How To Install XFCE Desktop Environment on Manjaro

Manjaro Linux has established itself as one of the most user-friendly Arch-based distributions available today. Among its many strengths is the flexibility to choose between different desktop environments. The XFCE desktop environment stands out as an excellent choice for users seeking a lightweight, customizable, and efficient computing experience. Whether you’re looking to speed up an aging system or simply prefer a minimalist interface without sacrificing functionality, XFCE delivers exceptional performance while using minimal system resources.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the complete process of installing the XFCE desktop environment on your Manjaro Linux system. You’ll discover multiple installation methods, essential customization options, troubleshooting techniques, and performance optimization strategies to create your ideal Linux desktop experience.

Understanding XFCE and Manjaro

What is XFCE?

XFCE is a lightweight desktop environment designed for Unix-like operating systems, including Linux distributions such as Manjaro. First released in 1996, XFCE has evolved significantly while maintaining its core philosophy of speed and minimal resource usage. The name originally stood for “XForms Common Environment,” though it has since moved away from the XForms toolkit.

XFCE distinguishes itself through several key features:

• Modular architecture allowing users to install only the components they need
• Exceptional performance even on older hardware configurations
• Highly customizable interface without overwhelming complexity
• Traditional desktop layout that feels immediately familiar to most users
• Significantly lower memory and CPU usage compared to GNOME or KDE Plasma

Unlike heavier desktop environments that prioritize visual effects and integrated applications, XFCE focuses on providing a streamlined, efficient computing experience without unnecessary bloat.

Why Choose XFCE on Manjaro?

Manjaro Linux and XFCE form a particularly powerful combination for several compelling reasons. Manjaro’s rolling release model ensures you always have access to the latest XFCE versions and features as they become available. The official Manjaro XFCE edition is meticulously optimized with thoughtful default configurations that enhance user experience right from installation.

For users with older or resource-constrained systems, XFCE on Manjaro provides impressive responsiveness where heavier environments might struggle. Even on modern hardware, the reduced resource footprint means more system resources remain available for your actual work rather than being consumed by desktop effects.

The combination also appeals to customization enthusiasts. Manjaro’s extensive repositories provide access to numerous themes, icons, and plugins specifically designed for XFCE, allowing for extensive personalization without compromising stability.

Prerequisites and Preparation

System Requirements

Before installing XFCE on your Manjaro system, ensure your hardware meets these recommended specifications:

• Processor: Any modern 64-bit CPU (dual-core or better recommended)
• RAM: 1GB minimum, 2GB or more recommended for comfortable usage
• Storage: At least 20GB of free disk space (30GB or more recommended)
• Graphics: Basic integrated graphics or any dedicated GPU with open-source driver support

While XFCE can run on systems with even more modest specifications, these recommendations ensure a smooth experience for daily use. For optimal performance, consider having at least 4GB of RAM, especially if you plan to run multiple applications simultaneously.

Required Tools

To successfully install XFCE on Manjaro, you’ll need:

• A stable internet connection for downloading packages
• Terminal access with administrative privileges
• Basic familiarity with command-line operations
• Current system backups (always recommended before major system changes)

Before proceeding with any installation method, it’s essential to update your existing Manjaro system to the latest packages. This ensures compatibility and reduces the likelihood of dependency issues during the XFCE installation process.

Method 1: Fresh Installation of Manjaro XFCE

Downloading Manjaro XFCE ISO

For users starting fresh or wanting a clean installation, downloading the official Manjaro XFCE edition ISO provides the most streamlined experience:

1. Visit the official Manjaro website (manjaro.org)
2. Navigate to the Downloads section and select the XFCE edition
3. Choose the 64-bit version appropriate for your system
4. Verify the downloaded ISO’s integrity using the provided checksums

The official Manjaro XFCE edition comes pre-configured with optimized settings and a carefully selected set of applications to provide an excellent out-of-the-box experience. This approach saves you from having to manually install and configure individual XFCE components.

Creating Bootable USB Media

Once you’ve downloaded the Manjaro XFCE ISO, create a bootable USB drive:

1. Insert a USB drive with at least 4GB capacity (all data will be erased)
2. For Windows users, download and run Rufus or Balena Etcher
3. Select the downloaded Manjaro XFCE ISO file
4. Choose your USB drive as the destination
5. Use the default settings (DD image mode recommended for compatibility)
6. Click Start/Flash to begin writing the image to your USB drive
7. Wait for the process to complete, which typically takes 5-10 minutes depending on your USB drive speed

For Linux users, you can use the ‘dd’ command or graphical tools like GNOME Disks to create your bootable media.

Installation Process

With your bootable USB prepared, follow these steps to install Manjaro XFCE:

1. Boot your computer from the USB drive (may require changing boot order in BIOS/UEFI)
2. When the Manjaro boot menu appears, select “Boot with open source drivers”
3. Once the live environment loads, explore to ensure hardware compatibility
4. When ready, double-click the “Install Manjaro” icon on the desktop
5. Select your language, timezone, and keyboard layout
6. Choose your partitioning option (the automatic option works well for most users)
7. Create your user account and password
8. Review your settings and confirm to begin installation
9. Wait for the installation to complete (approximately 15-30 minutes)
10. Restart when prompted and remove the USB drive

The installation wizard guides you through each step with clear explanations and options. For partitioning, beginners may prefer the “Erase disk” option for simplicity, while advanced users can select manual partitioning for greater control.

Post-Installation Setup

After your first boot into Manjaro XFCE, complete these essential steps:

1. Update your system packages:

sudo pacman -Syu

2. Install additional software as needed using Pamac (Add/Remove Software) or the terminal
3. Configure system settings according to your preferences
4. Set up automatic updates if desired through the Manjaro Settings Manager

The Manjaro XFCE edition comes with a carefully selected set of applications, including Firefox for web browsing, Thunar file manager, and various utilities. Additional software can be easily installed from Manjaro’s extensive repositories.

Method 2: Adding XFCE to Existing Manjaro Installation

Updating Your Current Manjaro System

If you’re already running Manjaro with a different desktop environment like GNOME or KDE and want to add XFCE as an alternative, start by ensuring your system is fully updated:

1. Open a terminal window
2. Run the following command to update all packages:

sudo pacman -Syu

3. Wait for updates to complete and restart if necessary

This update ensures all system components are at their latest versions, which helps prevent compatibility issues during the XFCE installation process.

Installing XFCE Desktop Environment

With your system updated, install the XFCE desktop environment and essential components:

1. Open a terminal and enter the following command:

sudo pacman -S xfce4 xfce4-goodies network-manager-applet

2. When prompted to confirm, press Y and Enter to begin installation
3. Wait for all packages to download and install, which may take several minutes depending on your internet connection

The xfce4 package contains the core desktop environment, while xfce4-goodies provides additional useful applications and plugins. The network-manager-applet ensures you have proper network management integration in your XFCE panel.

Display Manager Configuration

A display manager provides the login screen where you select your desktop environment. LightDM works exceptionally well with XFCE:

1. Install LightDM with this command:

sudo pacman -S lightdm

2. Enable the LightDM service to start at boot:

sudo systemctl enable lightdm.service --force

3. Install the LightDM GTK greeter:

sudo pacman -S lightdm-gtk-greeter

4. Edit the greeter configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/lightdm/lightdm-gtk-greeter.conf

5. Customize settings as desired, such as background, theme, and icons
6. Save and exit (Ctrl+O, Enter, then Ctrl+X)

The --force option when enabling LightDM ensures it becomes your default display manager, replacing any previously configured display manager like GDM or SDDM.

User Account Considerations

When running multiple desktop environments, creating a separate user account for your XFCE session can prevent configuration conflicts:

1. Create a new user specifically for XFCE:

sudo useradd -m -G wheel -s /bin/bash xfce-user

2. Set a password for the new user:

sudo passwd xfce-user

3. Configure sudo access for the new user if needed:

sudo EDITOR=nano visudo

Uncomment the line: %wheel ALL=(ALL) ALL

Using a dedicated user account for each desktop environment helps maintain clean configuration files and reduces the risk of settings from one environment affecting another.

Applying Manjaro XFCE Theming

To achieve the polished look of the official Manjaro XFCE edition, install the Manjaro-specific themes:

1. Install the Manjaro XFCE theme packages:

sudo pacman -S manjaro-xfce-settings

2. Apply the themes through XFCE’s settings manager after logging in

These theme packages include customized panel layouts, window decorations, and icon sets that provide the distinctive Manjaro XFCE experience.

Managing Multiple Desktop Environments

Switching Between Desktop Environments

After installing XFCE alongside your existing desktop environment, you can easily switch between them:

1. Log out of your current session
2. At the login screen, select your username but don’t enter your password yet
3. Look for a desktop selection icon (typically at the bottom of the screen or near the password field)
4. Click this icon to reveal a menu of available desktop environments
5. Select “Xfce Session”
6. Enter your password and log in

The desktop environment selection is remembered for each user, so your next login will default to the last environment you used unless you specifically change it.

Preventing Configuration Conflicts

When running multiple desktop environments, configuration conflicts can sometimes occur. Minimize these issues by:

1. Using separate user accounts for different environments
2. Avoiding desktop-environment-specific applications in other environments
3. Being cautious when making system-wide settings changes
4. Maintaining separate sets of startup applications for each environment

If conflicts do occur, they commonly manifest in inconsistent themes, duplicate application entries, or behavior differences between environments.

Resource Management

Multiple desktop environments can consume additional disk space and potentially impact system performance. Manage these resources effectively by:

1. Regularly cleaning package caches:

sudo pacman -Sc

2. Removing unused themes and icon sets
3. Disabling unnecessary startup applications
4. Periodically checking for orphaned packages:

sudo pacman -Qtdq | sudo pacman -Rns -

While XFCE itself is lightweight, having multiple desktop environments installed simultaneously can add overhead to your system. Regular maintenance helps keep your system running efficiently.

Customizing Your XFCE Desktop

Panel Configuration

The XFCE panel is highly customizable and serves as the control center for your desktop:

1. Right-click any empty area of the panel and select “Panel → Panel Preferences”
2. Adjust panel appearance, size, and position according to your preferences
3. Add new panels by clicking the “+” button (multiple panels are supported)
4. Add useful widgets by clicking “+” in the Items tab
5. Recommended widgets include:
   • Whisker Menu (modern application launcher)
   • Window Buttons (task manager)
   • System Tray
   • Status Notifier
   • Clock and Weather Updates

Panel layouts can range from traditional Windows-like single panels to more creative multi-panel arrangements that maximize screen space efficiency.

Theme and Appearance Settings

Customize the visual appearance of your XFCE desktop:

1. Open the Settings Manager from the Applications menu
2. Select “Appearance” to change GTK themes, icons, and fonts
3. Select “Window Manager” to modify window borders and title bars
4. Use “Window Manager Tweaks” for additional behavior settings
5. Install additional themes from the Manjaro repositories:

sudo pacman -S arc-themes papirus-icon-theme

XFCE allows independent customization of each visual element, enabling you to create a unique desktop environment tailored to your aesthetic preferences.

Keyboard Shortcuts and Workspace Management

Efficient navigation enhances productivity in any desktop environment:

1. Configure keyboard shortcuts in Settings → Keyboard → Application Shortcuts
2. Set up multiple workspaces in Settings → Workspaces
3. Define workspace switching shortcuts for rapid navigation
4. Configure window management shortcuts for tiling and positioning

Well-configured keyboard shortcuts significantly improve workflow efficiency, especially when working with multiple applications simultaneously.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Display Problems

Common display issues and their solutions:

1. Black screen after login:
   • Switch to a terminal session with Ctrl+Alt+F2
   • Login and edit XFCE configuration:

rm -rf ~/.config/xfce4/xfconf/xfce-perchannel-xml/displays.xml

• Return to the graphical login with Ctrl+Alt+F7

2. Incorrect resolution:
   • Use Settings → Display to adjust resolution
   • For persistent issues, create an xorg.conf file with:

sudo X -configure
sudo mv /root/xorg.conf.new /etc/X11/xorg.conf

3. Multi-monitor configuration problems:
   • Use arandr for graphical multi-monitor setup:

sudo pacman -S arandr

• Save your configuration for automatic loading at login

Theme and Appearance Issues

If you encounter theme-related problems:

1. Missing themes:
   • Verify theme packages are installed:

sudo pacman -S gtk-engine-murrine gtk-engines

2. Icon inconsistencies:
   • Clear icon cache:

rm -rf ~/.cache/icon-cache.kcache

• Install icon theme dependencies:

sudo pacman -S adwaita-icon-theme hicolor-icon-theme

3. Font rendering issues:
   • Install improved font configuration:

sudo pacman -S freetype2 fontconfig

• Configure font settings in Settings → Appearance → Fonts

Configuration Conflicts

When experiencing conflicts between desktop environments:

1. Reset XFCE settings:

mv ~/.config/xfce4 ~/.config/xfce4.bak

This creates a backup and forces XFCE to generate default settings on next login

2. Incompatible configurations:
   • Check for Wayland vs. X11 issues:

echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE

• Ensure XFCE uses X11 by setting in /etc/gdm/custom.conf:

WaylandEnable=false

3. Application integration problems:
   • Set default applications in Settings → Preferred Applications
   • Check MIME type associations in file properties

Package Dependency Issues

Resolve installation and package problems:

1. Failed installations:
   • Synchronize package databases:

sudo pacman -Syy

• Try reinstalling with:

sudo pacman -S --needed xfce4 xfce4-goodies

2. Conflicting packages:
   • Identify conflicts with:

pacman -Qdt

• Remove orphaned dependencies:

pacman -Rs $(pacman -Qtdq)

3. Version incompatibilities:
   • Check if you need a specific XFCE version:

pacman -Q | grep xfce4

• Switch to testing/unstable branches for newer versions:

sudo pacman-mirrors --api --set-branch testing

Performance Optimization

Tuning XFCE for Better Performance

Optimize XFCE performance with these adjustments:

1. Compositor settings:
   • Open Settings → Window Manager Tweaks → Compositor
   • Disable composition for fullscreen windows
   • Adjust vblank mode for better performance
2. Session startup optimization:
   • Review and remove unnecessary startup applications in Settings → Session and Startup
   • Disable saved sessions if not needed
3. Animation reduction:
   • Disable window animations in Window Manager Tweaks
   • Reduce menu animations in Appearance settings

These optimizations are particularly effective on older hardware but can improve responsiveness even on modern systems.

Resource Monitoring

Monitor system resources to identify performance bottlenecks:

1. Install resource monitoring tools:

sudo pacman -S htop xfce4-taskmanager

2. Add the XFCE system load monitor to your panel
3. Use XFCE Task Manager to identify resource-intensive applications
4. Monitor startup times with:

systemd-analyze blame

Regular monitoring helps identify applications or processes that may be consuming excessive resources.

Lightweight Application Alternatives

Replace heavy applications with lightweight alternatives:

1. Web browsers: Firefox → Midori or Falkon
2. File managers: Thunar (already lightweight)
3. Office suites: LibreOffice → AbiWord + Gnumeric
4. Image editors: GIMP → Pinta or mtPaint
5. Media players: VLC → MPV or Parole

Lightweight alternatives maintain functionality while consuming fewer system resources, particularly beneficial on older hardware.

Advanced Configuration

Editing Configuration Files

For advanced customization beyond GUI settings:

1. XFCE configuration files are stored in ~/.config/xfce4/
2. Panel configurations: ~/.config/xfce4/xfconf/xfce-perchannel-xml/xfce4-panel.xml
3. Window manager settings: ~/.config/xfce4/xfconf/xfce-perchannel-xml/xfwm4.xml
4. Session settings: ~/.config/xfce4/xfconf/xfce-perchannel-xml/xfce4-session.xml

Always create backups before manually editing configuration files:

cp -r ~/.config/xfce4 ~/.config/xfce4.backup

Custom Scripts and Automation

Enhance your XFCE experience with custom scripts:

1. Create a scripts directory:

mkdir ~/.local/bin

2. Add custom functionality with shell scripts
3. Make scripts executable:

chmod +x ~/.local/bin/myscript.sh

4. Add scripts to startup applications or panel launchers

Example automation scripts might include system cleanup routines, custom workspace arrangements, or specialized backup procedures.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed XFCE. Thanks for using this tutorial to install the latest version of XFCE Desktop Environment on Manjaro Linux. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official XFCE website.