Preparing a flash drive

Download ISO file

1. First of all you need to choose the latest ISO file. You do this by opening the Global mirror of Arch Linux. Arch releases a new ISO every month, so if you want to have a rescue drive ready for the worst-case, be sure to keep it updated.

Tip: If you want, you can choose another mirror from this link.

2. Choose archlinux-x86_64.iso and download it to a folder where you can access it easily.
   For example: ~/iso_files/archlinux-x86_64.iso

Flash the ISO file

To be able to boot into the Arch ISO, we first have to flash it onto an external flash drive, like an USB stick. There are special programs designed to help you copy the contents of the ISO in a machine-readable format onto the stick. You can use Balena Etcher for this.

1. Download Balena Echer from their official website. You have to choose the appropriate package for your system.

Tip: If you're already on Arch Linux, and want to use Balena Etcher for other purposes, you can install it from the AUR (etcher-bin)

2. Once you open the program, you'll be greeted with three options. Select your freshly downloaded Arch ISO, then on the second your flash drive, and finally flash! This process might take some time, so go ahead and make some popcorn.

3. You're done! We can now proceed with installing Arch.