How to Make Arch Linux a Stable Daily Driver (Post-Install Guide)
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Setting up Arch Linux is only half the battle; the real work begins when you turn that terminal into a functional workstation. This guide focuses on practical post-install steps to make your system stable, fast, and ready for daily use.
Hi everyone, welcome to MusaBase! In this guide, I’m sharing my personal approach to Arch Linux post-installation, focusing on how to turn a fresh Arch setup into something that’s actually comfortable, practical, and easy to use on a daily basis.
Whether you’re moving over from Windows, or coming from modern Linux distributions like NixOS or Fedora Silverblue, this guide is written to help you make Arch Linux feel less intimidating and more familiar from day one.
This is not another guide about systemd tweaks, display manager configuration, or unnecessary ricing. Instead, the focus here is on making Arch Linux genuinely usable, from setting up faster package mirrors and reliable network defaults, to replacing common Windows software with open-source alternatives that are often more advanced and dependable for daily use.
In this post-installation guide, you’ll learn how to:
- Configure faster Arch Linux mirrors and basic network settings for a smoother experience
- Install the Yay AUR helper while avoiding common dependency and build errors
- Set up essential daily applications using practical, open-source Windows alternatives
- Fix common Arch Linux issues that appear after installation
- Prepare your system for long-term, stable daily use without breaking it
By the end of this guide, your Arch Linux system will feel polished, predictable, and ready for everyday use.
Prerequisites
I won’t be covering the installation of Arch Linux or the desktop environment in this post-installation guide. My goal is to keep this tutorial as concise and clean as possible, ensuring you can easily follow along to make your Arch Linux system usable, stable, and comfortable for daily use.
Arch Linux Installation:
To follow this guide, you should already have a functional Arch Linux system. If you haven’t installed it yet and are looking for a reliable setup with complete manual control, please follow my:
- Manual Arch Linux Installation Guide , which covers the full installation process step-by-step.
Desktop Environment Installation:
After installing the base system, you will need a graphical interface. For a powerful and highly customizable experience, I recommend my guide on:
- KDE Plasma on Arch Linux , as it provides a familiar and beginner-friendly desktop experience.
- GNOME on Arch Linux , for a polished and streamlined Wayland experience with gesture-driven navigation.
- XFCE on Arch Linux , for a lightning-fast and resource-efficient environment perfect for older hardware.
You can follow almost all of these steps on any modern desktop environment supported by Arch Linux, but I have used KDE Plasma for the real-device images and commands in this guide. Once these prerequisites are in place, you can proceed with the steps below to configure essential tools, improve system usability, and turn your Arch Linux setup into a reliable daily driver.
Update & Upgrade Arch Linux System
Updating your Arch Linux system before installing any new software is not just a step, it is a requirement. Always start with a full system upgrade. This ensures your local package database is in sync with the latest repository versions and dependencies. Doing this significantly reduces the risk of system breakage and prevents package version conflicts during new installations.
- Run the following command:
sudo pacman -Syu
- If your system has any updates available for your installed packages or the system kernel, then your package manager will fetch the new versions and display all the packages that are ready to be upgraded.
- It will also show the total download size and the net disk space required for the installation.
- Press ENTER to confirm the installation; the package manager will then begin downloading and applying the new updates.
Install Necessary Packages
Before we begin installing the software mentioned in this guide, we must install a few essential tools. Specifically, we need the base-devel group, Git, wget, and curl. These packages are the foundation for building and downloading almost every tool you will find in this guide.
- To install these essentials, run the following command:
sudo pacman -S --needed base-devel git wget curl
Configure DNS & Update Mirrors on Arch Linux
Network performance is the backbone of a smooth Arch Linux experience. By default, your system uses your ISP's DNS, which can often be slow or unreliable. Configuring a custom DNS (like Google or Cloudflare) ensures faster domain resolution, while optimizing your mirrorslist ensures that pacman fetches packages from the most synchronized and geographically closest servers.
- To temporarily set your DNS to Google for faster initial downloads, run:
sudo echo "nameserver 8.8.8.8" | sudo tee /etc/resolv.conf
#OR
sudo echo "nameserver 1.1.1.1" | sudo tee /etc/resolv.confHowever, resolv.conf changes are temporary and will reset after a reboot. To make your DNS permanent and automate mirror updates with Reflector, follow our specialized networking guide to ensure your download speeds stay at their peak.
Install Yay an AUR Helper
yay is an AUR Helper written in GO that acts as a powerful wrapper for the default package manager, pacman. While pacman only handles official Arch repository packages, yay automates the process of searching, downloading, and compiling software from the AUR.
Install Yay
- Run:
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/yay.git
cd yay
- Now in the yay folder, run this command to make and install from source:
makepkg -si
Verify Install
- To verify that yay is installed and symlinked into your Arch Linux system, run:
yay --version
#OR
which yay
Install Google Chrome on Arch Linux
Now that we have successfully installed yay, we can proceed to install Google Chrome on our Arch Linux system. Google Chrome is not in the official Arch Linux repositories due to licensing restrictions, but it is available in the AUR. This means we can install Google Chrome using yay; the AUR package for Google Chrome is safely sourced from Google's official .deb files.
Why Google Chrome on Arch?
- Proprietary Codecs: Includes built-in support for H.264 and Widevine, which is essential for running Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
- Ecosystem Sync: Seamlessly sync your bookmarks, passwords, and history across your Android and desktop devices.
- Stable Performance: Generally more optimized for web-apps like Google Meet, Zoom, or Discord.
- Download Power: Pair Chrome with JDownloader 2 to manage large downloads and automate link grabbing, the ultimate IDM alternative.
Google Chrome Installation
- To install, run:
yay -S google-chrome
- After yay finishes resolving dependencies for google-chrome, it will prompt you:
- Packages to cleanBuild?
- Simply press Enter to skip (default is None). cleanBuild is only necessary if you had a previous failed installation and want to redownload everything from scratch.
- Next, yay will ask:
- Diffs to show?
- Press Enter to skip. This option essentially shows the "Differences" or changes made in the package's PKGBUILD script compared to previous versions, mostly useful for advanced users or developers.
- After these prompts, yay will download the official Google Chrome .deb binary and convert it into an Arch-compatible package.
- Finally, yay will ask for your confirmation to proceed with the actual installation:
- Press Y or simply hit Enter to finish the process.
Launching Google Chrome
- You can launch Google Chrome from the terminal with this command:
google-chrome-stable- If you want to open Google Chrome via the GUI, open your application menu (or press the Meta/Windows key on KDE Plasma).
- Search for "Google Chrome" or simply chrome and click the icon to open it.
- You can also pin Google Chrome to your taskbar by right-clicking its icon and selecting Pin to Task Manager.
Install Graphics Tools: Image Viewer & Editor on Arch Linux
If you are using KDE Plasma like me, you might have noticed that the base installation doesn't always provide an image viewer, image editor, or screenshot tool out of the box. To fill this gap, I'm going to show you some powerful open-source tools that are essential for any desktop setup.
Gwenview Image Viewer
Gwenview is an incredibly fast and intuitive image viewer designed for the KDE Plasma desktop. Beyond just viewing photos, it offers essential quick-fix features like cropping, resizing, and basic rotations without needing a heavy editor. It is the perfect daily driver for browsing through your photo collections with ease and speed.
Install Gwenview
- To install Gwenview, run the following command:
sudo pacman -S gwenview
- Now you can open any image with Gwenview by right-clicking the image, selecting Open With, and choosing Gwenview.
- You can also set it as your default image viewer in the Default Applications section of your system settings.
Install MS Paint Alternative: Pinta
For those looking for a Microsoft Paint experience on Linux, Pinta is the perfect choice. It is a simple yet powerful open-source drawing and editing tool that provides a familiar interface for quick edits. Unlike basic editors, Pinta supports layers, unlimited undo history, and a variety of drawing tools, making it an ideal MS Paint alternative for Arch Linux.
Install Pinta
- You can install Pinta using the following command:
yay -S pinta- After running the command, yay will prompt you for Packages to cleanBuild?; simply press Enter to skip this step.
- On the next prompt, yay will ask for Diffs to show?; press Enter again to skip.
- Finally, yay will download all required dependencies and ask for confirmation to install Pinta. Press Enter to proceed.
- To edit an image with Pinta, simply right-click on the file, select Open With, and click on Pinta.
Install Spectacle for Screenshots and Video Capture
No Linux setup is complete without a reliable screenshot tool, and Spectacle is the best in the business for KDE users. It is a simple yet feature-rich application that allows you to capture your entire desktop, a specific window, or a rectangular region with ease. It also comes with built-in annotation tools, letting you add arrows and text to your screenshots instantly.
Install Spectacle
- Spectacle is available in the official repositories and can be installed with pacman:
sudo pacman -S spectacle
- To launch Spectacle, simply press the Print Screen (or PrtSc) button on your keyboard.
- You can also configure it to auto-save screenshots in your Pictures folder through its internal settings.
Install Media Players on Arch Linux
To ensure seamless multimedia playback on Arch Linux, it is essential to have a versatile set of media players. VLC is widely considered the "Swiss Army Knife" of players due to its ability to play almost any file format without extra configuration. For users who prefer a minimalist and modern interface, MPV offers a high-performance, lightweight experience with superior video rendering. Additionally, MPlayer remains a classic, powerful choice for those who want a robust engine that works efficiently even on older hardware.
Install Video Players
- To install these players, run the following command:
sudo pacman -S vlc mpv mplayer
- You can now play any video by right-clicking the file, selecting Open With, and choosing your preferred media player.
Fix VLC "Could not decode format"
If you encounter errors like "VLC could not decode the format mpgv" or issues with H.264 playback, it usually looks like this:
VLC could not decode the format "mpgv" (MPEG-1/2 Video)
Codec not supported:
- This happens because certain plugins are now bundled separately in Arch Linux.
- We can fix this by installing the complete plugin bundle vlc-plugins-all.
- To fix it, run:
sudo pacman -S vlc-plugins-all
- With all supported plugins installed, your playback issues should be resolved!
Install Archive Tools: Ark & PeaZip on Arch Linux
Just like WinRAR is the go-to utility on Windows, Ark and PeaZip serve as the ultimate archive managers for Arch Linux. Ark provides a lightweight, native experience that integrates seamlessly with the Dolphin file manager for quick extractions. For those looking for a true WinRAR alternative with advanced features, PeaZip is a powerhouse that supports over 200 formats (including 7Z, RAR, and ZIP) while offering robust encryption and file-splitting capabilities. For me, PeaZip is the closest alternative to WinRAR in terms of UI and usability.
Install Archive Tools
- To install Ark and PeaZip, simply run:
yay -S ark peazip
- To open any archive file, simply right-click the file, select Open With, and choose Ark or PeaZip according to your preference.
- In the demonstration below, I am using PeaZip to open a Chrome OS Flex image file, as PeaZip is the closest alternative to WinRAR on Linux.
Frequently Asked Questions: Arch Linux Post Installation
Why should I update my system before installing any software on Arch Linux?
Arch Linux is a rolling release distribution, meaning packages are constantly updated. Installing new software on an outdated system can lead to partial upgrades, where your installed packages and their dependencies become incompatible with the latest versions. Running sudo pacman -Syu before any installation ensures your local package database is fully synchronized with the repositories, preventing broken dependencies and system instability.
How do I configure DNS for faster and more reliable internet on Arch Linux?
You can temporarily set a public DNS like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) by running:
sudo sh -c 'echo "nameserver 8.8.8.8" > /etc/resolv.conf'
This improves domain resolution speed and reliability. For permanent configuration and automatic mirror optimization using Reflector, refer to the dedicated guide linked in the article.
Why do I need base-devel, git, wget, and curl on a fresh Arch install?
base-devel provides essential compilation tools like gcc and make, required to build software from source (including AUR packages). git is needed to clone repositories like the yay AUR helper. wget and curl are command line downloaders used by many installation scripts. Installing them upfront avoids interruptions later.
What is yay and why should I install it on Arch Linux?
yay (Yet Another Yogurt) is an AUR helper that simplifies installing packages from the Arch User Repository. It acts as a wrapper for pacman, automatically handling dependency resolution, downloading PKGBUILDs, compiling, and installing AUR packages. It is essential for accessing thousands of additional software not available in the official repositories.
How do I install yay on Arch Linux?
First ensure base-devel and git are installed, then run:
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/yay.git cd yay makepkg -si
The -s flag installs missing dependencies, and -i installs the built package. After installation, verify with yay --version or which yay.
How can I verify that yay is installed correctly?
Run yay --version to see the version output, or which yay to confirm its location (usually /usr/bin/yay). If both commands return successfully, yay is ready to use.
Why is Google Chrome not in the official Arch repositories, and how do I install it?
Google Chrome is proprietary software with licensing restrictions, so it is only available in the AUR. Install it using yay:
yay -S google-chrome
During installation, you may be prompted about cleanBuild and diffs; press Enter to skip. yay will download the official .deb package and convert it for Arch.
What are the recommended image viewer, editor, and screenshot tool for Arch Linux with KDE Plasma?
For fast image viewing, install Gwenview (sudo pacman -S gwenview). For a simple MS Paint alternative with layers, install Pinta (yay -S pinta). For screenshots and region capture, install Spectacle (sudo pacman -S spectacle). These tools integrate well with KDE and cover all basic graphics needs.
Which media players should I install on Arch Linux for the best codec support?
Install VLC (versatile, all in one), mpv (lightweight, minimalist), and mplayer (classic, powerful). Use:
sudo pacman -S vlc mpv mplayer
If VLC fails to play certain formats with a "could not decode" error, install the full plugin bundle:
sudo pacman -S vlc-plugins-all
How do I fix the "VLC could not decode format" error on Arch Linux?
This error occurs because some codec plugins are no longer bundled with the main VLC package. Install vlc-plugins-all to add support for all common formats:
sudo pacman -S vlc-plugins-all
After installation, restart VLC and the error should be resolved.
What archive managers work best on Arch Linux as WinRAR alternatives?
Ark is a lightweight, KDE integrated archive tool for quick extraction. PeaZip is a full featured WinRAR alternative supporting over 200 formats including RAR, 7Z, and ZIP with encryption and file splitting. Install both with:
yay -S ark peazip
PeaZip closely resembles WinRAR in functionality and interface.
Can I install software from the AUR without an AUR helper?
Yes, you can manually clone the PKGBUILD from the AUR website and run makepkg -si. However, using an AUR helper like yay automates dependency resolution, updates, and installation, saving time and reducing errors.
How often should I update my Arch Linux system?
It is recommended to update at least once a week. Frequent small updates are safer than large infrequent ones. Always run sudo pacman -Syu before installing new software to avoid partial upgrade issues.
Explore More
At this point, you have successfully transformed your minimal Arch installation into a fully functional daily driver. By installing these essential applications, your system is no longer just a terminal screen; it is a complete workstation ready for productivity, entertainment, and everyday tasks. The beauty of Arch Linux is that you only have what you truly need, making it faster and more stable for your specific workflow.
This concludes our essential post-installation guide for Arch Linux. If you run into any issues with these applications or have specific software recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below. I’m always here to help you troubleshoot and optimize your setup.
101 out, I’ll see you in the next one!