# installation > [!CAUTION] > the templated flake is designed for a minimal install of nixos. install nixos first, then follow the instructions below. ## 1. initialize the flake template ```bash # create a new directory and initialize the template mkdir hydenix && cd hydenix nix flake init -t github:richen604/hydenix ``` ## 2. configure your system edit `configuration.nix` following the detailed comments: - **optional:** see [module options](./options.md) for advanced configuration ## 3. generate hardware configuration ```bash sudo nixos-generate-config --show-hardware-config > hardware-configuration.nix ``` ## 4. initialize git repository ```bash git init && git add . ``` we do this because flakes must be managed via git. and its good practice to version control your configuration ## 5. build and switch to the new configuration ```bash sudo nixos-rebuild switch --flake .#hydenix ``` > [!NOTE] > if you made mistakes, it will fail here. try following: > > - read the error carefully, it may be self-explanatory > - troubleshooting steps in [troubleshooting & issues](./troubleshooting.md) > - read the [faq](./faq.md), it may have the answer you're looking for > - please don't hesitate to ask in [discord](https://discord.gg/AYbJ9MJez7) or [github discussions](https://github.com/richen604/hydenix/discussions)! ## 6. launch hydenix reboot and log in. > [!IMPORTANT] > do not forget to set your password > > ```bash > passwd > ``` you can generate the theme cache with the below: ```bash hyde-shell reload ```