Garuda Linux
A striking Arch-based desktop with snapshots.
What is Garuda Linux?
Garuda Linux is an Arch-based rolling distribution with heavily themed desktops, Btrfs by default, and automatic snapshots before updates. Its Garuda Assistant and gaming tools gather common tasks in one place. The visual defaults and bundled tools use more resources than a minimal Arch setup.
Who is Garuda Linux for?
Garuda Linux fits best for gaming and everyday use. Where it ranks in our lists:
Pros
- Btrfs snapshots before system updates
- Gaming tools and launchers prepared
- Graphical assistant for maintenance
Cons
- Heavier defaults than a minimal install
- Distinctive theming is not to everyone’s taste
Garuda Linux system requirements
For a comfortable desktop with a modern web browser, plan for about 8 GB of RAM. Garuda Linux is available for x86_64. Leave at least 25 GB of storage for the system and applications. These figures are editorial guidance; check the official documentation for minimums.
Try Garuda Linux before you install
Write the image to a USB stick and boot it as a live session to test Wi-Fi, graphics, sound, and suspend on your own computer. A browser trial on DistroSea shows the desktop, but cannot verify your hardware.
Compare Garuda Linux with…
Best Garuda Linux alternatives
Garuda Linux: common questions
What is Garuda Linux based on?
Garuda Linux is based on Arch Linux. It uses Pacman · Chaotic-AUR for software and systemd as its init system.
Is Garuda Linux good for beginners?
It is manageable if you are comfortable troubleshooting and occasionally using a terminal. Complete beginners may prefer Linux Mint or Ubuntu first.
How much RAM does Garuda Linux need?
We suggest about 8 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop experience with a modern browser. This is editorial guidance, not the project’s official minimum, which can be lower. It runs on x86_64.
What desktop does Garuda Linux use?
Garuda Linux offers KDE Plasma (Dr460nized, Mokka), more.
Is Garuda Linux a rolling release?
Yes. Garuda Linux updates continuously, so there are no version upgrades to perform.
Is Garuda Linux free?
Yes, Garuda Linux is free to download and use.