Manjaro Linux is one of the finest Linux distros out there that brings the experience of Arch in a very simple manner. Arch Linux is a difficult one for sure, at least, for new users. Now, Manjaro takes the step further by simplifying the entire system and making Arch more user-friendly than ever. If you’re a new or moderate Linux user, feel free to try out Arch today with Manjaro Linux! Arch is definitely more respected than the other Linux systems. That’s why I love Manjaro; it allows me to brag about running Arch Linux!

Now, Manjaro Linux comes up in tons different desktop environments such as Xfce, KDE Plasma, GNOME, MATE, Budgie, Cinnamon, LXDE, and a lot more. You may have already used all of them by now.

GNOME is a mid-weight and powerful desktop environment that comes up with a ton of its own apps, known as “GNOME Apps”. Is GNOME your favorite desktop environment? If that’s so, then let’s enjoy GNOME on our favorite Manjaro!

Getting GNOME

There are mainly 2 ways of getting GNOME as the desktop environment on Manjaro – installing Manjaro (GNOME edition) or installing GNOME separately. Don’t worry; both will be covered.

Installing Manjaro (GNOME edition)

Get the latest ISO of Manjaro (GNOME edition).

Then, you have to install Manjaro Linux using the downloaded ISO. You can test the installation process on VirtualBox or install it directly into your system. In each case, the steps are same.

Installing GNOME separately

If you have the luxury, following the previous method is STRONGLY recommended. Mixing more than one desktop environment in the single system may lead to some stability issues and other display glitches.

If your current system is using any other desktop environment other than GNOME, then follow the following steps.

At first, install the core of GNOME –

sudo pacman -S gnome

This step is optional but recommended. It will install the additional GNOME features (themes, games etc.).

sudo pacman -S gnome-extra

In the case of GNOME, the display manager is GDM. It’s also pretty beautiful and charming. When you installed GNOME, GDM is already installed. Enable GDM by running the following command –

sudo systemctl enable gdm.service --force

Now, the Manjaro part. Manjaro Linux officially offers various tweaks and theming for GNOME. Installing the tweaks will enable better compatibility and performance on your system.

sudo pacman -S manjaro-gnome-assets manjaro-gdm-theme manjaro-settings-manager