Comprehensive ArchLinux Installation Guide (UEFI + Btrfs + Encryption)

• Last updated: Apr 26, 2025

I will describe how I install ArchLinux on my personal desktop. Hopefully, this guide will be useful to both others and yourself!

• I personally choose ArchLinux for several reasons:
  • Rolling release: Ensuring that we always have the latest updates.
  • Quick software package updates: Ensuring that software packages reveive prompt updates.
  • KISS philosophy: Embracing the "Keep It Simple Stupid" philosophy.
  • Highly configurable: Allowing for extensive customization.
  • Lightweight: Offering a lightweight computing environment.
  • The official wiki is comprehensive and well-maintained.

However, for servers, I prefer Debian over ArchLinux. But that's a different topic altogether.

• Now, let's delve into the features that I will cover in this guide:
  • UEFI boot
  • GNOME desktop environment
  • Btrfs file system on an SSD drive
  • Encrypted partitions
  • AMD FirePro W5000 with hardware acceleration

Note: This tutorial draws significant inspiration from the official installation guide: https://wiki.archlinux.org.

Installation medium

• First, download the ISO media from the official download webpage (refer to here to verify the signature):

https://archlinux.org/download/

• Identify the USB media:

[root@host ~]# f