If you’re considering Arch Linux-based distributions, EndeavourOS and Manjaro are two popular choices offering user-friendly installation experiences. This list covers the specific installation steps for both, highlighting their differences and what to expect. It’s ideal for new users deciding which installer suits their needs or experienced users curious about the nuances between these two distros’ setups.
1. Downloading the ISO and Preparing Installation Media
Both EndeavourOS and Manjaro provide downloadable ISO images from their official websites. EndeavourOS ISO is a minimal Arch-based live environment focusing on a lightweight base, while Manjaro offers multiple editions with pre-configured desktop environments like XFCE, KDE, or GNOME. Creating a bootable USB is done via tools like balenaEtcher or Rufus for both, but Manjaro’s ISOs are generally larger due to bundled software and drivers.
2. Booting into the Live Environment
After booting from USB, EndeavourOS launches a minimal live environment with an Openbox window manager and a welcome app guiding the user to installation. Manjaro boots into a fully featured live desktop environment matching the chosen edition, such as XFCE or KDE Plasma, offering an immediate preview of the installed system. This difference impacts how comfortable users feel during installation, as Manjaro is more visually polished out of the box.
3. Launching the Installer
EndeavourOS uses the Calamares installer, which is also employed by Manjaro, ensuring a familiar graphical installation process. However, EndeavourOS’ Calamares is slightly more streamlined, with fewer pre-selected options to maintain Arch-like flexibility. Manjaro’s Calamares includes additional configuration steps, such as enabling proprietary drivers and selecting kernel versions, catering to a broader range of hardware.
4. Language and Location Settings
Both installers prompt for language, keyboard layout, and time zone early in the process. Manjaro’s installer includes more detailed locale options and supports automatic network time synchronization. EndeavourOS covers essential regional settings but expects users to configure more advanced locale tweaks post-installation if needed.
5. Disk Partitioning Options
Calamares on both distros offers several partitioning methods: erase disk, manual partitioning, and guided setups with LVM or encryption. Manjaro’s installer provides clearer explanations and warnings about partitioning choices, making it more approachable for Linux novices. EndeavourOS, while accessible, assumes users have some familiarity with partitioning concepts, offering less hand-holding.
6. Selecting the Bootloader Installation
Both installers default to installing GRUB as the bootloader, with options to customize the target device. Manjaro’s installer automatically detects existing operating systems for dual-boot setups and configures GRUB accordingly. EndeavourOS requires manual confirmation for dual-boot scenarios, giving more control but demanding more user intervention during installation.
7. User Account Creation and Password Setup
EndeavourOS prompts for a single user account with sudo privileges, focusing on simplicity and security. Manjaro offers the same but includes an option for automatic login, which can be convenient but potentially less secure. Additionally, Manjaro lets users set a hostname during installation, whereas EndeavourOS expects hostname configuration post-installation.
8. Network Configuration During Installation
Manjaro’s installer detects wired and wireless networks automatically, allowing users to connect and download updates or drivers during installation. EndeavourOS supports network setup but usually requires manual connection in the live environment before starting installation, reflecting its Arch roots and more hands-on approach.
9. Installing Additional Software and Drivers
Manjaro’s installer offers options to install proprietary drivers (NVIDIA, Broadcom, etc.) and additional software during setup, streamlining hardware compatibility. EndeavourOS does not include these options in the installer, encouraging users to install and configure drivers manually after installation, which appeals to users wanting full control.
10. Post-Installation Steps and Reboot
After installation, both distros prompt to remove installation media and reboot. Manjaro’s post-install experience is smoother for beginners, often booting directly into a fully functional GUI with pre-installed software. EndeavourOS may require users to perform initial updates and install some essential packages manually, aligning with its philosophy of being a close-to-Arch experience.
How to Choose
The main factors when choosing between EndeavourOS and Manjaro installations boil down to user experience and control. If you prefer a polished, beginner-friendly process with extensive hardware support out of the box, Manjaro’s installer and post-install environment are advantageous. Conversely, if you want a lightweight, minimal installer that leaves more decisions to you and stays closer to vanilla Arch, EndeavourOS is the better fit. Consider your comfort with Linux, hardware needs, and how much post-install configuration you want to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do both distributions support UEFI and BIOS installations?
Yes, both EndeavourOS and Manjaro support installation on UEFI and legacy BIOS systems, with automatic detection during setup.
Q: Can I dual-boot Windows with either installer?
Yes, both support dual-boot configurations. Manjaro’s installer detects other OSes automatically, while EndeavourOS requires manual partitioning and bootloader setup.
Q: Is internet required during installation?
For Manjaro, internet is recommended to download updates and drivers during installation. EndeavourOS can be installed offline but benefits from network access for package updates post-install.
Q: Which installer is faster?
EndeavourOS’s minimal live environment generally boots faster and installs quicker due to fewer pre-installed packages. Manjaro’s full-featured environment may take longer but provides a ready-to-use system immediately after installation.
Q: Can I customize desktop environments during installation?
Manjaro offers separate ISOs for different desktop environments, so the choice is made before installation. EndeavourOS installs a minimal base and lets you install and configure any desktop environment afterward.
Q: Are proprietary drivers handled automatically?
Manjaro’s installer offers options to install proprietary drivers during setup. EndeavourOS leaves driver installation to after the base system is installed.
Final Thoughts
Both EndeavourOS and Manjaro provide accessible Arch-based installation experiences but serve different user preferences. Manjaro’s installer is more comprehensive and beginner-friendly, ideal for users who want a ready-to-go desktop with minimal setup. EndeavourOS appeals to those who want a lightweight, flexible base closer to Arch Linux, offering more control during and after installation. Understanding these differences helps you pick the installer aligned with your Linux journey and hardware requirements.
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