A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing the Manjaro Linux with Screenshots

A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing the Manjaro Linux with Screenshots
By Heidy RamirezMay 7, 2021

Author: Suparna Ganguly

In this article, I’ll give you a step-by-step guide to installing the Manjaro Linux distribution.

But what is Manjaro Linux?

Manjaro Linux is a beginner-friendly Arch-based Linux distro.

Manjaro comes with a graphical user interface unlike other Linux platforms having command-line user interfaces.

It’s developed on Arch Linux OS and is completely free and open-source.

Manjaro claims to provide better access and a library of pre-installed software functionalities.

What You Need to Install Manjaro Linux

  • 2GB RAM
  • 25-30 GB Hard disk space
  • 1 GHz Processor
  • Efficient internet
  • Virtualization software, such as VirtualBox, Shells, or VMware

Steps Included in Installing Manjaro Linux


As you reach Manjaro's official website to install Linux, you’ll find a dynamic “Try Manjaro” button on the top of the page.

Click on that.

This leads to another page with 3 different desktop environment downloads, which are XFCE, GNOME, and KDE Plasma.

  • XFCE

If you need a fast and reliable desktop, go with the XFCE edition of Manjaro Linux.

It’s a lightweight environment suitable for UNIX-like OSs.

XFCE is low on system resources.

But XFCE gives no scope to complain as it’s user-friendly and visually appealing.

It claims to have a traditional UNIX philosophy of re-usability and modularity.

There’s a wide range of component packages to choose from.

So, no shortage while creating an optimal personal working environment.

  • GNOME

Are you looking for a plain and simple Manjaro Linux?

Then, Manjaro’s GNOME edition would be the best solution for you.

GNOME offers a clear and uncomplicated modern GNOME 3 desktop environment.

GNOME breaks with traditional concepts while enabling users to focus on their tasks at hand.

This Linux by Manjaro comes with desktop-specific applications and helpful user manuals.

Hence, your work becomes consistent and hassle-free.

  • KDE Plasma

Do you often check with the latest themes and widgets online?

Then, KDE Plasma is the right Manjaro Linux version for you.

Manjaro claims its KDE edition to be certainly flashy while being totally user-friendly.

KDE has a feature-rich customizable desktop and a host of stylish menus to access its applications.

With KDE Plasma, you can not only download modern themes from the internet but can create an efficient workflow on its clean work area also.

Step #1: Downloading ISO File of Linux

All the installation processes are pretty similar. 

In this post, I’ll show you how to install GNOME Manjaro Linux. 

To download GNOME, scroll down on the Manjaro Downloads page and click on “Get GNOME 21.0.2”. 

Tada! Your download begins.

Step #2: Install a Virtualization Software

If you’re new to Linux installations, you might not be well versed with disk partitioning or dual booting.

So it’s recommended to have a pre-installed virtualization software like Shells or VirtualBox.

And guess what?

You can get Shells from Manjaro’s home page itself.

To download Shells, click on “Get Your Manjaro Shell”.

This leads to Shells’ official website to choose a paid service from.

Step #3: Installing Manjaro

Let’s come back to installing Manjaro.

Installing Manjaro as a virtual machine is quite simple.

Booting Manjaro

Once the ISO file (GNOME, in this case) is downloaded, you’ll get 2 options to boot Manjaro with and they are:

  • Boot with Open-source drivers
  • Boot with Proprietary drivers

Choose the first option.

Once booted, the Manjaro installer screen appears. Click on “Launch Installer”.

Select System Language

Then choose a system language of your choice from the dropdown and hit next.

Select Your Region & Zone

Now, choose your “Region” and “Zone”. And hit “Next”.

Select Keyboard Layout

Choose a “Keyboard Model” and your preferred keyboard language. Then click “Next”.

Making Partitions

While installing Manjaro, you’ll get two different ways to create a disk partition.

  • Erase disk
  • Replace a partition

Tick the circle beside “Erase disk” and choose the “swap with hibernate” option.

And hit the “Next” button.

Point to Note: If you’d install Manjaro on the main hardware, “Erase Disk” would have deleted all the data of the selected hard disk.

But when you’re installing Manjaro as your virtual machine, either option would do good.

Because there is no data to lose.

And Install

When you’re done partitioning, click on “Install” and a Welcome window will appear.

Once the installation is finished, it needs “Restart Now” and you’re “Done”.

The Bottom Line

We know that installing Linux could be a bit hectic, especially if you’re installing it for the very first time.

Keep this Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Manjaro handy.

Hopefully, it’ll make your job easier.