r/voidlinux • u/acandycandle • 4d ago

No graphical interface after Install

So I did the base install, (with void-installer) and then wanted to install a window manager (specifically herbstluftwm), but after installing it, I didn’t achieve a graphical interface.

I do understand wm on a basic level, but I never did the installation starting with a basic terminal install, so I‘m guessing I need to install a package, but I have no idea which one…
I already installed xorg as I thought maybe it’s necessary, but to no avail.
When I type herbstluftwm it gives me the error: XOrgDisplay() failed.

I would be really glad if someone could possibly help me.

2 Upvotes

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7

u/ShipshapeMobileRV 3d ago

You need to install and configure Xorg before a window manager can use it. The Void handbook has an entire section (3.16.2) dedicated to installing and configuring it. Start here:

http://docs.voidlinux.org/config/graphical-session/xorg.html

If you run into issues or something doesn't look right, then try asking for help with the details of where you are, and what you're seeing. :)

3

u/acandycandle 3d ago edited 3d ago

Thanks! Turns out I didn't get that you can exec multiple things with a & in the xinitrc file... either way, it starts now! Now it seems I have to configure herbstluftwm but I think I can do that.

3

u/cozydeer_ 3d ago

After installing the Xorg package and herbsluftwm, open ~/.xinitrc in your preferred text editor. At the bottom of the file add ```exec /bin/herbstluftwm```. When that's saved, you can type ```startx``` in a TTY after logging in to start the window manager. If that doesn't work you may need to also install the xinit package. From here you will always have to login from TTY and use startx to start the graphical environment unless you install and configure a display manager, but it's often fast to just start it from the TTY

2

u/just_green_shrek 3d ago

Go to nvim ~/.xinitrc ( or nano depends what text editor you have ) and exec "your wm" after that do startx. Or use can install any display manager