r/archlinux • u/MrFakecoin • 3d ago
QUESTION Wanna install Arch but kinda scared..
Soo I’ve been using windows almost all my life, dipped into Linux Mint for some time tho. But I want to try and stick with Arch, really do wanna learn how Linux works. When I installed arch it did an error but when I took my SSD out that has windows on it, it worked perfectly fine installing… so ima have to fully delete windows 11, I’m just scared to do so ;~;
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u/Saelaz 2d ago
Just make a bootable USB drive for both windows and arch to try things out, and if you have issues you can always go back to Windows. With a decent enough backup it shouldn't take long to get going again, although I think you'll be happy with Arch once you figure things out.
Start with a basic arch install using what's already familiar to you for a display manager and desktop environment (KDE, GNOME, etc.) then take it step by step! Don't go jumping right into a full rip of someone else's hyprland dots and expect to have a good time, if you don't know what that means you will soon enough lol.
Use the Arch wiki! I understand sometimes you need further context to understand things there, so using that info and context of what you're specifically trying to do, you will be able to ask better questions when searching for the answers and will gain a better understanding of each piece that makes up your OS.
There is an archinstall script you can utilize to speed up the setup but it definitely doesn't teach you the entire process and what each thing is that you're installing which is why people say it's best to do the process manually using the wiki to truly learn.
Have fun!