Arch Linux

iojea

Member

Registered: 2024-05-20

Posts: 1

Installer goes to black screen on MacBook Air 2011.

Hi,

I am trying to install Arch on an old Macbook Air, mid 2011, with Intel graphics 3000.
I created the USB usign dd, according to the installation guide. When I boot using the USB (power + hold alt key) I get screen where I can choose two options: boot from the local ssd or boot from EFI (plus, a dropdown for choosing WiFi network). I click on EFI, and I get the classical screen with several boot options, including Arch, Arch with speech, memtest, and MacOs. If I select Arch (or Arch with speech), I get a black screen and nothing happens. The light in the USB stick flickers, so I guess it is booting, but I can't see anything. I tried editing the boot parameters with no success. In particular I tried (in different occassions and combinations): i915.modeset=1, video=LVDS-1:d, video=eDP-1,acpi=off, and nomodeset (even if it is explicitly discouraged for Intel graphics). I also tried connecting an external monitor, but it looked like it was not receiving any signal.
Against my wishes, I tried a Linux Mint live iso, and it worked. At least it booted without issues into a live session with a working WiFi connection. During the process there was always something shown in the screen. I didn´t install it, but I checked that the eDP-1 was the only DRM connector enabled on this live session.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Last edited by iojea (2024-05-20 13:49:54)

jrl

Member

Registered: 2016-02-12

Posts: 20

Re: Installer goes to black screen on MacBook Air 2011.

I'm just reporting that this is still an issue. A year later, and it is still not possible to install Arch Linux on 2011 MacBooks.

Arch Linux works wonderfully on my MacBook Pro Late 2013. So I also got a Macbook Pro Late 2011 with the sole purpose of using Arch Linux on it. However, the Arch Linux installation simply does not boot, just like described in the original post. Ubuntu and even Windows 10 boot just fine, but not Arch Linux.

EDIT I solved the issue by using an older installation image, from early 2024. I just had to run `pacman -S archlinux-keyring` before `pacstrap` to update keys.

Last edited by jrl (2025-07-09 18:01:07)

Walker874

Member

Registered: 2025-11-13

Posts: 1

Re: Installer goes to black screen on MacBook Air 2011.

EDIT I solved the issue by using an older installation image, from early 2024. I just had to run `pacman -S archlinux-keyring` before `pacstrap` to update keys.

And could you kindly tell me which image you have got to get a working bootup sir? My MacBook air tuns into that problem too.

Last edited by Walker874 (2025-11-17 11:13:43)

topcat01

Member

Registered: 2019-09-17

Posts: 258

Re: Installer goes to black screen on MacBook Air 2011.

Typically nomodeset allows the install image to at least display. Does the system work with the latest installed kernel?