Omarchy combines Arch Linux, the Hyprland tiling window manager, and Quickshell into a curated desktop workflow. You can install it to a drive using its bootable ISO, or evaluate it in a virtual machine without replacing your current Linux installation. The native installer can take over the selected drive, so the VM is the lower-risk place to start if you are not ready to commit.
What is Omarchy Linux?
The Omarchy Manual describes it as “an omakase Linux distribution based on Arch, the tiling window manager Hyprland, and the desktop construction-kit Quickshell.” In practice, that means a deliberately assembled desktop rather than a blank, general-purpose Linux setup: its intended workflow emphasizes visual design, tiled windows, keyboard use, terminal work, and editing some configuration files by hand.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The project describes a curated application set that includes Neovim, Chromium, Obsidian, LibreOffice, Kdenlive, and OBS Studio. These are part of Omarchy’s stated design; they should not be read as independent findings about performance or a guarantee that every application suits every user. Omarchy Manual
Should you install it on your computer?
Choose a native installation if you want Omarchy to become the desktop on a selected drive and are prepared to meet the installer’s firmware and encryption requirements. Choose a virtual machine if you want to explore the interface and workflow without replacing your host distribution or repartitioning its drive.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Core i5-1335U Processor (12M Cache, 12 Threads, up to 4.6 GHz) - 256GB Solid State Drive - 16GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch Anti-Glare Display - Intel UHD 620 Integrated Graphics - Stereo Speakers
- 720p HD Webcam with Privacy Shutter. Integrated Microphone - Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (2x2) 8265, Bluetooth Version 4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C 3.1, Headphone/Mic Combo Port, 4-in-1 Card Reader, HDMI, Kensington Mini-Lock Slot
- Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 64-Bit - Keyboard with Full NumberPad - Fast Charging
- Native installation: uses a bootable USB installer and requires selecting a target drive. The full-disk option takes over that drive.
- Virtual-machine trial: keeps your existing Linux installation in place, but the published option is for compatible 64-bit x86 PCs with KVM hardware virtualization.
The cited guides do not provide a performance comparison between these approaches. A VM is a safer evaluation route, not evidence that it will feel identical to a native installation.
What to prepare for the official installation
The official getting-started guide describes an ISO-based installation. Before booting the installer, decide which drive is the target and protect any data you need to keep. The installer offers full-disk and free-space installation options, but the guide specifically warns that full-disk installation takes over the selected drive. Back up important files before proceeding, and verify the target carefully; selecting the wrong drive risks losing its contents.
Rank #2
- Intel Core i5-10210U (up to 4.2GHz) - 1TB PCIe NVMe + 1TB HDD - 32GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 17.3" HD+ (1600x900) Display, Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Built in HD 720p Webcam with Microphone - Bluetooth Version4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.1 (Data Only), 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack
- Linux Mint Cinnamon 64-Bit - 6-Row Keyboard w/ Full Numberpad
- Download the Omarchy ISO and write it to a USB stick.
- Check the current guide and ISO for requirements that may have changed since the instructions were published.
- For the described installer, disable Secure Boot and/or TPM in BIOS as instructed by the official guide.
- Plan for the default full-disk encryption: you will need its password at startup.
- Have a wired keyboard or a 2.4 GHz keyboard using a USB dongle available for startup. The guide says a Bluetooth keyboard cannot be used to enter the encryption password.
The official guide estimates installation may take under a minute on the fastest modern machines and generally no more than five minutes on an older computer. That is the guide’s estimate, not a benchmark or a promised completion time. Official Omarchy getting-started guide
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallHow do you install Omarchy?
- Download the ISO and create the installer. Use the official instructions to write the ISO image to a USB stick.
- Boot from the USB stick. Use your computer’s boot selection process to start from the installer media.
- Answer the setup questions. Follow the prompts and review the installation choices before confirming.
- Select the target drive and installation mode. Choose full-disk or free-space installation only after confirming what will happen to existing data on that drive.
- Complete setup and restart. Keep the encryption password available; you will need it at startup.
Because the guide’s firmware and keyboard details are tied to its described installer, confirm them against the current ISO and your particular machine before changing firmware settings or beginning installation.
Rank #3
- [ULTRA-RUGGED DESIGN] MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certified. Built to survive 6-foot drops, heavy rain, and extreme vibrations. Features a magnesium alloy chassis with an integrated carry handle for maximum portability
- [4G LTE - WORK ANYWHERE] Integrated 4G LTE Multi-Carrier Mobile Broadband. Stay connected to the internet in remote areas or on the road without relying on Wi-Fi or phone hotspots. True mobile freedom for field professionals
- [1200-NIT SUNLIGHT READABLE] 13.1" XGA Touchscreen with CircuLumin technology. At 1200 nits, it is nearly 4x brighter than a standard laptop, ensuring perfect visibility under direct, intense sunlight
- [LINUX UBUNTU PRE-INSTALLED] Fast, secure, and bloatware-free. Optimized for developers, network engineers, and diagnostic software that thrives in a stable, open-source environment
- [LEGACY SERIAL PORT] Features a native RS-232 Serial Port, HDMI, and USB 3.0. Essential for connecting directly to industrial machinery, CNCs, and automotive diagnostic tools without unreliable adapter
Can you try Omarchy without replacing your Linux distro?
Yes. The Try Omarchy for Linux page describes a virtual-machine option that avoids replacing the host distribution or repartitioning the host drive. Its published requirements are a 64-bit x86 PC with KVM hardware virtualization, about 15 GB of free disk space, and 8 GB of memory recommended. The page lists ARM as unsupported for this Linux VM option. Check the page before starting because requirements can change. Try Omarchy for Linux
This is a practical first step if you mainly want to see whether Omarchy’s tiling, keyboard-oriented workflow and application choices fit you. It does not establish how the VM’s performance compares with a native install.
Rank #4
- THE POWER TO STAY PRODUCTIVE – Looking to make your everyday work and home life more manageable without breaking the bank? The Lenovo V15 Gen 4 offers long-term reliability with top-of-the-line features to make you your most productive self.
- CRUSH YOUR TO-DO LIST – The AMD Ryzen CPU pairs quiet performance and enhanced operating power to crush your high-demand workday. It optimizes performance and allows for seamless multitasking.
- TRUE-TO-LIFE VISUALS – The 15.6” FHD IPS display is anti-glare with 300 nits brightness to see your best outside or in. Its 88% screen-to-body ratio makes viewing detailed applications like spreadsheets a breeze.
- SEAMLESS COLLABORATION – Lenovo Smart Appearance enhances your camera effects to protect your privacy and to make you the focus of every video conference. Intelligent noise cancelation minimizes distraction and Dolby Audio provides an elegantly sonorous experience.
- BUILT TO WITHSTAND – Built for military-grade toughness, the V15 Gen 4 is tested to withstand harsh temperatures, pressure, humidity, vibrations and more. Keep your work safe from the board room to your living room and everywhere in between.
What hardware is documented?
Framework has published Omarchy installation guides for its Laptop 13 and Laptop 16. That makes those product lines documented setup examples, but it does not confirm compatibility with every generation or configuration. The available guides are not a complete hardware support list, so avoid assuming that an unlisted computer will work—or that every machine in a listed family has identical instructions. Framework installation guides
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Best Value
- Powerful Linux Laptop: This IdeaPad Slim 3 Laptop comes pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux, offering fast performance, robust security, and a clean, user-friendly experience. Enjoy full customization, seamless hardware compatibility, and access to thousands of open-source apps. Whether you're working, creating, or coding, it's built to keep up with everything you do.
- A Multitasking Master: The latest AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor (up to 4.5 GHz) delivers powerful performance with 8 cores and 16 threads for smooth multitasking. Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics provide crisp visuals for streaming, browsing, photo editing, and casual gaming. With smart machine intelligence, it adapts to your needs for a fast, responsive experience.
- 15.6" Full HD Display: The IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts an 88% screen-to-body ratio for a floating, edge-to-edge visual experience. TÜV Low Blue Light certification reduces eye strain, making it perfect for long work or study sessions.
- Military-Grade Durability: The smart IdeaPad Slim 3 combines portability and durability, letting you work, study, and play on the go. With a profile 10% slimmer than the previous generation, it's lightweight yet military-grade rugged, ready for anything, anywhere.
- Versatile Connectivity: Enjoy the security of a built-in webcam with a privacy shutter. Connect effortlessly with multiple ports: 2x USB A, 1x USB C, 1x HDMI, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone combo. Bundle comes with Stylus Pen, 256GB Portable SSD and 5-in-1 Docking Station.
Is Omarchy a good fit for you?
- Consider it if you want an opinionated Arch-based desktop built around Hyprland, keyboard-driven interaction, visual customization, and a curated set of applications.
- Try the VM first if you want to assess the workflow while leaving your current installation and disk layout alone, and your system meets the listed x86-64 and KVM requirements.
- Pause before installing natively if you have not backed up the target drive, are unsure which installation option affects it, cannot meet the described firmware requirements, or lack a usable keyboard for the encryption prompt.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
