CachyOS is a performance-focused Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, with CPU-specific package builds and a tuned kernel for a fast, responsive desktop.
It follows the Arch Linux rolling release model and offers a Desktop Edition with a choice of more than 17 desktop environments, including KDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC, Hyprland, XFCE and i3.
A Handheld Edition with preinstalled gaming tools supports the Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go.
CachyOS combines the Arch Linux package ecosystem with performance tuning, a graphical installer and sensible defaults, making Arch-based Linux easier to install for desktop users and gamers.
For Intel and AMD x86_64 systems
CachyOS Desktop EditionISO imageiso
CachyOS Handheld EditionISO image for handheld gaming PCsiso
Once you have downloaded an image, be sure to verify it for both security and integrity.
By calculating the image’s checksum on your own computer and comparing it to the original checksum, you can verify the image has not been tampered with or corrupted. When the project provides signed checksums, verify their signature using the project's published signing key and instructions.
Download the checksum file for your exact CachyOS image from the project's release source.
If signed checksums are provided, obtain the project's signing key and confirm its fingerprint using the project's documentation.
Follow the project's verification instructions to validate the checksum file's signature before trusting its contents.
For a SHA-256 checksum file supported by sha256sum, run the following in the directory containing your downloaded image. Replace CHECKSUM_FILE with the actual checksum filename.
sha256sum -c CHECKSUM_FILE
Continue only when verification succeeds. If a checksum or signature fails, download the file again and verify it before installing.
# Update all installed packages sudo pacman -Syu
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