# How to Install Hyprland on Arch Linux: Complete Setup Guide

> Learn to install Hyprland on Arch Linux with our easy guide. Configure and launch this dynamic Wayland compositor in minutes for a superior desktop experience.

- Repository: [Hypr Development/Hyprland](https://github.com/hyprwm/Hyprland)
- Tags: getting-started
- Published: 2026-07-29

---

**Install Hyprland on Arch Linux by running `sudo pacman -S hyprland`, copy the default configuration from `/etc/xdg/hypr/hyprland.conf.example` to `~/.config/hypr/hyprland.conf`, and launch the compositor via a display manager or directly from a TTY using `exec Hyprland`.**

Hyprland is a modern, GPU-accelerated Wayland compositor maintained by the **hyprwm/Hyprland** repository. Installing Hyprland on Arch Linux requires only the official package repositories, as the distribution provides optimized binaries that automatically resolve dependencies like `wlroots`, `pcre2`, `glm`, and `vulkan-headers`.

## Installing the Hyprland Package

The `hyprland` package in the official Arch repositories contains the compositor binary installed at `/usr/bin/Hyprland` and a systemd user service at `/usr/lib/systemd/user/hyprland.service`.

### Core Installation

Update your package database and install the base package:

```bash
sudo pacman -Syu hyprland

```

This command pulls in all required Wayland libraries and Vulkan headers automatically.

### Optional Tools and XWayland Support

For a complete desktop experience, install the ecosystem utilities and X11 compatibility layer:

```bash
sudo pacman -S hyprpaper hypridle hyprlock xorg-xwayland

```

**XWayland** is required to run legacy X11 applications under the Wayland session. The additional packages provide wallpaper management (**hyprpaper**), idle detection (**hypridle**), and screen locking (**hyprlock**) functionality.

## Configuring Hyprland

### Default Configuration Location

According to the hyprwm/Hyprland source tree, the package installs a reference configuration file at `/etc/xdg/hypr/hyprland.conf.example`. This template demonstrates the configuration syntax for monitors, input devices, and startup applications.

### Creating Your Personal Configuration

Create the user configuration directory and copy the default template before editing:

```bash
mkdir -p ~/.config/hypr
cp /etc/xdg/hypr/hyprland.conf.example ~/.config/hypr/hyprland.conf

```

Modify `~/.config/hypr/hyprland.conf` to set your keyboard layout, monitor resolutions, and keybindings. Hyprland monitors this file and reloads changes on-the-fly, allowing real-time configuration testing without session restarts.

## Launching Hyprland

You can start the compositor manually from a virtual terminal or integrate it with a display manager for automatic login.

### Starting from a TTY

For testing or minimalist setups, launch Hyprland directly by replacing your shell with the compositor:

```bash
exec Hyprland

```

This executes the binary at `/usr/bin/Hyprland` and initializes the GPU-accelerated Wayland session immediately.

### Display Manager Integration

To use a display manager like **greetd**, configure it to launch Hyprland as the default session:

```bash
cat <<EOF > ~/.config/greetd/config.toml
[terminal]
vt = 1

[default_session]
command = "Hyprland"
user = "$USER"
EOF
sudo systemctl enable greetd.service

```

Modern display managers like GDM and SDDM automatically detect the desktop entry shipped with the `hyprland` package, while the systemd user service at `/usr/lib/systemd/user/hyprland.service` provides standardized session management for advanced configurations.

## Summary

- Install Hyprland on Arch Linux using `sudo pacman -S hyprland` to automatically resolve dependencies including `wlroots` and `vulkan-headers`.
- Copy the default configuration from `/etc/xdg/hypr/hyprland.conf.example` to `~/.config/hypr/hyprland.conf` before customizing keybindings and startup applications.
- Install `xorg-xwayland` to maintain compatibility with X11 applications under the Wayland session.
- Launch via `exec Hyprland` from a TTY for manual testing, or configure a display manager like greetd using the systemd service file provided at `/usr/lib/systemd/user/hyprland.service`.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Hyprland available in the official Arch Linux repositories?

Yes, Hyprland is officially packaged in the Arch Linux repositories. You do not need to compile from source or use the AUR for the stable release, as the `hyprland` package is maintained there and receives updates aligned with the hyprwm/Hyprland release cycle.

### Where is the default Hyprland configuration file located?

The package installs a reference configuration at `/etc/xdg/hypr/hyprland.conf.example` as implemented in the hyprwm/Hyprland repository. You should copy this file to `~/.config/hypr/hyprland.conf` to create your personal configuration that persists across updates.

### Do I need XWayland to run X11 applications in Hyprland?

Yes, you must install the `xorg-xwayland` package to run X11 applications under Hyprland. While Hyprland is a native Wayland compositor, XWayland provides the necessary compatibility layer for legacy X11 software that has not been ported to Wayland protocols.

### How do I start Hyprland automatically on boot?

Enable a display manager service such as `greetd.service` or `sddm.service` using `sudo systemctl enable`. Configure the display manager to execute `/usr/bin/Hyprland` as the default session, or leverage the provided systemd user service at `/usr/lib/systemd/user/hyprland.service` for seamless autostart integration.