Live setup

Download a current ISO from the official download page and follow its signature verification instructions before booting it.

Set the keyboard layout

The console defaults to US. List layouts, then load yours; this example uses German:

localectl list-keymaps
loadkeys de-latin1

Use the same layout when entering encryption passwords and configuring the installed system.

Connect to the internet

Wired networking normally connects automatically. For Wi-Fi, enter iwctl, then run the following commands inside its prompt, replacing wlan0 and the network name:

device list
station wlan0 scan
station wlan0 get-networks
station wlan0 connect "Your network name"
exit

Check connectivity and synchronize the clock:

ping -c 3 archlinux.org
timedatectl set-ntp true

Check the firmware mode

ls /sys/firmware/efi/efivars

If this directory exists, the ISO booted in UEFI mode. Otherwise it booted in BIOS mode. For a UEFI installation, reboot and select the UEFI entry for your USB drive if necessary.