How to Upgrade to or Fresh Install Fedora Linux 44

Introduction

Fedora Linux 44 has arrived, bringing the latest GNOME 50 desktop, KDE Plasma 6.6, and streamlined installation improvements. Whether you're upgrading an existing system or starting fresh, this guide walks you through the process step by step. We'll cover everything from preparing your system to post‑install tweaks, so you can enjoy the new release smoothly.

What You Need

• A backup of your important files (external drive or cloud).
• Stable internet connection for downloading updates or the ISO.
• At least 20 GB free disk space (for fresh install; upgrade needs about 10 GB).
• USB drive (4 GB+ minimum) if doing a fresh install.
• Your Fedora account (for optional contributions, not required).
• Patience – upgrades can take 20–40 minutes.

Step‑by‑Step Guide

Upgrading an Existing Fedora System

If you already have Fedora 43 or earlier, the upgrade process is almost as simple as a regular update. Follow these steps:

1. Backup your data. Use rsync, Deja Dup, or copy files to an external drive. This is critical in case something goes wrong.
2. Update your current system. Open a terminal and run:
   sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
   This ensures all packages are current before the major version jump.
3. Install the DNF plugin for system upgrades (if not already present):
   sudo dnf install dnf-plugin-system-upgrade
4. Download the Fedora 44 packages:
   sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=44
   This may take a while. You'll see a summary of packages to install. If any conflicts appear, resolve them with sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=44 --allowerasing (use with care).
5. Reboot into the upgrade:
   sudo dnf system-upgrade reboot
   The system will boot into the upgrade process. It will restart several times. After completion, log in and verify everything works.

Note: During the upgrade, the system may appear stuck for a few minutes – this is normal. Do not power off.

Fresh Install of Fedora Linux 44

If you're new to Fedora or want a clean start, follow these steps to create installation media and install:

1. Download the Fedora 44 ISO for your preferred edition:
   • Workstation (GNOME 50)
   • KDE Plasma Desktop (Plasma 6.6)
   • Server
   • CoreOS
   • Atomic Desktops (Silverblue, Kinoite, etc.)
   • Other Spins (Cinnamon, Xfce, Sway)
2. Create a bootable USB:
   • Windows: Use Rufus (select DD Image mode).
   • Linux: Use dd or a GUI tool like Fedora Media Writer.
     sudo dd if=path/to/Fedora-44.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress (replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive).
3. Boot from the USB. Restart your computer and enter the boot menu (usually F12, ESC, or Del). Select the USB drive.
4. Start the installation. Choose “Install to Hard Drive”. The Anaconda installer now only creates network profiles for devices configured during installation – this simplifies post‑install networking.
5. Configure partitioning. For beginners, select “Automatic” (use entire disk or reclaim space). Advanced users can use custom partitioning (LVM, Btrfs, etc.).
6. Set up user account. Create a username and password. You can also choose to make this user an administrator.
7. Review and install. Confirm your settings, then click “Begin Installation”. The process takes about 10–15 minutes depending on disk speed.
8. Reboot. Remove the USB when prompted. After reboot, complete the initial setup (language, network, online accounts if desired).

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Watch the release party recording if you missed it – it highlights many contributor stories and new features. Find it on the Fedora Project's YouTube channel.
• Read the official release notes for a complete list of changes, including deprecations and known issues. Visit docs.fedoraproject.org.
• If you use GNOME, explore the new color management and remote desktop enhancements in GNOME 50. The Document Viewer, Files (Nautilus), and Calendar apps have also been polished.
• KDE users will notice the new Plasma Login Manager and Plasma Setup – they provide a more cohesive first‑run experience from power‑on to desktop.
• For atomic desktops (Silverblue, Kinoite, etc.), upgrading uses rpm-ostree – refer to the Silverblue upgrade guide if you're using one of those variants.
• After upgrade, run sudo dnf distro-sync to ensure all packages are at the correct versions.
• If you encounter issues, check the Fedora Discussion forum or ask in the #fedora IRC channel on Libera.Chat.