Install Garuda Linux (Arch) on a Mac

====== Installing Garuda Linux (Arch-based) on Apple T2 Macs ======

This guide explains how to use **t2archinstall** to install **Garuda Linux** (or any Arch-based distribution) on Apple T2 Macs.

The installer automates essential kernel and driver setup required for T2 hardware, including components like **t2fanrd**.

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===== Overview =====

To install Garuda on a T2 Mac:

* Boot from a **T2-compatible live ISO**
* Connect to Wi-Fi
* Run the **t2archinstall** script from the terminal

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===== Pre-Installation Steps (Essential) =====

==== Disable Secure Boot ====

1. Boot into **macOS Recovery** by holding **Command (⌘) + R**
2. Open **Utilities → Startup Security Utility**
3. Set:

   * **Secure Boot:** No Security
   * **Allowed Boot Media:** Allow booting from external media

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==== Partition the Drive ====

1. Boot into macOS
2. Open **Disk Utility**
3. Resize the internal disk to create **free space** for Garuda Linux
   (Do not format it yet)

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==== Prepare the Installation USB ====

1. Download the **Garuda Linux ISO**
2. Flash it to a USB drive
   Recommended tool: **BalenaEtcher**

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==== Boot From the USB ====

1. Plug in the USB drive
2. Reboot and hold the **Option (⌥)** key
3. Select the orange **EFI Boot** icon

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===== Running T2ArchInstall =====

==== Open a Terminal ====

Once the Garuda live environment loads, open a terminal window.

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==== Run the Installer (Recommended) ====

Execute the following command:

<code bash>
curl -fsSL https://sls.re/t2arch.sh | sh && ./t2archinstall.py
</code>

This will download and start the **t2archinstall** menu-based installer.

---

==== Alternative Manual Method ====

If the one-liner fails, run the following commands manually:

<code bash>
pacman -Sy archlinux-keyring
pacman -Sy python-textual
curl -o t2archinstall.py https://github.com/slsrepo/t2archinstall/raw/refs/heads/main/t2archinstall.py
chmod +x t2archinstall.py
./t2archinstall.py
</code>

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==== Configure the Installer ====

Follow the on-screen menus to:

* Partition the disk
* Create a user
* Select T2-specific kernels and drivers
* Install the base system

The installer automatically handles most T2 hardware requirements.

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===== Post-Installation Notes =====

==== Input Devices Not Working During Install ====

If the **keyboard or trackpad** does not work during installation:

* Use an external USB keyboard and mouse
* Or add the following kernel parameters:

  * `noapic irqpoll acpi=force`

---

==== Install Fan Control Driver ====

After installation, ensure the T2 fan driver is installed:

<code bash>
sudo pacman -S t2fanrd
</code>

This is required for proper thermal management on T2 Macs.

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===== Done 🎉 =====

Your Garuda Linux system should now be fully functional on Apple T2 hardware.