. ### Create a Bootable USB Drive Write the ISO to a USB stick using your platform's preferred tool. On macOS or Windows, use [balenaEtcher](https://etcher.balena.io/). On Linux, use `dd` or [caligula](https://github.com/ifd3f/caligula) for a safer progress-tracking experience: ```bash sudo dd if=Omarchy.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync ``` Replace `/dev/sdX` with your actual USB device identifier (e.g., `/dev/sdb`). ### Configure Firmware Settings Disable **Secure Boot** and **TPM** in your BIOS/UEFI firmware. According to [`manual/02-getting-started.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/02-getting-started.md) (lines 7-8), these Microsoft-specific protections must be turned off to allow the Omarchy installer to write its own bootloader keys and manage LUKS encryption. ## Running the Omarchy Installer Once the USB is prepared and firmware settings adjusted, boot from the installation media to launch the automated wizard. ### Initial Boot and Configuration Wizard Restart your computer and select the USB stick as the boot device. The Omarchy installer launches automatically and presents a configuration wizard asking for keyboard type, locale, and user credentials. ### Keyboard Requirements for Initial Setup Use a **wired or 2.4 GHz keyboard** for the initial password entry. As noted in [`manual/02-getting-started.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/02-getting-started.md) (lines 19-22), Bluetooth keyboards are not supported during the pre-boot environment, so you cannot enter disk encryption passwords or interact with the installer via Bluetooth peripherals. ## Installation Modes The Omarchy installer supports three distinct installation strategies depending on your hardware setup. ### Full-Disk Installation Select the full-disk install option to wipe the target drive and install Omarchy as the sole operating system. The installer automatically configures **LUKS encryption** for the entire disk and installs the **Limine bootloader** as the only boot entry. This mode is recommended for dedicated machines or when you want complete system isolation. ### Free-Space Dual-Boot Installation Choose the **Free space install** option to place Omarchy alongside existing operating systems without destroying current partitions. As documented in [`manual/50-dual-boot-install.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/50-dual-boot-install.md) (lines 25-28), this mode preserves your Windows or Linux installations while carving out space for Omarchy in unused disk regions. ### Unattended Automated Installation For virtual machines or fleet deployments, place a configuration file on a second drive before booting the ISO. The installer detects and consumes this file automatically, executing a headless installation without interactive prompts. See [`manual/51-unattended-installs.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/51-unattended-installs.md) for the configuration schema and placement rules. ## Post-Installation Configuration After the installer finishes (typically within a few minutes), perform these final steps to optimize the boot environment. ### Managing Boot Entries with limine-scan If you installed Omarchy alongside another operating system, run the `limine-scan` command after the first boot to detect and add missing entries to the Limine bootloader menu. According to [`manual/50-dual-boot-install.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/50-dual-boot-install.md) (lines 34-38), this utility scans for Windows partitions and other Linux distributions, updating the boot menu to present all available systems. ### Skipping Encryption (Advanced) Press `Ctrl + C` at the disk-formatting confirmation step to switch to a **no-encryption install**. As described in [`manual/02-getting-started.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/02-getting-started.md) (lines 31-36), this bypasses LUKS setup and is discouraged for production hardware but useful for throw-away VMs or remote installations where manual decryption is impractical. ## Essential Post-Install Commands Once Omarchy is running, use these CLI utilities to manage the system. These commands are implemented in the `bin/` directory of the repository: ```bash # Update Omarchy and all installed packages omarchy-update # Refresh theme assets after installing a new theme omarchy-theme-refresh # Switch to a different desktop theme omarchy-theme-set dark # Display the current Omarchy version omarchy-version ``` The `omarchy-update` script in `bin/omarchy-update` handles system-wide updates, while `bin/omarchy-version` reports the installed release tag. ## Summary - **Omarchy distributes as a bootable ISO** that requires disabling Secure Boot and TPM before installation. - **Two installation modes exist**: full-disk (with mandatory LUKS encryption) and free-space dual-boot (preserving existing OS installations). - **Hardware requirements** include wired or 2.4 GHz keyboards during initial setup, as Bluetooth is unsupported in the pre-boot environment. - **Unattended installations** support automated deployments via configuration files on secondary drives. - **Post-install tools** like `limine-scan` and `omarchy-update` manage boot entries and system maintenance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I dual-boot Omarchy with Windows? Yes. Select the **Free space install** option during installation to place Omarchy alongside Windows without destroying existing partitions. After installation, run `limine-scan` to add Windows to the Limine bootloader menu. ### Why do I need to disable Secure Boot and TPM? These firmware features are Microsoft-specific protections that prevent unsigned bootloaders and encryption keys from loading. According to the source documentation in [`manual/02-getting-started.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/02-getting-started.md), disabling them is mandatory so the Omarchy installer can write the Limine bootloader and manage its own LUKS encryption keys. ### How do I perform an unattended installation of Omarchy? Place a configuration file containing your installation parameters on a second drive before booting the ISO. The installer automatically detects and consumes this file, executing the installation without interactive prompts. This method is documented in [`manual/51-unattended-installs.md`](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/blob/main/manual/51-unattended-installs.md). ### Can I install Omarchy without disk encryption? Yes, but it requires manual intervention. Press `Ctrl + C` when the installer reaches the disk-formatting confirmation step to disable LUKS encryption. This creates an unencrypted installation suitable for VMs or testing environments, though it is discouraged for production machines handling sensitive data.