How to Install Manjaro Gnome step by step with screenshots

In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of installing Manjaro 21 GNOME, step by step, with clear instructions and tips for common pitfalls.

Manjaro is a popular, beginner‑friendly Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. It uses a rolling release model and ships with sensible defaults, making it easy to install and get productive quickly. If you want a polished GNOME desktop with access to Arch’s vast repositories, Manjaro GNOME is a great choice.

Prerequisites

2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
20 GB free disk space (40+ GB recommended)
64‑bit CPU
Stable internet connection (for updates during/after installation)
A USB drive (8 GB or larger) to create a bootable installer
Optional: Virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware

Tip: On modern systems, ensure UEFI is enabled. If Secure Boot is on, consider disabling it for a smoother install.

Download Manjaro GNOME ISO

Official download page: https://manjaro.org/downloads/official/gnome/
After downloading, verify the checksum to ensure integrity:

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# From the directory containing the ISO and checksum files
sha256sum -c manjaro-gnome-*.iso.sha256

Create a Bootable USB

Use any of the following tools to write the ISO to your USB drive:

Balena Etcher (Windows/macOS/Linux) — simple and reliable
Rufus (Windows)
Ventoy (multi‑ISO USB; Windows/Linux)
Linux CLI (replace /dev/sdX with your USB device):

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sudo dd if=manjaro-gnome-*.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress conv=fsync

Eject the USB safely when done.

Boot From USB

Plug the USB into your PC.
Enter your firmware boot menu (often F2/F10/F12/Del at startup) and choose the USB drive.
At the Manjaro boot screen, select “Boot with open source drivers.” If you have an NVIDIA GPU and encounter issues, try the proprietary drivers option.

Install Manjaro GNOME (Calamares Installer)

Once in the live desktop, click “Launch Installer.”
Select language and click Next.
Choose your region/time zone, then Next.
Pick your keyboard layout, then Next.
Partitioning:
- Erase disk: simplest for single‑boot. Optionally enable “Swap (with hibernation).”
- Manual partitioning: useful for dual‑boot. Ensure an EFI system partition (~300 MB, FAT32, mount /boot/efi) if using UEFI.
Create your user account and set a strong password. You can reuse it for admin (sudo).
Review the summary and click Install.
Wait for installation to complete (a few minutes).
Reboot when prompted, removing the USB drive.
Log in to your new Manjaro GNOME desktop.

Post‑Installation Tips

Update the system:

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sudo pacman -Syu

Enable AUR access via an AUR helper like yay:
- See: Install yay (AUR helper) in Manjaro/Arch Linux
Install GNOME extensions and tweak settings with gnome-tweaks.
Set your preferred shell, fonts, and themes.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Black screen after boot:
- Try the proprietary drivers option at the boot menu (NVIDIA systems), or add the nomodeset kernel parameter temporarily.
Installer can’t see Windows or other OS:
- Use manual partitioning. Ensure the disk uses GPT with an EFI System Partition for UEFI setups.
“Installation failed” midway:
- Recreate the USB with Etcher/Rufus and re‑verify the ISO checksum.
Wi‑Fi not showing:
- Plug in Ethernet temporarily. After install, update the system and install the appropriate drivers/firmware.
Secure Boot issues:
- Disable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI, or enroll keys if you prefer to keep it enabled.

Conclusion

You’ve successfully installed Manjaro 21 GNOME. With rolling updates, access to the AUR, and a polished GNOME experience, Manjaro is an excellent daily‑driver. Update your system, install your favorite tools, and enjoy your new desktop!