🛠️ Install NixOS – Your First Steps

Welcome! This page walks you through the whole installation in a friendly, bite‑size way. No jargon, just clear steps.

What you need

• A computer you can boot from USB.
• At least 2 GB of RAM (more is nicer).
• An internet connection (optional but handy).

Step‑by‑step installation

1. Download the ISO
   Go to NixOS 24.05 and grab the graphical installer ISO that matches your machine (x86_64).
2. Create a bootable USB
   On Windows use Rufus, on macOS use dd, and on Linux use dd or gnome-disks.
   Example command (Linux/macOS):
   

   sudo dd if=nixos-24.05-x86_64-linux.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync

   Replace /dev/sdX with your USB device.
3. Boot from the USB
   Restart the computer, open the boot menu (often F12 or Esc) and select the USB drive.
4. Start the graphical installer
   When the NixOS menu appears, choose “Install NixOS (graphical)”. The installer UI is very clean.
5. Choose language & keyboard
   Pick your language and layout, then click Next.
6. Configure the network
   If you have Ethernet you’re good to go. For Wi‑Fi, click “Connect to a network”, select yours, and type the password.
7. Set up partitions
   The easiest way is “Use entire disk”. If you prefer a custom layout, click “Manual” and create at least:
   • a / partition (ext4, 20 GB+)
   • a swap partition (size = RAM)
8. Choose a hostname
   Type something friendly like my‑nixos and continue.
9. Create a user
   Fill in your full name, a username, and a password. Remember to tick “Make this user an administrator”.
10. Review & install
    The summary page shows what will happen. Click “Install”. The system will format the disk and copy files.
11. Reboot
    When the installer finishes, remove the USB stick and click “Reboot”. Your fresh NixOS system will boot up!

What’s next?

Congratulations! Your machine now runs NixOS. Head over to the Configuration page to learn how to customize your system.