I received my Framework Desktop last Wednesday. Last weekend I tried to install Arch on it, but the install process gets stuck. I downloaded the latest Arch iso image (archlinux-2025.11.01-x86_64.iso), and created bootable USB stick on a Mac according the instructions on the Framework website.
Computer boots from stick, and I select “Arch Linux install medium (x86_64, UEFI)” with enter. Then the install goes to “Copying rootfs image to RAM”, progress bar proceeds few steps, and the screen goes black. After that nothing happens and I have to shut down the computer by holding the power button down.
I have disabled the secure boot in settings. I also have tried different USB sticks. I tried earlier Arch version 2025.10.1 but the install got also stuck.
The BIOS version is 03.02 and my Framework Desktop has AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 with 64Gb of RAM.
Does anyone have any clue why this is happening and how fix it?
Do you see any messages that might give a hint what is missing or wrong?
PS: I plan to move my Arch Linux Install on SSD from my current system to the new hardware. I might know more if it is working at the end of this week.
Since I’m also long time Apple user, I have connected Framework Desktop to Apple Studio Display. It worked with Bazzite out of the box without any problems. But it seems that Arch install does not like that display.
My old Linux PC, which I’m going to retire, is connected to old Asus monitor that has only VGA and old display port connections. I don’t have cables or adapter to connect Framework Desktop to that. So I tested Arch install using an iPad as a monitor with HDMI to USB-C adapter. With that I manged to get to TTY and I’m able to type and continue the installation.
I don’t know what is the root cause of this? At the start of the install picture is shown, but why does it fail when trying to copy to RAM? Is 5k too much for the install?
Haven’t tried installing vanilla arch as yet, but this somewhat reminds me of something I hit too.
I got my FW desktop today and installed CachyOS. I had my studio display connected to a Caldigit TB4 dock, and this config works just fine with my FW13, but with the FW desktop I went through the Cachy install process from the live-USB just fine, but couldn’t get the display to show on booting the OS from the SSD - had to connect it directly (with a USB-C to Display Port + USB-A cable). You might try that kind of cable to see if it helps.
In the end I couldn’t get the Studio Display to work wiht Arch. I switched to Fedora. Fedora (and Bazzite) supports Studio Display, and it works right from the start, without you needing to do anything. Speakers, webcam and brightness all work. And you dont need a special cable. USB-C/Thunderbolt cable, that came with the Studio Display, works. However I did order a USB-C to Display Port + USB-A cable just in case, if I might need it in the future.
Okay, something strange has happened. I decided to try one more time, and created Arch boot stick, and booted with that. Now the install process went all the way through. No black screen anymore. I installed Arch with Niri. And after the install it booted to GDM login screen. The display works! And with USB-C/Thunderbolt cable!
I don’t know why it now works? I used the same Arch iso I had downloaded before. Only thing I can think of, is that I installed some bios updates while using Fedora, and that fixed the black screen.