Install CatOS
CatOS 2026.07.19 provides offline installation and online installation. Both use the Calamares graphical installer, but they differ in system source, customization and driver handling.
Choose an installation mode
| Item | Offline installation | Online installation |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Not required | Stable network required |
| System source | Copies the live system to disk | Installs the target system from repositories |
| Desktop | Uses the desktop included in the image | Choose a desktop, window manager or no desktop |
| Software | Uses the image software set | Choose input method, shell, kernels, virtualization, containers and applications |
| Repositories | Uses the image configuration | Choose CatOS or CatOS + CachyOS repositories |
| Boot method | Uses the offline default | Choose GRUB, Limine, systemd-boot, UKI or EFI Stub |
| Drivers | Keeps image drivers and removes unneeded components | Runs chwd --autoconfigure in the target system |
| Speed | Fast and independent of network quality | Depends on network and repository speed |
Choose offline installation for a quick default installation without a network connection.
Choose online installation when you want to select repositories, boot method, desktop, kernels and additional software.
Before installing
- Select the correct image on the download page and verify its SHA-256 checksum.
- Back up all important data on the target disk.
- Determine whether the machine boots with UEFI or legacy BIOS.
- For dual boot, identify the existing EFI System Partition and save the Windows recovery key.
- Prepare a reliable network for online installation.
- To use bootable snapshots, choose Btrfs and a boot method with snapshot integration.