Omarchy Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about Arch Linux, beginners, dual boot, Mac support, shortcuts, updates, snapshots, and this guide's independent status.
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Is Omarchy a Linux distribution?
Omarchy is built on Arch Linux and integrates Hyprland, Quickshell, and an opinionated desktop configuration. Use the current official project description for its authoritative terminology and installation model.
Is Omarchy suitable for Linux beginners?
A beginner willing to learn shortcuts, backups, and basic diagnosis can use it, but it is not a maintenance-free system. Spare hardware or a separate drive is the safer first attempt.
Can it dual boot with Windows?
A dual boot is possible to plan, but BitLocker, Fast Startup, partitions, and UEFI boot all matter. Save recovery keys and read the dual-boot guide.
Can I install it on a Mac?
It depends on the processor. Omarchy currently supports a full-disk installation on an Intel Mac from USB. Enter Recovery to disable Secure Boot and allow external media, then hold Option (Alt) and select the orange EFI Boot icon. This erases macOS; follow the Intel Mac installation steps.
Apple Silicon models such as M1, M2, and M3 are not supported for native installation. Use a virtual machine or the community-maintained Try Omarchy. Do not apply Intel Mac or ordinary PC boot instructions directly to an M-series Mac.
Which desktop does Omarchy use?
It uses Hyprland as a dynamic tiling Wayland compositor and components including Quickshell to form the desktop experience.
Where do I find keyboard shortcuts?
Use hotkey help on the installed system or the current official manual because local configuration and releases can change bindings. See the shortcut guide.
What if a shortcut does not work?
Verify the physical Super key, keyboard layout, current hotkey table, and whether an application intercepts global keys. Build a minimal reproduction before resetting configuration.
How do I update Omarchy?
Use the current system update path. Save work, verify backup, and read important notices first. Reboot deliberately and test critical workflows afterward.
What are stable, RC, edge, and dev?
Stable is the daily-use default. RC is release-candidate validation, edge follows faster development builds and Arch packages, and dev connects a local source checkout for Omarchy development. Most users should stay on stable.
How do I install applications?
Prefer the Install categories in the Omarchy menu or omarchy pkg add <package>. AUR packages are community recipes; inspect the PKGBUILD, source, and maintenance before installing.
Can Omarchy type Chinese?
Yes. Install Fcitx5 with Chinese Addons or Rime plus CJK fonts. The framework, application protocol, and font fallback are separate layers; see the input-method guide.
How do I launch Claude Code or Codex?
Current Omarchy supplies mise-managed lazy launchers such as claude and codex, and it can choose a default agent. Some convenience paths may auto-approve actions, so begin in a test repository or planning mode.
How do I restore the system after a bad update?
A Limine installation can boot a pre-update snapshot and restore it after verification. Snapshots do not restore /home; follow snapshots and recovery.
Can I make or install third-party themes?
Yes. A custom theme is centered on colors.toml. Review a third-party repository, license, compatible release, and installation code before applying it.
Do system snapshots replace backups?
No. Snapshots help roll back system state. Independent backups protect against drive failure, deletion, and device loss.
Is this the official Omarchy website?
No. AMZDIR maintains this independent guide. It is not affiliated with, partnered with, or endorsed by Omarchy, DHH, 37signals, or Basecamp.