What Is ArchUp?

ArchUp is a minimal, slightly opinionated Arch Linux installer focused on Wayland window managers. It provides a barebone base system with sane defaults and an optional CLI to build your ideal desktop environment.

• Barebone first - Install just the essentials and stop here if you want
• User choice - Every layer is optional; you decide what to install from a supported list of apps
• Lightweight focused - Only Wayland compositors (Niri, Hyprland, Sway, River)
• Smart foundation - Critical desktop infrastructure pre-configured (graphics, audio, Wayland, BT, printing)
• Hardware detection - Auto-detects GPU and installs correct drivers
• Coherent UI - One dark/light theme across all apps (customizable later)
• Just works - All infrastructure configured; focus on your workflow, not setup

What ArchUp Is NOT

• Not a desktop environment - We won't support KDE, GNOME, or other full-fledged DEs
• Not a distro - It's an installer, not a custom Arch spin
• Not bloated - We provide the minimum to get you started
• Not an Omarchy copy - We respect Omarchy's architecture but keep it minimal

Philosophy

ArchUp put the user in control. Every layer is optional:

• Want barebone CLI but with a cool bootloader? Stop at Tier 1
• Need a lightweight GUI? Add Tier 2+3
• Want to customize? Manual changes are easy; we don't lock you in

We learned from Omarchy's excellent modular approach but rejected the bloat. ArchUp provides smart defaults (proven to work) while staying minimal and respecting user choice.

Quick Start

Requirements: AMD/Intel 64-bit system, UEFI mode

Go-based Installer (Recommended)

Interactive TUI with configuration preview and better error handling:

# 1. Boot Arch ISO, run installer
curl -fsSL https://archup.run/install/bin | bash

# Install dev/pre-release version
curl -fsSL https://archup.run/install/bin | bash -s -- --dev

# 2. Reboot into new system

# 3. Run wizard to add desktop (optional)
archup wizard

Legacy Bash Installer

Simple script-based installer:

# 1. Boot Arch ISO, install barebone system
curl -fsSL https://archup.run/install | sh

# 2. Reboot into new system

# 3. Run wizard to add desktop (optional)
archup wizard

Status

The barebone installer is ready for testing, I am currently actively working on the CLI wizard for desktop setup.

• Tier 1: Barebone CLI installer
• Auto-builds archup CLI on first boot
• Tier 2+3: Desktop wizard (in archup-cli repo)

⚠️ Alpha/Testing Phase: ArchUp is in active development. All contributions, bug reports, and error logs are welcome! Please open an issue if you encounter any problems.

Links

• CLI repo: github.com/bnema/archup-cli

Thanks

• Omarchy - For the excellent modular architecture inspiration (MIT License)
• Charmbracelet Gum - For the awesome interactive shell toolkit