Download and Install Manjaro Linux

Choosing a Linux system for a computer means finding its installer and working out how to start it. Manjaro Linux is an operating system based on Arch Linux that can boot from a USB drive before you install it on your computer.

I’ll explain what Manjaro is, then show how to download its official image and install it on the intended storage.

TL;DR: Download Manjaro from its official site

Download the x86 image from Manjaro’s official site for a typical PC, pick an official desktop edition, then write the ISO to a USB drive and boot it to start installation.

• Official images: Manjaro x86 downloads.
• Choose KDE Plasma, Xfce or GNOME. Community editions are maintained separately.
• Check the selected disk carefully before confirming any erase or format action.

What is Manjaro Linux?

Manjaro Linux is a distribution based on Arch Linux, with its own repositories and installation media. Its live ISO boots a temporary desktop from USB, and the installer copies the system to selected storage.

Manjaro describes its release model as rolling, with well-tested updates and cascading stability. The project says this lets you choose the version that fits your needs. Apply available updates after the first boot.

The official x86 page lists KDE Plasma, Xfce and GNOME as official images. Cinnamon, i3 and Sway are community images, maintained by community members. A desktop environment is the graphical workspace you use after signing in.

Choice	Use it for
KDE Plasma	A configurable desktop with many settings.
Xfce	A lightweight desktop that aims to use fewer resources.
GNOME	A modern desktop with a distinct layout.
ARM image	Supported ARM devices, not a standard x86 laptop or desktop.

How to download and install Manjaro step by step

Download the image, make boot media and install to the intended disk. Back up files first because erase-disk removes its contents.

Step 1: Choose and download the ISO

On a standard PC, open Manjaro’s official x86 download page and choose KDE Plasma, Xfce or GNOME. Use the ARM page only for a supported ARM device. An ISO is a disk image containing the live system and installer.

Choose the desktop you want. Manjaro’s page describes each edition and links to its image. Avoid third-party archives for a current installer.

Step 2: Write the ISO to a USB drive

Use an image writer such as Rufus on Windows or a USB writer on Linux. Select the ISO and USB device. The write erases the USB, so copy its files elsewhere first.

When writing finishes, eject the drive. Copying an ISO as an ordinary file does not create boot media. Manjaro’s installation guide notes corrupted downloads or media can prevent startup.

Step 3: Boot the live Manjaro system

Restart with the USB connected and open the one-time boot menu or firmware settings. Choose the USB entry. If the old system starts, check the boot order and the USB write.

Connect to the internet before installation, as Manjaro recommends, and check the live desktop while following the computer maker’s boot-menu instructions.

Step 4: Install to the intended storage

Launch the installer and follow its prompts. At storage setup, identify the disk by size and model. “Erase disk” removes its files.

For dual boot or an existing Linux home partition, follow Manjaro’s UEFI guide and continue only if the summary shows the intended disk and changes.

Common installation problems to check

Image writing and disk selection can destroy existing data, so check these points first.

• Confirm you downloaded x86 media for a normal PC, not an ARM image.
• Back up files from both the USB and the computer’s target disk.
• If USB boot fails, check the media and boot order before changing firmware security settings.
• For a dual boot, existing partitions or Secure Boot requirements, consult the official installation guides for the matching setup instead of applying a generic erase-disk recipe.

After signing in, connect to the network and install updates with Manjaro’s graphical tools, or use the pacman guide for terminal-based package management.

For storage planning, see our guides to partitioning tools and ext4 and Btrfs. The USB formatting guide covers preparing a drive.

Conclusion: Start with the official x86 image

For a regular PC, choose an official x86 image, write it to USB and verify the target disk before installation. Consult Manjaro’s download page and installation guides when device details differ.