What should I do next after installing Arch Linux?

For easier networking, try NetworkManager with its iwd backend. It provides command-line and text-based tools, and most desktop environments also include a graphical network applet. That should make switching between wireless networks much less confusing. After that, install software based on what you actually want to do—Steam and Proton tools for gaming, a video editor for editing, or simply a browser if web use is your main goal.

The Arch Wiki’s General Recommendations page is a good place to start. It covers important basics such as updating the system, configuring users and permissions, setting up audio and graphics, enabling services, backups, and security. Take it one section at a time rather than trying to configure everything at once.

Arch can be a difficult first Linux distribution because it expects you to understand and maintain many system components yourself. It’s still possible to learn with it, but don’t rush. Read the documentation, keep notes about every change, and include your hardware details and exact error messages whenever something goes wrong.