# Introduction **Monarch** is an Arch Linux distribution based on **Omarchy**, designed to provide a ready-to-use platform for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts. It comes preconfigured with a comprehensive toolkit aimed at penetration testing, malware analysis, and network assessment. **Key Features** * **Preinstalled Testing Environments:** Includes **Exegol** for isolated and reproducible testing setups. * **Web Proxy Tools:** Ships with both **BurpSuite** and **Caido** for advanced web application testing. * **Vulnerability Scanning:** Provides a preconfigured **Nessus container** for automated scanning. * **Useful TUI Applications:** Tools like **Termshark**, **Posting.sh**, and **BlueTUI** offer powerful terminal-based interfaces for network and system tasks. * **Optimized Command Line:** A rich collection of **aliases** to streamline everyday operations and testing workflows. * **Windows Virtual Machine:** A prebuilt **Windows VM** is included for compiling payloads and conducting cross-platform tests. Monarch’s goal is to deliver a streamlined, powerful, and extensible environment — ready from the first boot for cybersecurity work. {% hint style="info" %} Monarch is based on [Omarchy](https://omarchy.org/), you can read the documentation to learn about features not documented here. {% endhint %} # Installation ### Download the ISO #### Available Versions * **Stab**~~**le release** – tested and recommended for most users.~~ (Coming soon)\ ~~👉~~ [~~Download the stable version~~](https://monarchlinux.com) * **Nightly (development) build** – includes the latest features but may be unstable.\ 👉 [Download the nightly build](https://github.com/monarch-os/) Typical file names: ``` monarch-stable-x86_64.iso monarch-nightly-x86_64.iso ``` ### Create a bootable USB drive #### On Linux Insert your USB stick and identify its device name using: ```bash lsblk ``` Then write the ISO image to the USB drive: ```bash sudo dd if=monarch-stable-x86_64.iso of=/dev/ bs=1M status=progress sync ``` > ⚠️ **Warning:** Replace `` (for example, `sdb`) with the correct device name.\ > This command will **erase all data** on the USB drive. #### On Windows Use a tool such as: * **Rufus** → * **balenaEtcher** → Steps: 1. Select the Monarch ISO file. 2. Choose your USB drive. 3. Click **Start** to begin writing the image. #### On macOS You can either use `dd` from the Terminal (same command as Linux) or use **balenaEtcher** for a graphical interface. ### Boot from USB 1. Insert the USB stick into your computer. 2. Reboot and open the **boot menu** (usually by pressing `F12`, `Esc`, `F9`, or `Del` depending on your hardware). 3. Select the USB device that contains Monarch Linux. > If your system fails to boot, check that the **UEFI/Legacy** mode matches the image type you downloaded. ### Install Monarch OS 1. **Select your language and keyboard layout** 2. **Define username and password** 3. **Configure your git informations** * Set your full name * Set your email 4. **Set your hostname** 5. **Select your timezone** 6. **Select where to install** (don't select your USB drive) The process usually takes **5–10 minutes**, depending on your hardware. # The basics The **central shortcut** of Monarch is **`WIN + ALT + Space`**. It opens the **Monarch Navigation Menu**, providing quick access to applications, system tools, virtual desktops, and other key features.

Monarch menu

From the main system menu, you can perform a variety of actions, including: * **Launch applications** * **Access system documentation** * **Add or remove software** (Apps, TUIs, Webapps) * **Customize the system’s look and feel** * **Update the system** * ...and more. #### **Quick Access with Walker** Applications and utilities can be launched instantly using the **`WIN + Space`** shortcut.\ This shortcut opens **Walker**, a versatile launcher that not only starts applications but also provides additional features such as a **calculator**, **to-do list**, **clipboard manager**, **web search**, and more. #### **Virtual Desktops** Monarch supports **10 virtual desktops** for efficient multitasking. You can switch between desktops using **`WIN + 1`**, **`WIN + 2`**, **`WIN + 3`**, … up to **`WIN + 0`** To move a window from one desktop to another, use **`WIN + SHIFT + [1–0]`** #### **Handy Shortcuts** Some useful keyboard shortcuts for frequently used applications: | Action | Shortcut | | -------------------------- | ------------------- | | Open Terminal | **WIN + Enter** | | Open Firefox | **CTRL + ALT + W** | | Private Browsing (Firefox) | **ALT + SHIFT + W** | | Open File Browser | **CTRL + ALT + F** | | Open Outlook | **WIN + SHIFT + E** | | Open CyberChef | **WIN + SHIFT + C** | | Open Deezer | **WIN + SHIFT + M** | {% hint style="warning" %} If you ever get lost, press **`WIN + K`** to display **all system shortcuts**.\ This provides a complete overview of available keyboard commands, helping you navigate Monarch efficiently. {% endhint %} # Keybindings ### Window Management * **SUPER + SHIFT + Q**: Close active window. * **CTRL + ALT + DELETE**: Close all windows (runs `monarch-hyprland-window-close-all`). * **SUPER + J**: Toggle split (dwindle). * **SUPER + P**: Toggle pseudo window (dwindle). * **SUPER + SHIFT + SPACE**: Pop window out (float & pin) via `monarch-hyprland-window-pop`. * **SUPER + F**: Force full screen (non-persistent). * **SUPER + SHIFT + F**: Full width (persistent). ### Dwindle/Stack Layout Controls * **SUPER + H**: Layout message: preselect right. * **SUPER + V**: Layout message: preselect bottom. ### Focus Navigation * **SUPER + LEFT**: Move focus left. * **SUPER + RIGHT**: Move focus right. * **SUPER + UP**: Move focus up. * **SUPER + DOWN**: Move focus down. ### Workspace Switching * **SUPER + \[1-0]**: Switch to workspace 1-10. * `[1-0]` are codes: 10 through 19. ### Move Window to Workspace * **SUPER + SHIFT + \[1-0]**: Move active window to workspace 1-10. * `[1-0]` are codes: 10 through 19. ### Scratchpad * **SUPER + S**: Toggle scratchpad. * **SUPER + ALT + S**: Move window to scratchpad (special workspace). ### Workspace Tab Navigation * **SUPER + TAB**: Next workspace. * **SUPER + SHIFT + TAB**: Previous workspace. # Themes You can change the system theme either through the **Monarch Menu** or by using the shortcut **`CTRL + SHIFT + WIN + Space`**.\ This allows you to quickly switch between visual styles without navigating deep into settings.
# Pentest tools ### Exegol **Exegol** is installed by default on Monarch. As a powerful and comprehensive pentesting framework, it provides cybersecurity professionals with a **fully featured, isolated, and rapidly deployable** penetration-testing environment.
Monarch includes several custom integrations to streamline its usage: * You can **create or start an Exegol environment** using the shortcut **`CTRL + ALT + E`**, allowing fast deployment during assessments. * A default configuration is provided in **`$HOME/.exegol/`**, which includes: * **Environment logging enabled by default** — useful for audits and mission reports. * A **Kitty terminal configuration** aligned with the system’s own visual style. * Additional integrated tools such as **leakscheck**, **inteleaks**, and **leviathan**. These enhancements make Exegol even more convenient and mission-ready on Monarch. ### Caido & BurpSuite Integration **Caido** is installed and ready to use from the very first system boot, providing an immediate solution for web application analysis. For **BurpSuite**, Monarch allows you to choose which edition to deploy.\ You can install either the **Professional** or **Community** version directly through the **Monarch Menu** *(Install > Cyber > Burpsuite)* .\ This ensures that each user can select the version that best fits their workflow and licensing requirements.
### Wordlists To keep the Monarch ISO lightweight, **wordlists are not included by default**.\ They can be installed at any time through the **Monarch Menu** *(Install > Cyber > Wordlists)* Once installed, all wordlists are available in **`/usr/share/seclists`.** This approach ensures fast installation while still providing access to the full SecLists collection when needed. # Windows VM A **Microsoft Windows virtual machine** can be installed directly through the **Monarch Menu** *(Install > Windows)* A configuration wizard is provided to help you create a Windows VM tailored to your needs. You can adjust: * **RAM** * **Disk size** * **Processor count** * **System language** * **Username** * **Password** This allows you to quickly prepare a fully customized Windows environment for payload development, testing, or cross-platform analysis.
A shared folder between host and VM is available at `$HOME/Windows/`. # Launcher features Walker is the default launcher on Monarch, it use Elephant as backend. These two have a lot of features that can easily be accessed from your keyboard. The features described here are only a selection. Full documentation is available from the [Walker documentation](https://benz.gitbook.io/walker/) or directly in the [Elephant repository](https://github.com/abenz1267/elephant/). ## Clipboard history To access the clipboard history, type `:` in the search bar. This will display all saved clipboard entries, along with a preview on the right side—including images. The following shortcuts can be useful: * `Enter` — Copy the selected entry to the clipboard * `Ctrl + D` — Delete the selected entry from the history * `Ctrl + L` — Send the selected entry using the LocalSend app * `Ctrl + I` — Filter the history to show only image entries ## Calculator You can quickly access a calculator by typing `=` followed by your calculation. The result will be displayed immediately. ## Todolist The to-do list feature can be accessed by typing `!` in the search bar. From this interface, you can manage tasks efficiently using keyboard shortcuts: * `Ctrl + A` — Create a new task * `Ctrl + F` — Mark the selected task as done #### Scheduled Tasks You can create scheduled tasks by prefixing an item with a time or date expression. Examples: ``` +5d > my task in 10m > my task in 5d at 15:00 > my task jan 1 at 13:00 > my task january 1 at 13:00 > my task 1 jan at 13:00 > my task ``` Add a `!` suffix to mark a task as **urgent**. #### Time-Based Searching You can filter tasks using natural time expressions. For example, searching for `today` will display all tasks scheduled for the current day. ## Websearch You can perform web searches by typing `@` followed by your query. By default, searches can be done using **DuckDuckGo** or **Google**. Other search engines can be configured by editing `~/.config/elephant/websearch.toml` . For example if you want to add kagi as your default search engine: ``` [[entries]] default = true name = "Kagi" url = "https://kagi.com/search?q=%TERM%" ``` When using **Kagi** or **DuckDuckGo**, you can also access your `!bang` shortcuts directly from this interface. ## File search You can access file and folder search by typing `/`. The feature includes: * Preview text, images, and PDF files * Open files or folders directly * Drag and drop files into other programs * Copy files or paths * Support for **LocalSend** #### Example: Ignored Directories To exclude certain directories from searches, you can edit `~/.config/elephant/files.toml` them as follows: ``` ignored_dirs = ["/home/myuser/Documents/", "/home/myuser/Videos"] ``` # Virtual Machines Monarch can currently be tested on virtual machines using **QEMU**, which is the only officially supported option. Other virtualization platforms such as **VirtualBox** and **VMware Workstation** may also be used, but require additional configuration. ## Virtualbox Instructions for running the system in VirtualBox are available in a [discussion](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/discussions/176) on the Omarchy GitHub repository. The same procedure applies to Monarch. ### VM Creation 1. Download the ISO from Monarch website [here](https://iso.monarchlinux.com/monarch-nightly.iso). 2. Create a new VM on virtualbox as usual 3. Select the appropriate hardware (e.g. 8192 MB RAM, 4 vCPU) 1. Do **not** enable EFI 4. Create a virtual hard disk (at least 40 GB) 5. After finishing creation, go to the machine and select settings => Video 6. Select Graphics Controller: VBoxVGA, and leave 3D Acceleration unchecked ### Install Monarch 1. Follow the [installation steps](/getting-started/installation) to install Monarch upon first boot 2. Shut down VM, remove ISO and boot into Monarch ### Set screen resolution In case your scaling is broken due to the default config being set to 2x scaling instead of 1x (**when your VM is not setup yet for guest resized window**), you need to manually change the config for **Hyprland**. **(This was tested on Windows 11 VirtualBox)** 1. Press `Win+Alt+Space` to open Menu -> Setup -> Monitor 2. Comment the 2x Retina Scaling lines, uncomment the 1x Scaling lines. Save. 3. Press `Win+Enter` to start a Terminal 4. Install [virtualbox-guest-utils-nox and enable the service](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/VirtualBox/Install_Arch_Linux_as_a_guest#Install_the_Guest_Additions):\ a. `sudo yay -S virtualbox-guest-utils-nox`\ b. `systemctl enable vboxservice` 5. Edit /boot/limine.conf\ a. In the line `kernel_cmdline` append `video=1920x1080` 6. Reboot the VM 7. Then set the entry in \~/.config/hypr/monitors.conf could be added such that everything runs with the correct resolution. See [monitors configurations](https://manuals.omamix.org/2/the-omarchy-manual/86/monitors) for more information. ## VMWare Workstation A similar [discussion](https://github.com/basecamp/omarchy/discussions/572) on the Omarchy GitHub repository describes how to run the system on VMware Workstation. These steps are also applicable to Monarch. ***