How to Install and Configure LXQt on Arch Linux

Arch Linux is known for its simplicity, flexibility, and bleeding-edge software. It provides users with the opportunity to tailor their systems exactly how they like, making it a favorite among advanced users and tinkerers. One of the essential choices you make while setting up your Arch system is the desktop environment (DE). If you are looking for a lightweight, modern, and modular desktop environment, LXQt is an excellent choice.

LXQt is the successor of LXDE, designed with the same principle of being resource-friendly but built with Qt libraries instead of GTK. It offers a clean, fast, and functional user experience without the bloat of many mainstream environments. This guide will walk you through installing and configuring LXQt on a fresh Arch Linux setup.

Prerequisites

Before diving into LXQt installation, make sure:

• You have a working Arch Linux installation.
• You have root or sudo privileges.
• Your system is connected to the internet.
• You have a user account created.

If you’re starting from a minimal setup (like after using the archinstall script or manual installation), ensure that you have a terminal environment ready (e.g., bash, zsh) and access to the pacman package manager.

Step 1: Update Your System

It’s always a good idea to ensure your system is up to date:

sudo pacman -Syu

This will refresh the package database and upgrade all currently installed packages to the latest version.

Step 2: Install Xorg (Display Server)

LXQt needs a graphical display server to function. Arch Linux does not include one by default, so install the Xorg server and utilities:

sudo pacman -S xorg xorg-xinit xorg-server

You can also include common input drivers:

sudo pacman -S xf86-input-libinput

If you’re using NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel GPUs, install the appropriate video drivers as well:

# For Intel
sudo pacman -S xf86-video-intel

# For AMD
sudo pacman -S xf86-video-amdgpu

# For NVIDIA (open source)
sudo pacman -S nvidia nvidia-utils

Step 3: Install a Display Manager (Optional)

A display manager provides a graphical login screen. While optional, it simplifies the process of logging into a graphical session.

Popular lightweight display managers include:

• SLiM (simple and light)
• LightDM (versatile and widely supported)
• SDDM (designed for Qt environments like LXQt and KDE)

Let’s go with SDDM since it integrates well with LXQt:

sudo pacman -S sddm sddm-kcm
sudo systemctl enable sddm

Alternatively, if you prefer to start your desktop environment manually with startx, you can skip the display manager and configure .xinitrc instead (explained later).

Step 4: Install LXQt Desktop Environment

Now let’s install the core LXQt packages:

sudo pacman -S lxqt

LXQt is modular, and you may want to include additional components for a complete experience:

sudo pacman -S lxqt-arch-config lxqt-policykit lxqt-session lxqt-admin

These provide better integration with Arch, session management, and GUI system configuration tools.

You will also need a window manager. LXQt doesn’t come with its own, but it supports many, including:

• Openbox (default and lightweight)
• xfwm4 (XFCE’s window manager)
• KWin (KDE’s window manager)

Let’s install Openbox, the most commonly used with LXQt:

sudo pacman -S openbox obconf

Step 5: Install Essential Applications

LXQt provides a minimal desktop environment. You’ll need to install some essential utilities to enhance your experience:

File Manager

sudo pacman -S pcmanfm-qt

Terminal Emulator

sudo pacman -S qterminal

Web Browser

Choose one based on your preference:

# Lightweight browser
sudo pacman -S midori

# Or a mainstream browser
sudo pacman -S firefox

Text Editor

sudo pacman -S featherpad

Audio and Video

Install PulseAudio (or PipeWire) and some media players:

sudo pacman -S pipewire pipewire-pulse pavucontrol
sudo pacman -S vlc

Step 6: Start LXQt

If you’re using SDDM, reboot your system:

reboot

After rebooting, you should be greeted with the SDDM login screen. Select the LXQt session from the session menu and log in.

If you prefer using startx, create or edit ~/.xinitrc for your user:

nano ~/.xinitrc

Add the following line at the end of the file:

exec startlxqt

Now, start the X session with:

startx

Step 7: Customize LXQt

LXQt is modular and easy to configure. Right-click on the panel or desktop, and you’ll find various settings to tweak your desktop environment.

You can also access the LXQt Configuration Center from the application menu, which lets you adjust:

• Appearance and themes
• Monitor configuration
• Session settings
• Shortcut keys
• Power management

You may also want to install LXQt themes and icon packs:

sudo pacman -S lxappearance kvantum-qt5

And apply your favorite GTK and Qt themes.

Step 8: Autostart Applications

To autostart apps like a compositor (for transparency or VSync) or clipboard manager, place .desktop files in:

~/.config/autostart/

For example, if you use picom for compositing:

sudo pacman -S picom

Create a file:

nano ~/.config/autostart/picom.desktop

Paste the following content:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Picom
Exec=picom --config ~/.config/picom.conf
Type=Application

This way, picom will start automatically with LXQt.

Step 9: Configure System Services

For full desktop functionality, enable relevant services like networking, audio, and Bluetooth:

Networking

sudo pacman -S networkmanager
sudo systemctl enable NetworkManager

Bluetooth

sudo pacman -S bluez bluez-utils blueman
sudo systemctl enable bluetooth

Troubleshooting Tips

Black screen after login?

• Ensure you installed a compatible window manager.
• Verify that startlxqt is present in .xinitrc or selected in your display manager.

No sound?

• Make sure PulseAudio or PipeWire is installed and running.
• Use pavucontrol to manage output devices.

Missing fonts or ugly UI?

• Install font packages:

sudo pacman -S ttf-dejavu ttf-liberation noto-fonts

Unwanted screen tearing?

• Try using a compositor like picom.

Conclusion

Installing and configuring LXQt on Arch Linux is a rewarding experience if you’re aiming for a modern and lightweight desktop environment. With its Qt foundation, modularity, and efficiency, LXQt is suitable for older hardware and users who prefer a snappy, responsive interface without unnecessary bloat.

Whether you’re using it as your daily desktop or as a base for a more customized setup, LXQt offers a solid alternative to heavier environments like KDE Plasma or GNOME. Thanks to Arch Linux’s flexibility, you’re in full control of every aspect of your system — from the window manager to every piece of software installed.