Multilib - ArchWiki

# Multilib

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- Install bundled 32-bit system in Arch64

Enabling the multilib repository allows the user to run and build 32-bit applications on 64-bit installations of Arch Linux. multilib creates a directory containing 32-bit instruction set libraries inside `/usr/lib32/`, which 32-bit binary applications may need when executed.

## Directory structure

A 64-bit installation of Arch Linux with multilib enabled follows a directory structure similar to Debian. The 32-bit compatible libraries are located under `/usr/lib32/`, and the native 64-bit libraries under `/usr/lib/`.

## Enabling

To use the multilib repository, uncomment the `[multilib]` section in `/etc/pacman.conf` (Please be sure to uncomment both lines):

    [multilib]
    Include = /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist

Then update the package list and upgrade with `pacman -Syu`.

Note: Arch Linux doesn't support partial upgrades so `-u` is necessary.

## Disabling

To revert to a pure 64-bit system, uninstalling multilib:

Execute the following command to remove all packages that were installed from multilib:

    # pacman -R $(paclist multilib | cut -f1 -d' ')

If you have conflicts with gcc-libs reinstall the 64-bit versions and try the previous command again:

    # pacman -S gcc-libs base-devel

Comment out the `[multilib]` section in `/etc/pacman.conf`:

    #[multilib]
    #Include = /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist

Then update the package list and upgrade with `pacman -Syu`.

## See also

- 64-bit FAQ
- arch-multilib mailing list

Category:

- Package management