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EndeavourOS
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 | This article needs to be updated. (January 2026) |
 |
| EndeavourOS | |
|---|---|
 | |
 EndeavourOS Mercury Neo with KDE Plasma 6 | |
| Developer | Bryan Poerwoatmodjo, Fernando Omiechuk Frozi, Johannes Kamprad, Manuel |
| OS family | Linux (Unix-like) |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Open-source |
| Initial release | EndeavourOS 19.6 / 15 July 2019 |
| Latest release | EndeavourOS Ganymede Neo[1] / 15 January 2026 |
| Marketing target | Personal computers |
| Update method | Rolling release (Pacman) |
| Package manager | Pacman, Yay |
| Supported platforms | |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux kernel) |
| Default user interface | |
| Preceded by | Antergos |
| Official website | endeavouros |
EndeavourOS is an Arch Linux-based Linux distribution or distro. EndeavourOS began as a successor to Antergos, a discontinued distribution also based on Arch Linux.[2][3] It uses the same rolling release schedule as Arch Linux, but periodically releases updated installation media (ISO files). As of January 15, 2026, the most recent release is "Endeavour Ganymede Neo", bringing minor updates following the "Neo" tradition.[1]
History
[edit] | This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2022) |
EndeavourOS began as a continuation of the Antergos Linux distribution, a distribution itself based on Arch Linux, a general-purpose Linux distribution. In May 2019, Antergos' developers abruptly announced that development on the project would cease;[4] a moderator of Antergos' forums, Bryan Poerwoatmodjo, discussed the idea of maintaining the community on a new forum.[5] The idea received support from within the community, and within a day other Antergos moderators joined the project. Development on EndeavourOS quickly began, with the team planning to create a distribution that would be close to Arch Linux with the convenience of a GUI installer, while leaving GUI Pacman wrappers such as Pamac from the out-of-box installation. The first release was in July 2019.[6]
On September 11, 2019, EndeavourOS announced that they will release an online magazine, called Discovery, to give their users some background information on Arch commands and to inform them on new packages to explore. The magazine was launched in November 2019.[7] It was later discontinued in April 2021 due to a lack of writers.[8]
EndeavourOS used to offer "community editions" providing the window managers QTile, BSPWM, Openbox and the EndeavourOS exclusive Worm, as well as the Sway Wayland compositor. These were discontinued starting with the "Galileo" release due to a lack of maintainers and were officially removed with the release of the Galileo ISO on November 20, 2023.[9]
Installation
[edit]EndeavourOS uses the Calamares system installer. While EndeavourOS was originally planned to ship with Cnchi, the net-installer used by Antergos, technical difficulties resulted in the adoption of an offline installer based on Portergos, a Linux distribution also based on Antergos, as a stop-gap until the issues could be resolved later in development.[10] After the official launch of the distribution, the EndeavourOS team began to develop a Calamares net-installer, which was expected to release in November 2019,[11] but was delayed to December.[12] The net-installer offers multiple desktop environments, window managers, driver and firmware packages, and kernels during the installation process. The net-installer also allows the user to perform an offline install with the default KDE Plasma[1] (Xfce was the former default)[9] desktop themed with EndeavourOS branding.[13]
EndeavourOS features a graphical installer, unlike the distribution it is based on, Arch Linux, where installation is typically performed manually through the command-line tool pacstrap. As such, EndeavourOS is typically marketed as a beginner-friendly alternative to Arch Linux. As the distribution is based on Arch Linux, it provides most upstream features as-is.
EndeavourOS provides access to the Arch User Repository (AUR), a collection of unofficial community-maintained source packages shipped by Arch Linux, by default through the yay package manager.[14]
See also
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to EndeavourOS.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Bryanpwo (January 29, 2026). "Ganymede Neo is out with core updates and upstream NVIDIA changes". EndeavourOS. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
- ^ Evangelho, Jason. "New Arch Linux-Based Endeavour OS Launches To Keep Spirit Of Antergos Alive". Forbes. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
- ^ "DistroWatch.com: EndeavourOS". DistroWatch. June 30, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
- ^ Falgout, Dustin; Filgueira, Alexandre; Castells, Gustau (May 21, 2019). "Antergos Linux Project Ends". Antergos. Archived from the original on May 22, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
- ^ "Antergos is going to end". Antergos Community Forum. May 21, 2019. Archived from the original on May 22, 2019. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
- ^ Bryanpwo (June 23, 2019). "Welcome to EndeavourOS". EndeavourOS. Archived from the original on August 20, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
- ^ Bryanpwo (September 11, 2019). "Get ready for the next level". EndeavourOS. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
- ^ Bryanpwo (April 17, 2021). "Our April release is available". EndeavourOS. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
- ^ a b Bryanpwo (October 10, 2023). "Our Galileo release is delayed but here are the main changes you can expect". EndeavourOS. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
- ^ Bryanpwo (June 3, 2019). "What to expect on the first release". Endeavour OS. Archived from the original on July 26, 2019.
As you know Cnchi has caused serious problems to be working outside the Antergos eco system and it needs a complete rewrite to work.
- ^ Bryanpwo (November 1, 2019). "Net-installer on hold".
- ^ Bryanpwo (December 23, 2019). "Liftoff for the net-installer!".
- ^ "About".
- ^ Bryanpwo (March 9, 2021). "yay – an AUR Helper Written in Go". Discovery.
External links
[edit]
EndeavourOS
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
EndeavourOS is a rolling-release Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, designed to provide an accessible entry point into the Arch ecosystem through its user-friendly graphical installer and pre-configured desktop environments, while maintaining close fidelity to vanilla Arch principles.[1][2]
Launched in July 2019 as a spiritual successor to the discontinued Antergos distribution, EndeavourOS emerged in response to the Arch Linux community's need for a simpler installation process without compromising the system's rolling updates, minimalism, and access to the latest software packages.[3][1]
The project is developed by a volunteer team and emphasizes community involvement, offering tools like the Calamares installer for both offline and online setups, support for eight desktop environments (including KDE Plasma as the current default) plus window managers, and compatibility with x86_64 and aarch64 architectures.[2][1]
Notable aspects include its integration with the Arch User Repository (AUR) via helpers like Yay, a focus on stability through tested repositories, and resources such as the official Discovery wiki for tutorials on installation, hardware configuration, and customization.[2][4]
EndeavourOS stands out for its balance of ease-of-use for newcomers to Arch and advanced features for experienced users, including ARM support for devices like the Raspberry Pi, making it a versatile choice in the Linux landscape.[2][1]
Overview
Description
EndeavourOS is a Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, employing a rolling release model that delivers continuous package updates without requiring major version upgrades. This approach ensures users receive the latest software versions as they become available, aligning with Arch Linux's emphasis on simplicity and user-centric control.[5] As the spiritual successor to Antergos, EndeavourOS prioritizes an accessible installation process through its graphical Calamares installer, while preserving Arch Linux's core principles of minimalism and high customizability. It provides a lightweight base system with minimal preinstalled applications, serving as a customizable foundation for users.[5] As of 2025, EndeavourOS remains an active project, with ongoing development including support for ARM architectures on devices such as the Raspberry Pi 4B, Raspberry Pi 5, Odroid N2, and Pinebook Pro; ARM support, which was briefly discontinued in 2024 but restored later that year, continues as of November 2025.[6][7][8][9] The distribution utilizes Pacman as its default package manager and officially supports x86_64 and aarch64 platforms.[6][7]Design Philosophy
EndeavourOS embodies the core tenet of being "Arch but easier," offering a graphical installer and pre-configured options that streamline the setup process while preserving Arch Linux's do-it-yourself (DIY) ethos of user control and customization.[5] This approach allows newcomers to Arch to bypass the manual command-line installation without compromising the system's flexibility or introducing unnecessary restrictions.[10] The distribution emphasizes minimalism by providing a base installation that avoids bloatware, delivering essential components for a functional system that users can tailor to their needs.[5] It includes tools like the Welcome application, which offers post-installation guidance on configuration, updates, and hardware management, enabling users to expand the system incrementally without overwhelming defaults.[5] EndeavourOS evolves through a community-driven process that prioritizes user feedback in developing features such as multiple ISO flavors for various desktop environments and hardware profiles.[5] This collaborative model ensures the rolling release model—inherited from Arch Linux—remains stable, with thorough testing before updates reach users.[5] The project also fosters an educational focus, guiding users toward greater Arch Linux proficiency through accessible tools and documentation that encourage self-reliance and deeper system understanding.[10]History
Origins
EndeavourOS was launched in July 2019 as a direct successor to Antergos, an Arch Linux-based distribution that discontinued development on May 21, 2019, primarily due to the volunteer developers' limited availability of time and sustainability challenges for the project.[11][5] The cessation of Antergos left a vibrant community seeking to continue its user-friendly approach to Arch Linux installation and maintenance.[12] The project was initiated by former Antergos community moderators and members, with Bryan Poerwoatmodjo serving as the founder and project leader, alongside contributors like Johannes Kamprad and Fernando Omiechuk Frozi.[13][14] Poerwoatmodjo, who had moderated the Antergos forums, proposed creating a new forum shortly after the shutdown announcement to preserve the community's collaborative spirit, which quickly evolved into the development of a full distribution.[12] The EndeavourOS website launched on June 23, 2019, followed by the forum on July 3 and the first ISO presentation on July 15.[15] Initial goals centered on creating a distribution that adhered more closely to vanilla Arch Linux than Antergos had, minimizing custom modifications while retaining accessibility for users.[12] This included a strong emphasis on the Calamares graphical installer to simplify setup and the provision of offline ISO images for installations without internet access.[16] EndeavourOS is built directly on Arch Linux as its foundational base.[12] Early development involved rapid prototyping in the summer of 2019, with initial development ISOs released in early July and the first stable release on July 15, 2019.[17] The team faced challenges in adapting elements from Antergos' codebase while ensuring compatibility with upstream Arch changes, leading to a transition from alpha-like builds to a stable beta by late 2019, including the introduction of a combined offline and online installer ISO on December 23.[12][5]Major Releases and Updates
EndeavourOS, as a rolling-release distribution based on Arch Linux, maintains its base system through continuous updates via the pacman package manager, while periodically issuing refreshed installation media (ISOs) to incorporate upstream changes and project-specific enhancements. The first ISO with a combined offline and online installer arrived on December 23, 2019, featuring a customized Xfce desktop environment, marking the shift from alpha testing to a more polished installer experience.[5] By July 15, 2020, the project celebrated its first anniversary with a stable ISO update that included new features like improved hardware detection during installation, aligning with the distribution's goal of simplifying Arch Linux adoption.[18] Early milestones emphasized stability and accessibility. In September 2020, an ISO refresh introduced Linux kernel 5.8, enhancing support for newer hardware while retaining the lightweight Xfce default.[19] ARM support was initially introduced in September 2020 through compatibility scripts for devices like the Raspberry Pi 4 and ODROID boards, enabling desktop environments on single-board computers via Arch Linux ARM foundations.[20] This laid groundwork for broader architecture experimentation, though full semi-automatic installation for ARM arrived later. The Discovery online magazine launched on November 2, 2019, to document installation and customization, complementing the evolving release cycle. It was rebooted in April 2021 as a knowledge base after a period of discontinuation.[5] Themed editions began emerging in 2022, reflecting thematic naming inspired by space exploration. The Apollo release in early 2022 introduced exclusive theming and refined Calamares installer modules for faster setups.[5] Artemis followed on June 24, 2022, as a regular ISO refresh that integrated semi-automatic ARM installation using Calamares, supporting ODROID and Raspberry Pi devices with improved bootloader configuration.[21] Subsequent refreshes included Artemis Neo in August 2022 for upstream corrections and Artemis Nova in September 2022, which shipped with Linux kernel 5.19 and a vanilla GRUB experience to reduce custom bootloader complexities.[22] Cassini arrived on December 20, 2022, packing new features such as enhanced welcome applications and package selection during online installs.[23] From 2023 onward, releases focused on desktop environment shifts and hardware adaptations. Cassini Nova R2, released on June 5, 2023, bridged to later releases with Linux kernel 6.3 updates and bug fixes.[24] Galileo, released November 20, 2023, marked a pivotal change by adopting KDE Plasma as the primary desktop for live and offline ISOs, replacing Xfce to streamline development and offer a more dynamic default interface; it also streamlined the installer by removing less-used window managers like Sway and BSPWM.[25] Galileo Neo followed on January 27, 2024, with Linux kernel 6.7.1 and Calamares fixes for Plasma offline installs.[26] ARM support faced a hiatus in April 2024 due to maintainer constraints but returned prominently with the Endeavour edition on June 30, 2024, celebrating the project's fifth anniversary through separate ARM images optimized for installation on single-board computers.[27] Recent developments in 2025 highlight kernel advancements and installer refinements. The Mercury edition launched February 10, 2025, addressing Linux kernel 6.13 issues and integrating Xfce 4.20 for alternative desktops.[28] Mercury Neo, released March 23, 2025, updated to kernel 6.13.7, KDE Plasma 6.3.3, and Calamares 25.02.2.1, with enhancements to the online installer for better mirror selection and EFI compatibility testing; it also fixed Arch mirror ranking bugs to improve download reliability during setup.[29] These updates responded to hardware trends, including stronger NVIDIA integration via the nvidia-inst tool for proprietary drivers in 2024 releases and ongoing ARM optimizations with plans to add support for devices like those using the Snapdragon X Elite once upstream Linux kernel support matures.[30][31][32] Release patterns follow Arch's rolling model, with bi-monthly ISO refreshes in 2020 evolving to more flexible updates every 2-3 months for minor fixes and every 6-12 months for major themed editions introducing new defaults like KDE Plasma.[33] This cadence ensures ISOs remain viable for fresh installs without disrupting existing users, who update seamlessly via pacman.[34] Adaptations to trends, such as NVIDIA driver stability in 2024 via kernel 6.x compatibility and ARM refinements for efficient single-board computing, underscore the project's responsiveness to user hardware diversity.[35][27]Features
Base System and Kernel
EndeavourOS is fundamentally based on Arch Linux, directly mirroring its official repositories to deliver a comprehensive package ecosystem. This architecture provides users with immediate access to the most current software versions available in Arch's repositories, including prompt delivery of security patches as they are released upstream. The distribution maintains synchronization with Arch's repositories through its own mirror network, ensuring reliable and timely updates without introducing delays typical of fixed-release models.[2] At the core of the system lies the Linux kernel, with EndeavourOS defaulting to the latest stable release from the Arch repositories, such as version 6.17 as of late 2025. This choice emphasizes cutting-edge hardware support and performance optimizations inherent in upstream kernel developments. Additionally, these kernels provide top-tier performance for KVM virtualization, with fresh virtio drivers enabling efficient paravirtualized graphics and near-native speeds when using tools like Virt-Manager.[36] Users benefit from flexible kernel management via the A Kernel Manager (AKM), a graphical tool that facilitates installation, switching, and removal of variants including the Long Term Support (LTS) kernel for enhanced stability, the Zen kernel tuned for desktop responsiveness, and hardened kernels with additional security features. AKM streamlines these operations by interfacing directly with pacman, allowing seamless transitions without manual configuration.[37] For booting, EndeavourOS employs systemd-boot as the default loader on UEFI systems, prized for its simplicity, minimal footprint, and straightforward text-based configuration that reduces potential points of failure. During installation, users may opt for GRUB as an alternative, which offers greater customization for complex multiboot setups. The mkinitcpio tool is integral to the boot process, enabling users to generate and tailor the initial ramdisk (initramfs) with hooks for modules, filesystems, and encryption as needed.[38] System integrity is bolstered by pacman hooks, which automate critical post-installation tasks such as rebuilding the initramfs and refreshing bootloader entries whenever kernel or related packages are updated, thereby preventing boot issues from configuration drift. Complementing this, the reflector utility optimizes mirror selection during installation and maintenance by testing and ranking Arch and EndeavourOS mirrors based on speed and availability, ensuring efficient package synchronization and reducing download times.[39]Desktop Environments
EndeavourOS positions KDE Plasma as its flagship desktop environment, offering a highly customizable and feature-rich interface that serves as the default live environment in its installation media. This choice emphasizes modern aesthetics, extensibility through widgets and plasmoids, and seamless integration with Arch Linux's package ecosystem. Plasma's default configuration in EndeavourOS includes optimized settings for performance and includes tools like the Discover software center for easy management.[2] The distribution supports a total of eight desktop environments and one window manager, providing users with diverse options to suit different preferences for resource usage, workflow, and visual style. Available choices include KDE Plasma for a customizable and modern interface, GNOME for a minimalist and gesture-oriented experience, XFCE for lightweight efficiency on older hardware, Cinnamon for a traditional desktop metaphor with applets and panels, MATE as a classic GNOME 2-inspired setup, Budgie for a refined and elegant panel-based interface, LXQt and LXDE for ultra-lightweight alternatives ideal for low-spec systems, and i3 as a tiling window manager for advanced keyboard-driven productivity. These options are selectable during the online installation process, ensuring a tailored setup from the outset. The offline ISO features KDE Plasma, while the online installer allows selection of the other supported desktop environments and i3.[2] Post-installation customization is facilitated through the EndeavourOS Welcome application, which provides a graphical interface for adding or switching desktop environments, or via the pacman package manager for command-line control. EndeavourOS includes Arch Linux-tailored themes and icons, such as the Papirus icon set, which offers crisp SVG-based visuals compatible across GTK and Qt-based environments, enhancing consistency and aesthetic appeal.[40][41] In 2025 updates, EndeavourOS has enhanced Wayland protocol support in KDE Plasma and GNOME, improving security, smoothness, and hardware acceleration for compatible graphics cards while maintaining X11 fallback options. Additionally, integration with the Hyprland tiling window manager has gained prominence among users, with community-maintained installation scripts available via the AUR for seamless setup on existing systems, appealing to enthusiasts seeking dynamic tiling and compositing features.[42][43]Package Management
EndeavourOS utilizes Pacman as its primary package manager for handling core software operations, including installation, updates, and removal of packages from official repositories.[44] Pacman operates via command-line interface, enabling users to synchronize package databases and perform full system upgrades with the commandsudo pacman -Syu, which refreshes the database and installs available updates in a single step.[44] This rolling-release model ensures continuous access to the latest software versions without major version jumps.[2]
The distribution draws from multiple repositories to provide a comprehensive software ecosystem. Official Arch Linux repositories supply the bulk of stable, pre-compiled packages, while the Arch User Repository (AUR) offers community-maintained packages built from source.[44] Additionally, EndeavourOS maintains its own repository, configured via /etc/pacman.d/endeavouros-mirrorlist, which includes custom tools such as eos-welcome for post-installation guidance.[45]
AUR integration is facilitated through helper tools like yay, a Go-based utility that simplifies searching, building, and installing AUR packages alongside Pacman-managed ones, often pre-configured in EndeavourOS editions for seamless use.[46] This setup allows users to access the latest versions of software like Docker from official Arch repositories and Wine, including its staging branches, from the AUR, with pre-built helpers facilitating easy installation for containerization and Windows application compatibility.[47][48] Alternatives such as paru, written in Rust, can also be employed for similar functionality, providing options for users preferring different performance characteristics.[2]
To optimize download speeds, EndeavourOS incorporates Reflector, a tool that automatically ranks and updates mirror lists based on factors like speed and location, configurable via simple commands or the reflector-simple GUI.[49] This enhances the efficiency of package operations, particularly during frequent updates.
Unique to the distribution, the eos-installer utility supports online installation modes where users can selectively choose packages from predefined lists during setup, streamlining initial customization.[50] For universal package formats, Flatpak support is available directly through official repositories or AUR, allowing sandboxed application deployment with flatpak install commands.[51] Snap support, while optional, is enabled via AUR packages like snapd, integrating containerized software into the Pacman workflow.[52]
Installation
Creating a Bootable USB
To create a bootable USB drive for EndeavourOS:- Download the most recent ISO file from the official website: https://endeavouros.com/download/. Select the preferred version (such as the online or offline ISO).[53]
-
Use a reliable tool to write the ISO to a USB flash drive (minimum 4 GB capacity; all data on the drive will be erased):
- balenaEtcher (recommended, cross-platform for Windows, macOS, and Linux): Download from https://etcher.balena.io/, select the ISO file, choose the USB drive, and flash it.[54]
- Rufus (ideal for Windows): Download from https://rufus.ie/, select the ISO and USB drive, use default settings (DD Image mode if prompted), and start the process.[55]
-
dd (for Linux via terminal): Identify the USB device with
lsblk(e.g., /dev/sdb), then execute cautiously:sudo dd if=/path/to/EndeavourOS.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress conv=fsync(replace sdX with the correct device; verify carefully to avoid overwriting the wrong disk).
- Safely eject the USB drive, insert it into the target computer, and boot from it. Access the BIOS/UEFI settings (typically using keys such as F2, F12, Del, or Esc) and select the USB drive as the boot device.