How to Install the Operating System Void

Introduction

Welcome, intrepid explorer of the open-source realm! Today we’ll embark on a grand voyage to install Void Linux, the sleek, rolling-release distribution that dares to be different. No systemd? Check. Runit init? Check. A community that likes to tinker? Double check. Buckle up for a seriously detailed, slightly irreverent, and comprehensive guide.

Why Void Linux?

Minimalist: You’ll only install what you actually need.
Rolling Release: Updates flow smoothly, like a fine jazz solo.
Choice of init: Runit or, if you insist, OpenRC (but seriously, stick to Runit).
XBPS: The Void Binary Package System – fast, efficient, and satisfying to type.

Prerequisites

A computer (real or virtual) with at least 1 GB RAM and 10 GB disk space.
A USB flash drive (≥1 GB) or a CD/DVD burner.
An internet connection (for updates and packages).
Courage. Admiration. A sense of humor (strongly recommended).

Step 1: Download the Media

Head over to the official Void site:

https://voidlinux.org/download/

Base ISOs: Minimal, network install images.
Live ISOs: XFCE or LXQT flavors if you crave a GUI to start.

Choose your architecture (x86_64 or ARM) and download. Slip in your USB drive or insert a DVD and burn it with dd, Rufus, Etcher, or whatever tool makes you happy.

Step 2: Boot the Installer

Reboot your machine, hit the key to open the boot menu (F12, Esc, Del, or whatever your BIOS uses to tease you), and select your installation media. You’ll see the Void Linux prompt:

Void Linux  x86_64-musl  localhost tty1

localhost login:

There’s no GUI wizard here—just the power of the command line. If you feel a shiver of anticipation, you’re in the right place.

Step 3: Partition Your Disk

We’ll use fdisk or cfdisk. For newbies, cfdisk offers a friendlier UI:

# cfdisk /dev/sdX

Create a BIOS boot partition (if you use GPT): 1 MiB, type ef02.
Create a / (root) partition: ≥10 GiB, type Linux filesystem.
Optionally, create a swap partition: size = RAM or 2 GiB.
Optionally, separate /home for personal files.

Write changes and exit.

Step 4: Format Filesystems

Let’s get those partitions ready:

Partition	Command	Type
/dev/sdX1	`mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdX1`	Root
/dev/sdX2	`mkswap /dev/sdX2 ampamp swapon /dev/sdX2`	Swap
/dev/sdX3	`mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdX3`	Home (optional)

Step 5: Mount and Install Base System

mount /dev/sdX1 /mnt
If you created /home: mkdir /mnt/home ampamp mount /dev/sdX3 /mnt/home
Optional EFI: mkdir -p /mnt/boot/efi ampamp mount /dev/sdX4 /mnt/boot/efi
Bootstrap base system:

# xbps-install -S -r /mnt base-system linux linux-firmware vim

This downloads and installs the bare essentials: kernel, firmware, shell, editor. Now breathe.

Step 6: Configure the New System

Chroot into your Void environment:

# mount -t proc proc /mnt/proc
# mount --rbind /sys /mnt/sys
# mount --rbind /dev /mnt/dev
# chroot /mnt /bin/bash

Set Hostname amp Hosts

# echo myvoid gt /etc/hostname
# cat gt /etc/hosts ltlt EOF
127.0.0.1 localhost
127.0.1.1 myvoid.localdomain myvoid
::1       localhost ip6-localhost ip6-loopback
EOF

Timezone amp Clock

# ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/Region/City /etc/localtime
# hwclock --systohc

Locales

Edit /etc/locale.gen and uncomment your locale (e.g., en_US.UTF-8 UTF-8), then:

# xbps-reconfigure -f glibc-locales

Root Password

# passwd

Step 7: Install Bootloader

For BIOS GRUB2:

# xbps-install -y grub
# grub-install --target=i386-pc /dev/sdX
# grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

For UEFI:

# xbps-install -y grub efibootmgr
# mkdir -p /boot/efi
# mount /dev/sdX4 /boot/efi
# grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot/efi --bootloader-id=Void
# grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

If this feels like black magic, congrats: you’re doing it right.

Step 8: Unmount and Reboot

# exit
# umount -R /mnt
# reboot

Remove your USB/DVD. If the machine boots to your new Void Linux prompt, do a little victory dance.

Step 9: Post-Install Tweaks

Update the system: sudo xbps-install -Suv
Create a normal user: sudo useradd -m -G wheel -s /bin/bash alice and set password.
Enable sudo for wheel group: edit /etc/sudoers.
Install Xorg desktop: sudo xbps-install -y xorg xterm xinit, plus your favorite desktop (e.g., xfce4).
Enable networking: sudo ln -s /etc/sv/dhcpcd /var/service/ (or NetworkManager).
Graphics drivers: sudo xbps-install -y xf86-video-intel or AMD/NVIDIA packages.

Troubleshooting Tips

Fast Boot Fails

Disable Fast Boot or Secure Boot in BIOS.

No Network

Check ip link, bring interface up: ip link set eth0 up, then dhclient eth0.

GRUB Missing

Use a live USB, chroot back in, and rerun grub-install and grub-mkconfig.

Resources amp Further Reading

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve tamed the Void and forged your own Linux environment from scratch. Whether you’re aiming for a lightweight desktop, a headless server, or a mad scientist playground, Void Linux has your back. Now go forth, tweak, optimize, and share your triumph with the world. And remember: in the Void, you’re never alone… well, almost never.

Official Website of Void

LINUXMIND.DEV