Omarchy on VMware Workstation on windows 11 host

[babusri]

I was able to get Omarchy working on VMware Workstation on windows 11 host.

Used archlinux iso.

Virtual Machine Settings:
Hardware/Processor: Enable Virtualize Intel VT-x
Hardware/Display: Enable Accelerate 3D Graphics.
Options/Advanced: Enable UEFI. Dont set "Enable Secure Boot".

Note 1: I followed the instructions from Grok.
Note 2: You may not encounter the errors that I did. Hope this writeup is useful.

Step 1: Prepare the Disk

1. List available disks to identify your virtual disk (typically /dev/sda in VMware):

   lsblk

2. Partition the disk using fdisk:

   fdisk /dev/sda

   • Create a 512 MB EFI partition:
     • Press g to create a new GPT partition table.
     • Press n, select partition number 1, start at default, end at +512M.
     • Set type to EFI System (type 1 or ef00 in t menu).
   • Create a root partition for the rest:
     • Press n, select partition number 2, start at default, end at default (use remaining space).
     • Set type to Linux filesystem (default or 8300).
   • Write changes with w.

   Result: /dev/sda1 (EFI), /dev/sda2 (root, to be encrypted).

3. Format the EFI partition:

   mkfs.fat -F32 /dev/sda1

Step 2: Set Up LUKS Encryption

1. Create a LUKS container on /dev/sda2:

   cryptsetup luksFormat /dev/sda2

   • Enter a strong passphrase (store it securely; it’s needed to unlock the disk).

2. Open the LUKS container:

   cryptsetup open /dev/sda2 cryptroot

   • Creates a decrypted device mapper at /dev/mapper/cryptroot.

3. Format the decrypted partition with ext4:

   mkfs.ext4 /dev/mapper/cryptroot

4. Mount the root filesystem:

   mount /dev/mapper/cryptroot /mnt

5. Create and mount the EFI directory:

   mkdir /mnt/boot
   mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/boot

Step 3: Install the Base System

1. Update the mirrorlist for faster downloads (optional but recommended):

   pacman -Syy
   pacman -S reflector
   reflector --country US --latest 10 --sort rate --save /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist

2. Install the base system:

   pacstrap /mnt base linux linux-firmware

3. Generate the fstab file:

   genfstab -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab

4. Chroot into the new system:

   arch-chroot /mnt

Step 4: Configure the System

1. Set the time zone (e.g., for US/Pacific):

   ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/America/Los_Angeles /etc/localtime
   hwclock --systohc

2. Set the locale:

   • Edit /etc/locale.gen, uncomment en_US.UTF-8 UTF-8:

     nano /etc/locale.gen

   • Generate locale:

     locale-gen
     echo "LANG=en_US.UTF-8" > /etc/locale.conf

3. Set the hostname:

   echo "archvm" > /etc/hostname

   • Add to /etc/hosts:

     echo "127.0.0.1 localhost" >> /etc/hosts
     echo "::1       localhost" >> /etc/hosts
     echo "127.0.1.1 archvm.localdomain archvm" >> /etc/hosts

4. Set the root password:

   passwd

5. Install necessary packages for networking and bootloader:

   pacman -S grub efibootmgr networkmanager

6. Configure LUKS in the initramfs:

   • Edit /etc/mkinitcpio.conf, add encrypt to the HOOKS array before filesystems:

     HOOKS=(base udev autodetect modconf block encrypt filesystems keyboard fsck)

   • Regenerate initramfs:

     mkinitcpio -P

7. Install and configure GRUB:

   grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot --bootloader-id=GRUB

   • Edit /etc/default/grub, add cryptdevice to the kernel parameters:

     GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="loglevel=3 quiet cryptdevice=UUID=$(blkid -s UUID -o value /dev/sda2):cryptroot root=/dev/mapper/cryptroot"

   • Generate GRUB config:

     grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

8. Enable NetworkManager for networking:

   systemctl enable NetworkManager

Step 5: Finalize and Reboot

1. Exit chroot and unmount:

   exit
   umount -R /mnt

2. Reboot the VM:

   reboot

   • After reboot, enter the LUKS passphrase to unlock /dev/sda2.

Step 6: Install omarchy

wget -qO- https://omarchy.org/install | bash

I got an error:

sed: -e expression #1, char 124: unknown option to 's'

I edited /etc/default/grub file.
In the line GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT, I added the word splash after cryptroot

I ran the script again and now I got error that packages could not be downloaded because rsync was not found.

I installed rsync and ran the script again.

I got error: Failed retrieving gst-plugins from losangeles.mirror..

I updated the mirror list (using reflector) and ran the script again.
It worked.

I rebooted and got the omarchy screen after entering the LUKS password.

Step 7: Terminal : use foot

Super-Return did nothing.
Discord member SailOz told me to "install foot" and update ~/.config/hypr/bindings.conf.
Thanks SailOz. I did. In bindings.conf, I replaced alacritty with foot.

After this, Super-Return opened terminal and Super-N opened NeoVim.

[CannibalToast]

Would the basic settings be the same with archinstall? Since it comes with the archiso by default now, to speed things up it could be an option IMO.

[dragonovs]

1. All these can be automated with archinstall that comes with arch iso. So most of these tutorial is reinventing the wheel. Grok seems to be outdated for suggesting these steps to you in the first place.

2. You mentioned that Super + return didn't work. How did you manage to open a terminal then? How did you manage to install foot and how did you edit ~/.config/hypr/bindings.conf without Neovim (Super + N) or opening file (Super + F)

[Capaseztel]

Have followed this guide step by step, i'm just getting this black screen, i'll retry with archinstall and update

[dragonovs]

Try key bindings like super + b. It will open an browser. Certain bindings (like terminal or neovim) doesn't work. I'm a VMware user like you and I'm trying to find the reason. This is a hypothesis: I believe display settings are getting in the way, I tried running the same setup in VirtualBox and with graphic controller to VBoxVGA and it worked, but VMware doesn't have options to select graphics controller. I believe that's the root cause of the issue

[Capaseztel]

Try key bindings like super + b. It will open an browser. Certain bindings (like terminal or neovim) doesn't work. I'm a VMware user like you and I'm trying to find the reason. This is a hypothesis: I believe display settings are getting in the way, I tried running the same setup in VirtualBox and with graphic controller to VBoxVGA and it worked, but VMware doesn't have options to select graphics controller. I believe that's the root cause of the issue

okay so yes, super + B works fine, there's indeed a graphic issue, so i think we are in the same spot, have you researched if theres something we can do about a "graphic controller settings" maybe theres no GUI option but we can include some configurations on the VM config file to change it, i have read the default Graphic Driver that VMWare uses in linux guests is VMSVGA while on windows guests it uses SVGA, maybe theres some tweking we can do, or maybe we should just wait for creator to fix, IDK if there's an open issue for this

[dragonovs]

Yup, you are absolutely right. I'm looking for a way to tweak the graphics controller too. Many said that in VMware with a Linux host, Omarchy was working as intended. If I find a solution. I'll definitely share with the class.

I did some research, but I couldn't find any way for changing the graphics controller. Seems like we need to wait for a patch.

[icould001]

Hi,
I don't think VMware supports "true" hardware graphics acceleration, so it might not be possible to just tweak the configurations (feel free to prove me wrong).
I disabled the hardware acceleration of OpenGL and it fixed the problems (at least the once I know of -> Super+Return (terminal) works, Super+N (nvim) works, the Super+Alt+Space (Omarchy menu) works, screen saver doesn't crash).

Here are the steps (take all of this with a grain of salt since neither have I read the docs on Hyprland nor do I know the proper names so stuff):

1. Connect to another tty (Ctrl+Alt+F2 for example) and log in with your user creds
2. In ~/.config/hypr/envs.conf add env = LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE, 1 (you can use nvim for this) - my understanding is that it gets loaded when hyprland start a new window
3. I also exported LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE=1 from my bashrc just in case I need it for something
4. Reboot (hyprctl reload might also do the trick, don't know, haven't tried)

[dansouza]

Running omarchy v3.0.2 on VMware Workstation 17 Pro v17.5.1

Can confirm @icould001 suggestion of setting LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE worked, super + ENTER for example is working now where it wasn't before. super + b was opening the browser before as well, but super + SPACE for example wasn't working. Now all keyboard commands work.

I also edited ~/.config/hypr/monitors.conf and added:

env = GDK_SCALE,1.25
monitor=,3840x2160@60,auto,1.25

To force the recognition of a 4K monitor and that got me a full 4K screen as well.

[rsd]

did you manage to get SUPER / Win working properly?
I had problem with most shortcuts like SUPER + SPACE, SUPER + ALT + SPACE

[icould001]

Putting this here to make it easier to find:

Steps to get Hyprland <Super> button commands working:

1. Connect to another tty (Ctrl+Alt+F2 for example) and log in with your user creds
2. In ~/.config/hypr/envs.conf add env = LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE, 1 (you can use nvim for this) - my understanding is that it gets loaded when hyprland start a new window
3. I also exported LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE=1 from my bashrc just in case I need it for something
4. Reboot

[mihaialexandruteodor]

this command gives me blank screen for some reason. I tried various vm display settings, even edited grub to add video=Virtual-1:2560x1600@60 but no dice :(

[eososlinux]

Hola, para vmware windows 11, agrege esta configuración al archivo .vmx

svga.present = "TRUE"
svga.autodetect = "TRUE"
svga.vramSize = "67108864"
svga.maxWidth = "1920"
svga.maxHeight = "1080"
svga.vgaOnly = "FALSE"

Instalación iso offline 3.0.2

ingresar a la tty, actualizar el sistema completo, instalar las open-vm-tools

sudo systemctl enable --now vmtoolsd.service
sudo systemctl enable --now vmware-vmblock-fuse.service

agrege esto al archivo envs.conf

env = LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE, 1

modificar archivo monitor.conf
1920x1080,auto,1.20

apagar la maquina virtual

activé la aceleración 3D

todo funciona muy bien.

[rafagarci]

These are the steps that I took to have this fully functional:

• After installation, obtain a terminal from the UI: ctrl + alt + F2
• Login with the user you created.
• Upgrade system: sudo pacman -Syu
• Install Open-VM-Tools: sudo pacman -S open-vm-tools
• Enable Open-VM-Tools: sudo systemctl enable vmtoolsd.service vmware-vmblock-fuse.service
• Add env = LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE, 1 to ~/.config/hypr/envs.conf
• Reboot: sudo reboot
• Configure ~/.config/hypr/monitors.conf according to your monitor's specification.
• Reboot: sudo reboot

[goldjunge91]

Just tested and this works for me. Only difference is I had to use ctrl + alt + Fn + F2 to obtain a terminal at the start.

It depends on your keyboard settings. I use the MX Keys, and I can press Fn + Esc to enable or disable the Fn functions. If your volume-up key requires Fn, you may need to use Ctrl + Alt + Fn + F2. Otherwise, the standard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + F2 should work.

These are the steps that I took to have this fully functional:

• After installation, obtain a terminal from the UI: ctrl + alt + 2
• Login with the user you created.
• Upgrade system: sudo pacman -Syu
• Install Open-VM-Tools: sudo pacman -S open-vm-tools
• Enable Open-VM-Tools: sudo systemctl enable vmtoolsd.service vmware-vmblock-fuse.service
• Add env = LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE, 1 to ~/.config/hypr/envs.conf
• Reboot: sudo reboot
• Configure ~/.config/hypr/monitors.conf according to your monitor's specification.
• Reboot: sudo reboot

Works for me

i added the variable directly with echo 'env = LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE, 1' >> ~/.config/hypr/envs.conf

Now all keybindings are working!
for me on Windows with 4K Resolution and 125% scal
i set this for my Monitor

env = GDK_SCALE,1.25
monitor=,1920x1080,auto,1.25

[CannibalToast]

These are the steps that I took to have this fully functional:

• After installation, obtain a terminal from the UI: ctrl + alt + F2
• Login with the user you created.
• Upgrade system: sudo pacman -Syu
• Install Open-VM-Tools: sudo pacman -S open-vm-tools
• Enable Open-VM-Tools: sudo systemctl enable vmtoolsd.service vmware-vmblock-fuse.service
• Add env = LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE, 1 to ~/.config/hypr/envs.conf
• Reboot: sudo reboot
• Configure ~/.config/hypr/monitors.conf according to your monitor's specification.
• Reboot: sudo reboot

You sir are a life saver.

I was pulling my hair out trying to get the keybinds to work.

[DeNT15T]

• obtain a terminal from the UI: ctrl + alt + F2

I get black screen after did this, and I can get back to the desktop with ctrl + alt + F1

Is there any one also had this problem?

I installed Omarchy with omarchy 3.1.4 image, and already enable 3D Acceleration​​ in the VMware VM settings.

[RukeSmith]

• obtain a terminal from the UI: ctrl + alt + F2

I get black screen after did this, and I can get back to the desktop with ctrl + alt + F1

Is there any one also had this problem?

I installed Omarchy with omarchy 3.1.4 image, and already enable 3D Acceleration​​ in the VMware VM settings.

I had the same issue. ctrl + alt +F3 worked... Don't ask why, I'm a turbonoob. Have no clue what I'm doing.

[notthesame23]

Not finished yet, but I noticed that as Ctrl + Alt are the default keys of VMware to release the mouse to the host operating system I had to use;
Ctrl + Alt + Space, then release Space but keep holding Ctrl + Alt and then press F3. (this was described somewhere in the VMWare settings...took me forever to figure this out, so I thought I post it here)
That for me now opened up a terminal...and now I try to do the steps that rafagarci suggests.
F2 just gave me a black screen.

[gandli]

1. ​​VMware Settings​​
   Enable ​​3D Acceleration​​ in the VMware VM settings (Accelerate 3D Graphics).

2. ​​Install open-vm-tools​​
   Switch to TTY (e.g., Ctrl+Alt+F2) and install:

sudo pacman -S open-vm-tools
sudo systemctl enable vmtoolsd

3. Graphics Tweaks​​

echo "env = LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE, 1" >> ~/envs.conf
echo "env = GDK_SCALE,1.25" >> ~/monitors.conf 
echo "monitor=,1920x1080,auto,1.25" >> ~/monitors.conf

Use echoto create or append environment configurations for OpenGL rendering and monitor/display scaling.

4. ​​Reboot​​
   reboot

[notthesame23]

Hmm, I don't get recommendations here to

echo "env = LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE, 1" >> ~/envs.conf

this seems to fully disable any hardware rendering. So why would I first enable it in VMWare only to switch to software rendering later?

Under Windows 11, running Omarchy in a VMWare VM was severely underperforming (laging, graphic glitches etc.) compared to an installation I did also with VMWare on my M1 Macbook Air. Windows 11 + VMWare was tested on an old but beefy dual Xeon CPU workstation, with tons of memory fast storage and a proper GPU with 11GB VRAM...still Omarchy performs way better on the M1 macbook. Despite a lot of babysitting with the windows setup. I will try Hyper-V according to this #1580 next.