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Version 1.1 by Käthe von Hai on 2026/02/20 07:50
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1 ~====== Installing Garuda Linux (Arch-based) on Apple T2 Macs ======
2
3 This guide explains how to use ~*~*t2archinstall~*~* to install ~*~*Garuda Linux~*~* (or any Arch-based distribution) on Apple T2 Macs.
4
5 The installer automates essential kernel and driver setup required for T2 hardware, including components like ~*~*t2fanrd~*~*.
6
7 ~-~--
8
9 ~===== Overview =====
10
11 To install Garuda on a T2 Mac:
12
13 ~* Boot from a ~*~*T2-compatible live ISO~*~*
14 ~* Connect to Wi-Fi
15 ~* Run the ~*~*t2archinstall~*~* script from the terminal
16
17 ~-~--
18
19 ~===== Pre-Installation Steps (Essential) =====
20
21 ~==== Disable Secure Boot ====
22
23 ~1. Boot into ~*~*macOS Recovery~*~* by holding ~*~*Command (⌘) + R~*~*
24 2. Open ~*~*Utilities → Startup Security Utility~*~*
25 3. Set:
26
27 ~* ~*~*Secure Boot:~*~* No Security
28 ~* ~*~*Allowed Boot Media:~*~* Allow booting from external media
29
30 ~-~--
31
32 ~==== Partition the Drive ====
33
34 ~1. Boot into macOS
35 2. Open ~*~*Disk Utility~*~*
36 3. Resize the internal disk to create ~*~*free space~*~* for Garuda Linux
37 (Do not format it yet)
38
39 ~-~--
40
41 ~==== Prepare the Installation USB ====
42
43 ~1. Download the ~*~*Garuda Linux ISO~*~*
44 2. Flash it to a USB drive
45 Recommended tool: ~*~*BalenaEtcher~*~*
46
47 ~-~--
48
49 ~==== Boot From the USB ====
50
51 ~1. Plug in the USB drive
52 2. Reboot and hold the ~*~*Option (⌥)~*~* key
53 3. Select the orange ~*~*EFI Boot~*~* icon
54
55 ~-~--
56
57 ~===== Running T2ArchInstall =====
58
59 ~==== Open a Terminal ====
60
61 Once the Garuda live environment loads, open a terminal window.
62
63 ~-~--
64
65 ~==== Run the Installer (Recommended) ====
66
67 Execute the following command:
68
69 <code bash>
70 curl -fsSL https:~/~/sls.re/t2arch.sh | sh && ./t2archinstall.py
71 </code>
72
73 This will download and start the ~*~*t2archinstall~*~* menu-based installer.
74
75 ~-~--
76
77 ~==== Alternative Manual Method ====
78
79 If the one-liner fails, run the following commands manually:
80
81 <code bash>
82 pacman -Sy archlinux-keyring
83 pacman -Sy python-textual
84 curl -o t2archinstall.py https:~/~/github.com/slsrepo/t2archinstall/raw/refs/heads/main/t2archinstall.py
85 chmod +x t2archinstall.py
86 ./t2archinstall.py
87 </code>
88
89 ~-~--
90
91 ~==== Configure the Installer ====
92
93 Follow the on-screen menus to:
94
95 ~* Partition the disk
96 ~* Create a user
97 ~* Select T2-specific kernels and drivers
98 ~* Install the base system
99
100 The installer automatically handles most T2 hardware requirements.
101
102 ~-~--
103
104 ~===== Post-Installation Notes =====
105
106 ~==== Input Devices Not Working During Install ====
107
108 If the ~*~*keyboard or trackpad~*~* does not work during installation:
109
110 ~* Use an external USB keyboard and mouse
111 ~* Or add the following kernel parameters:
112
113 ~* `noapic irqpoll acpi=force`
114
115 ~-~--
116
117 ~==== Install Fan Control Driver ====
118
119 After installation, ensure the T2 fan driver is installed:
120
121 <code bash>
122 sudo pacman -S t2fanrd
123 </code>
124
125 This is required for proper thermal management on T2 Macs.
126
127 ~-~--
128
129 ~===== Done 🎉 =====
130
131 Your Garuda Linux system should now be fully functional on Apple T2 hardware.