You signed in with another tab or window. Reload to refresh your session.You signed out in another tab or window. Reload to refresh your session.You switched accounts on another tab or window. Reload to refresh your session.Dismiss alert
Install, remove and configure desktop environments
227
+
228
+
229
+
<!--- header START from tools/include/markdown/Desktops-header.md --->
230
+
Armbian desktop installation uses upstream meta-packages from Debian and Ubuntu repositories, making it distro-agnostic and independent of pre-built Armbian desktop packages.
231
+
232
+
**How it works:**
233
+
234
+
- Installs the desktop environment meta-package (e.g., `xfce4`, `gnome-session`) along with essential extras
235
+
- Tracks all newly installed packages so uninstall cleanly removes everything added on top of CLI, including dependencies
236
+
- Applies Armbian branding: wallpapers, icons, login screen theme, and default user settings
237
+
- Configures the display manager (LightDM, GDM3, or SDDM) with auto-login
238
+
- Installs Armbian Imager as an AppImage for writing OS images
239
+
- Sets up Profile Sync Daemon (psd) to keep browser profiles in RAM, reducing flash media wear
240
+
- Removes unnecessary bloat pulled in by meta-packages
241
+
242
+
**Networking:**
243
+
244
+
Desktop environments that require NetworkManager (e.g., GNOME) install it alongside the existing `systemd-networkd`. Wired Ethernet interfaces remain managed by `systemd-networkd`, while NetworkManager handles WiFi and VPN connections. This avoids disrupting existing network configuration.
| Cinnamon | Users familiar with Windows layout |~500 MB RAM |
253
+
254
+
!!! note "Switching desktops"
255
+
256
+
Only one desktop environment should be installed at a time. Remove the current desktop before installing a different one to avoid package conflicts and mixed configurations.
257
+
258
+
<!--- header STOP from tools/include/markdown/Desktops-header.md --->
0 commit comments