How to Migrate from Arch Linux to EndeavourOS

Arch Linux is a beloved distribution for power users who want full control over their operating system, but it demands a hands-on approach to installation, configuration, and maintenance. While this appeals to many, others eventually seek a more convenient experience while maintaining Arch’s rolling release model and flexibility. That’s where EndeavourOS comes in—a user-friendly Arch-based distro that simplifies the setup process while keeping the Arch core intact.

If you’re currently using Arch Linux but want to switch to EndeavourOS without losing data, configurations, or your installed applications, this guide walks you through the process. The migration isn’t as simple as a one-click upgrade, but with careful preparation, it can be done smoothly.

Why Migrate to EndeavourOS?

Before diving into the technical steps, it’s worth understanding why someone might migrate to EndeavourOS from Arch Linux:

• Simplified setup: EndeavourOS comes with an easy-to-use Calamares installer.
• Out-of-the-box experience: It includes essential packages, a curated selection of DEs, and helpful tools like eos-welcome.
• Great community support: EndeavourOS has an active and welcoming community.
• Pre-configured system tools: Useful scripts and helpers to manage kernels, drivers, and package caches are included.

If you want the Arch experience with fewer setup hassles and a strong support network, EndeavourOS is a logical choice.

Preparation Steps

Migrating operating systems is always a sensitive process. Even though Arch and EndeavourOS are close relatives, a backup and cleanup routine is crucial.

1. Backup Your Data

Before doing anything, back up your critical data. This can include:

• Home directory files
• Custom configuration files (dotfiles in ~, /etc, etc.)
• Scripts or system-wide changes you’ve made
• A list of installed packages

Use rsync, an external drive, or a cloud sync service like Nextcloud to store your backup.

2. List Installed Packages

EndeavourOS uses the same package manager as Arch: pacman. To keep your current package list:

pacman -Qqen > pkglist.txt       # Explicitly installed native packages
pacman -Qqem > aurlist.txt       # AUR packages

This way, you can re-install these packages later on EndeavourOS.

3. Note Custom Configurations

If you’ve done any of the following, consider backing up the related files:

• Configured bootloader (GRUB/systemd-boot)
• Added custom systemd services
• Modified kernel parameters
• Customized DE/WM setups (like i3, KDE, GNOME)

Migration Strategies

You essentially have two options for the migration:

Option 1: Clean Install of EndeavourOS

This is the most reliable and straightforward method. You perform a fresh install of EndeavourOS and restore your data and settings afterward.

Option 2: Convert Existing Arch Install to EndeavourOS

This is more complex and riskier but can be rewarding for advanced users who don’t want to reinstall everything. You essentially reconfigure your system to resemble EndeavourOS by installing their tools, themes, and configurations.

Let’s look at both approaches.

Option 1: Clean Install of EndeavourOS

Step 1: Download EndeavourOS ISO

Visit the official EndeavourOS download page and grab the latest ISO. Create a bootable USB drive using tools like:

• dd
• ventoy
• balenaEtcher
• Rufus (on Windows)

Example dd usage:

sudo dd if=EndeavourOS-*.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync

Replace /dev/sdX with your actual USB device.

Step 2: Boot and Install

Boot into the USB and launch the Calamares installer. Choose your preferred desktop environment (DE) or install the base system. During installation:

• Partitioning: Reuse your existing partitions if possible. Format / but keep /home intact if it’s on a separate partition.
• User setup: Create a user with the same username to simplify restoring configurations.

Step 3: Post-Install Package Restoration

Boot into your new EndeavourOS installation.

Copy over your previously saved pkglist.txt and reinstall:

sudo pacman -S --needed - < pkglist.txt

For AUR packages, you can use an AUR helper like yay or paru:

yay -S --needed - < aurlist.txt

Step 4: Restore Configuration and Data

Now copy over your configuration files and data:

rsync -a /path/to/backup/home/username/ /home/username/
rsync -a /path/to/backup/etc/ /etc/

Review changes manually to avoid overwriting EndeavourOS configurations blindly.

Step 5: System Verification

Finally, verify your system:

• Check for broken packages: sudo pacman -Qk
• Update system: sudo pacman -Syu
• Re-enable user services: systemctl --user enable some.service
• Check bootloader configuration

You’re done! Enjoy EndeavourOS with your familiar setup.

Option 2: Convert Arch to EndeavourOS Manually

This method is for experienced users who are confident with system-level changes.

Step 1: Add EndeavourOS Repositories

Add the EndeavourOS repo to your /etc/pacman.conf:

[endeavouros]
SigLevel = PackageRequired
Include = /etc/pacman.d/endeavouros-mirrorlist

Then add the mirrorlist file:

sudo pacman -S endeavouros-keyring
sudo pacman -Sy endeavouros-mirrorlist

Step 2: Install EndeavourOS Meta Packages

Install core EndeavourOS tools:

sudo pacman -S endeavouros-keyring endeavouros-mirrorlist eos-hooks eos-translations eos-update-notifier eos-bash-shared eos-log-tool

Optionally install eos-welcome, reflector-auto, and grub-tools if desired:

sudo pacman -S eos-welcome reflector-simple grub-tools

Step 3: Switch Theming and Artwork

Install themes, wallpapers, and system-wide tweaks EndeavourOS uses:

sudo pacman -S endeavouros-theming

This is mostly cosmetic but helps make your desktop match a fresh EndeavourOS install.

Step 4: Reconfigure Bootloader (Optional)

If EndeavourOS uses different kernel boot parameters or you want its GRUB setup:

sudo pacman -S grub os-prober
sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Note: This could overwrite your current GRUB configuration, so proceed with caution.

Step 5: Enable EndeavourOS Services

Check and enable helpful system services:

sudo systemctl enable reflector.timer
sudo systemctl enable eos-update-notifier.timer

Step 6: Clean Up

You can now remove unnecessary packages you had from your original Arch setup that EndeavourOS replaces or does differently.

After Migration: Tips for Maintaining EndeavourOS

Once your migration is complete, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with EndeavourOS tools:

• eos-welcome: A friendly GUI with post-install actions.
• reflector-simple: Helps manage your mirror list easily.
• eos-update-notifier: Notifies you about updates with options for customization.
• grub-tools: Helps manage kernels and boot entries more easily than doing it all manually.

Also consider joining the EndeavourOS forum or Reddit community to get support and share tips.

Conclusion

Migrating from Arch Linux to EndeavourOS is not as dramatic as switching between unrelated distros like Fedora and Ubuntu. Since EndeavourOS is built on top of Arch, the change is mostly about added convenience and integration, not a shift in philosophy.

If you’re tired of managing every detail of your system by hand, or you just want some well-crafted tools without compromising the Arch experience, EndeavourOS is an excellent next step.

Whether you choose to do a clean install or carefully retrofit your existing system, this guide should help you navigate the process with confidence. Just remember: always back up, test critical steps, and take your time.