⚡ Installing CachyOS on Desktop/Laptop

CachyOS is a performance-focused Linux distribution based on Arch, optimized for speed, responsiveness, and modern hardware. This guide walks you through installing CachyOS using the official Calamares installer.

⚠️ Virtual machines are discouraged. Use bare metal for best performance.

Visit the official site to download the latest ISO:

https://cachyos.org/download/

Choose the desktop environment you prefer (e.g., KDE, GNOME, XFCE).

Before booting the ISO:

• Disable Secure Boot
• Disable CSM / Legacy USB Support
• Enable UEFI boot mode

Use a USB tool like Balena Etcher or Ventoy to flash the ISO. Boot your system from the USB stick.

Once in the live environment:

• Open the Calamares Installer
• Select Erase Disk or Manual Partitioning
• Choose your preferred Boot Manager
• Set Language, Region, and Keyboard Layout

🚫 Avoid “Install alongside” option—it may cause partitioning issues.

CachyOS lets you choose:

• Desktop Environment (KDE, GNOME, etc.)
• Kernel (default, hardened, performance-tuned)

Review settings and click Install. After completion:

• Reboot
• Remove USB stick

• Update system: `sudo pacman -Syu`
• Install additional apps via `CachyOS Hello` or `pacman`
• Configure Secure Boot if needed (see wiki)

• 🧭 CachyOS Preparation Guide
• 🖥️ Desktop Installation Guide
• 💬 CachyOS Community Forum