# How to Install Omarchy Linux Distribution: Complete Guide to ISO Installation

> Learn how to install Omarchy Linux from an ISO. This guide covers full-disk or dual-boot installation with default LUKS encryption for a secure OS.

- Repository: [Omacom/omarchy](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-08-31

---

**Omarchy Linux installs from a bootable ISO using either a full-disk takeover or a dual-boot free-space method, with LUKS encryption enabled by default.**

Omarchy is a ready-to-boot Linux distribution that ships as an ISO image with a built-in installer. This guide covers how to install Omarchy Linux from the official source, based on the installer implementation in the `omacom/omarchy` repository.

## Downloading the Omarchy ISO

The only official source for Omarchy images is **omarchy.org**. The ISO contains the complete installer with hardware detection, disk partitioning utilities, and the Limine bootloader.

Download the latest release directly:

```bash
curl -L -o omarchy.iso https://omarchy.org/download/latest.iso

```

Verify the image checksum if provided on the download page before proceeding.

## Creating a Bootable USB Drive

You need a USB drive of at least 8GB. The flashing tool depends on your current operating system.

### macOS and Windows

Use **balenaEtcher** for a graphical, cross-platform solution. Select your Omarchy ISO, choose the target USB device, and flash.

### Linux

Use **caligula**, an open-source alternative written in Rust:

```bash
sudo caligula -i omarchy.iso /dev/sdX

```

Replace `/dev/sdX` with your actual USB device identifier (use `lsblk` to identify it). The `-i` flag specifies the input ISO image.

## Preparing Your System for Omarchy Install

### Disable Secure Boot and TPM

The Omarchy installer requires these firmware features to be disabled. Reboot into your BIOS/UEFI settings:

1. Locate **Secure Boot** → set to *Disabled*
2. Locate **TPM** (Trusted Platform Module) → set to *Disabled*

These settings are typically found under Security or Boot menus. Save and exit.

### Address BitLocker Conflicts

For dual-boot installations with Windows, disable **BitLocker** before proceeding:

```

Windows Settings → Privacy & Security → Device encryption → Off

```

Failure to do this may cause installation errors when the installer attempts to partition the disk.

## Running the Omarchy Installer

Boot from the USB drive. The ISO loads directly into the graphical installer without requiring a live environment.

### Installer Screens and Options

The configuration wizard ([`manual/02-getting-started.md`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/manual/02-getting-started.md) lines 9-24) presents sequential screens for:

- **Keyboard layout**
- **Locale and timezone**
- **Username and password**
- **Disk selection method**

### Full-Disk Installation

Select a drive on the drive-selection screen. **This erases the entire drive.** The installer automatically partitions with:
- EFI system partition for Limine
- LUKS-encrypted root partition

### Free-Space Installation (Dual-Boot)

Choose **Free space install** to use only unallocated disk space. This preserves existing operating systems. The installer detects empty partitions and installs Omarchy alongside them.

## Encryption and Security Options

LUKS encryption is **enabled by default** for all installations. To install without encryption—for example, on a disposable VM—press **Ctrl + C** at the disk-format confirmation prompt. The installer continues with unencrypted formatting.

```bash

# At "Format disk with encryption?" prompt:

Ctrl + C   # Skip encryption, proceed with plain formatting

```

## Post-Installation: Bootloader Configuration

Omarchy uses **Limine** as its bootloader, written to the EFI system partition during finalization.

### Adding Other Operating Systems

After installation, scan for additional bootloaders:

```bash
sudo limine-scan

```

This command updates [`manual/50-dual-boot-install.md`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/manual/50-dual-boot-install.md) line 36) and regenerates the Limine configuration with entries for detected systems like Windows or other Linux distributions.

### Hand-Over Installations

To prepare a machine for another owner without setting personal credentials, abort the installer at the first screen:

```bash

# At the initial keyboard selection screen:

Ctrl + C   # Defer all user setup to first boot by the new owner

```

Omarchy will complete the system preparation and prompt for username and password on the next boot.

## First Boot and Final Setup

Reboot and select **Omarchy** from the Limine menu. If you completed the full installer, log in with the credentials you provided. For hand-over installs, create your user account at the initial setup screen.

The system runs **migration scripts** from `migrations/*.sh` during first boot to configure the desktop environment, themes from `themes/*/`, and default applications like `applications/mpv.desktop`.

## Automated and Unattended Installs

For VMs, servers, or fleet deployments, refer to [`manual/51-unattended-installs.md`](https://github.com/omacom/omarchy/blob/main/manual/51-unattended-installs.md). This documents headless installation without the graphical wizard, using answer files and preseed configurations.

## Troubleshooting Omarchy Installation

| Issue | Solution |
|-------|----------|
| Boot fails with secure boot error | Re-enter BIOS and explicitly disable Secure Boot |
| BitLocker partition errors | Disable Windows Device encryption before retrying |
| USB not detected as bootable | Re-flash with verified ISO checksum; try different USB port |
| Limine menu missing Windows | Run `sudo limine-scan` after first boot |

Community support is available on the **#omarchy-help** Discord channel.

## Summary

- **Omarchy Linux installation** requires the official ISO from omarchy.org and a bootable USB created with balenaEtcher or caligula
- **Disable Secure Boot and TPM** in firmware before booting the installer
- **Two installation modes**: full-disk (erase everything) or free-space (dual-boot)
- **LUKS encryption is default**; press Ctrl+C at the encryption prompt to disable
- **Limine bootloader** handles multi-OS booting, managed with `sudo limine-scan`
- **Hand-over installs** let you defer user creation by pressing Ctrl+C at the first installer screen

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Where can I download the official Omarchy Linux ISO?

The only authorized source is **omarchy.org**. Do not use third-party mirrors. The ISO includes the complete installer, hardware detection tools, and the Limine bootloader pre-configured.

### Can I install Omarchy alongside Windows or another Linux distribution?

Yes. Select **Free space install** in the disk selection screen. This uses only unallocated space without touching existing partitions. After installation, run `sudo limine-scan` to add other operating systems to the Limine boot menu.

### How do I install Omarchy without disk encryption?

Press **Ctrl + C** when the installer prompts "Format disk with encryption?" This cancels LUKS setup and continues with unencrypted formatting. Use this for throwaway VMs or environments where encryption isn't required.

### What should I do if the installer reports a BitLocker error?

Disable BitLocker from Windows before attempting installation. Navigate to Settings → Privacy & Security → Device encryption and turn it off. The Omarchy installer cannot modify BitLocker-protected partitions.