NixOS Wiki

Getting started

This is the official NixOS Wiki. It includes topics not covered in the NixOS Manual: NixOS user guides, configuration examples, and troubleshooting tips.

NixOS is a Linux operating system based on the Nix package manager and the Nixpkgs package repository.

Newcomers to NixOS are encouraged to read the Nix Core Ecosystem overview article to get a comprehensive orientation. For more specific introductions, see:

If you want to try Nix standalone in another Linux distribution or on a Mac, take your first steps on nix.dev.

A lot of people use Home manager for managing the contents of their home directory, many use Flakes instead of the NixOS bi-annually release channels. Both add complexity and you may not even need them. Begin with NixOS, and only integrate Home Manager and/or Flakes into your setup once you're confident with NixOS and comprehend their significance.

Setting up NixOS

On desktop, with NixOS as a desktop
On ARM, with NixOS on ARM
In the cloud, with NixOS friendly hosters

Documentation topics

First stop should be Resources, which serves as a gateway to the most important documentation. Some highlights below.

Primary reference material:

Major page categories:

2024-09-02 — Wiki editors use Manual of Style

The Wiki team discussed and put into effect the Manual of Style for editing wiki articles. This is a huge step towards clear and consistent documentation. All editors are encouraged to follow this guide.

2024-08-22 — Wiki editors meeting

All interested wiki editors meet on 22th of August at 21:15 CEST in a Jitsi conference.

Agenda: https://pad.lassul.us/wiki-agenda?view

2024-07-05 — Wiki editors meeting

All interested wiki editors meet on 5th of July at 13:00 CEST in a Jitsi conference.

2024-04-01 — Launch of the wiki

The official NixOS wiki has taken off! If you want to find out why there is a new wiki effort, check out the FAQ.

... all news articles →