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How to Install Software on Arch Linux

This guide covers the most common ways to install software on an Arch Linux system — using both official repositories and the AUR (Arch User Repository). Whether you're setting up from scratch or adding missing utilities, you’ll find step-by-step instructions here.

1. Using Pacman (Official Repositories)

Arch Linux ships with pacman as the default package manager.

1.1 Search for a Package

pacman -Ss <package_name>

Example:

pacman -Ss firefox

1.2 Install a Package

sudo pacman -S <package_name>

Example:

sudo pacman -S vlc

1.3 Remove a Package

sudo pacman -R <package_name>

Remove a package with its dependencies not used by others:

sudo pacman -Rns <package_name>

1.4 Update All Packages

sudo pacman -Syu

This synchronizes and updates all system packages.

1.5 Clean Unused Packages (orphans)

sudo pacman -Rns $(pacman -Qtdq)

This removes orphaned packages you no longer need.

1.6 Clean Cached Packages

sudo pacman -Scc

This removes cached packages you no longer need.

Using AUR (Arch User Repository) with yay

Tips & Best Practices

  • ✅ Prefer official repo packages first.
  • 🔍 Use pacman -Qi <package> to check installed package details.
  • 📦 Use pacman -Qdt to list orphan packages.
  • 🕵️ Use pacman -Ql <package> to list installed files of a package.
  • 📁 Use pacman -Qo <file> to find which package owns a file.
  • ⚠️ Be cautious with AUR: read PKGBUILD before installing unknown packages.

Handy Shortcuts

Task Command
Update all system packages sudo pacman -Syu
Search for a package pacman -Ss
Remove a package (with config) sudo pacman -Rns <pkg>
Clean pacman cache sudo pacman -Sc / sudo pacman -Scc
Remove orphan packages sudo pacman -Rns $(pacman -Qtdq)

❓ FAQ

1. What's the difference between -R, -Rs, and -Rns?

  • -R → Just removes the package.
  • -Rs → Removes the package + dependencies if unneeded.
  • -Rns → Also removes config files & leftovers (full cleanup).

2. What if I can't find a package?

  • Use:
 pacman -Ss <keyword>

Learn More