Arch Linux has kicked off 2026 with a fresh ISO snapshot aimed at users who want to deploy the flexible rolling-release distro on new hardware. As always, the new snapshot focuses on improved compatibility, updated tooling, and the latest kernel support.

Most notably, the Arch Linux 2026.01.01 ISO is the first installation image to ship with the Linux 6.18 LTS kernel. This kernel entered Arch Linux’s stable repositories last month, and it brings better hardware support and improved performance for modern systems. As a result, users installing Arch on newer machines can expect a smoother experience right from the start.

Linux 6.18 LTS Enhances Hardware Compatibility

With Linux 6.18 LTS included by default, the new ISO improves support for the latest CPUs, GPUs, and peripherals. Existing Arch Linux users already received this kernel through regular updates. However, new installations now benefit from these improvements out of the box, which reduces the need for manual tweaks after setup.

Archinstall 3.0.15 Brings Notable Installer Improvements

In addition to the kernel update, the January 2026 ISO ships with Archinstall 3.0.15, the menu-based installer designed to simplify Arch Linux installations. This release adds support for the rEFInd boot manager, optional installation of CUPS (Common UNIX Printing System), and stable support for the COSMIC 1.0 desktop environment.

Moreover, Archinstall 3.0.15 introduces several usability enhancements. These include a timer on the post-install screen, support for power-profiles-daemon and tuned as power management options, and the ability to explicitly select additional repositories during installation. At the same time, users can now configure the Zram algorithm directly from the installer.

Furthermore, the installer now sets up Zram dynamically based on best practices. It also enables IWD as a wireless backend, uses the removable location as the default target for bootloader installation, and dynamically adjusts the LVM /root partition size. Together, these changes make Archinstall more flexible and beginner-friendly without sacrificing control.

Important NVIDIA Driver Changes

Meanwhile, NVIDIA users should take note of a significant change. Arch Linux has replaced the traditional nvidia packages with nvidia-open, nvidia-open-dkms, and nvidia-lts-open. This shift follows the release of the NVIDIA 590 graphics driver, which drops support for Pascal (GTX 10xx) and older GPUs. Consequently, users running legacy NVIDIA hardware may need to consider alternative solutions.

Availability and Updates

The Arch Linux 2026.01.01 ISO is available now from the official website and targets new installations only. Existing Arch Linux users do not need to reinstall. Instead, they can keep their systems fully up to date by running: