Your Complete Guide to Installing or Upgrading to Fedora Linux 44

Overview

Fedora Linux 44 has arrived, bringing the latest GNOME 50 desktop, KDE Plasma 6.6, and a refined Anaconda installer. Whether you're upgrading from an earlier Fedora release or performing a fresh installation, this guide walks you through every step. We'll cover prerequisites, two upgrade methods, a fresh install process, and common mistakes to avoid—so you can start exploring Fedora 44's improvements with confidence.

Your Complete Guide to Installing or Upgrading to Fedora Linux 44 — Source: fedoramagazine.org

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure your system meets these requirements:

Existing Fedora installation (if upgrading): Fedora 42 or 43 is recommended. Verify with cat /etc/fedora-release.
Sufficient disk space: At least 5 GB free for upgrade; 20 GB or more for a fresh install.
Internet connection: Stable broadband for downloading packages.
Backup: Always back up important data using tools like deja-dup or manual copy.
Supported hardware: 64-bit x86_64 processor, 2 GB RAM (4 GB+ recommended), UEFI or BIOS.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Method 1: Upgrading Using DNF (Command Line)

This method works for Fedora Workstation, Server, and most spins. It’s the most reliable way to upgrade.

Update your current system:
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Install the DNF plugin for system upgrade (if not present):
sudo dnf install dnf-plugin-system-upgrade
Download Fedora 44 packages:
sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=44
This may take 10–30 minutes. If prompted about package conflicts or obsolete packages, review and follow instructions.
Initiate the upgrade:
sudo dnf system-upgrade reboot
Your system will reboot into the upgrade process. After completion, you’ll land in Fedora 44.

Method 2: Upgrading Using GNOME Software (GUI)

For Workstation users preferring a graphical interface:

Open Software from the activities overview.
Go to the Updates tab.
If Fedora 44 is available, you’ll see an option like “Fedora Linux 44 is now available.” Click Download.
After download, click Restart & Upgrade. The system will reboot and perform the upgrade automatically.

Tip: If the upgrade doesn’t appear, ensure your current system is fully updated via sudo dnf upgrade --refresh first.

Fresh Installation

Ideal for new users or those wanting a clean start.

Download the ISO

Visit the official Fedora Workstation download page or choose an alternate spin (KDE, Xfce, etc.).
Verify the checksum for integrity: sha256sum Fedora-Workstation-44-1.6.iso and compare with the published checksum.

Create a Bootable USB

Use Fedora Media Writer (recommended), or dd on Linux, or Rufus on Windows.
Insert a USB drive (8 GB+). The process will erase all data on it.

Boot and Install

Boot from the USB. Choose Start Fedora-Workstation-Live 44 to try live environment, or Install to Hard Drive.
In the installer (Anaconda), configure language, keyboard, installation destination, and user account.
Network configuration change: In Fedora 44, Anaconda creates network profiles only for devices configured during installation (via boot options, kickstart, or UI). This simplifies post-install setup if you later change network settings.
Click Begin Installation. Wait for completion, then reboot and remove the USB.

Post-Installation Steps

Update packages: Run sudo dnf upgrade --refresh to get the latest updates.
Install media codecs (if needed): Enable RPM Fusion repositories.
Explore new features: GNOME 50 introduces refined accessibility, color management, and updated apps. KDE Plasma 6.6 brings a new login manager and simplified setup.

Common Mistakes

Skipping backup: Always backup before any major upgrade. Use sudo rsync -a --progress /home /backup or a GUI tool.
Insufficient disk space: Check with df -h. The upgrade process requires temporary space for downloaded packages. Free at least 5 GB.
Ignoring error messages: If dnf system-upgrade download shows dependency conflicts, read carefully. Often you need to remove or update conflicting third-party packages first.
Using unsupported upgrade path: Jumping from Fedora 41 directly to 44 is not recommended. Upgrade sequentially (41→42→43→44) or fresh install.
Network drops during download: Ensure a stable connection. Use wired Ethernet if possible. You can resume the download with sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=44 --resume.
Forgetting to verify ISO integrity: A corrupted ISO can lead to installation failures. Always check the SHA256 checksum.

Summary

Fedora Linux 44 offers a polished experience with GNOME 50, KDE Plasma 6.6, and a streamlined installer. By following our guide—whether upgrading via DNF or GNOME Software, or performing a fresh install—you can migrate smoothly. Remember to back up, verify disk space, and check for error messages. For most users, the upgrade is as simple as a couple of commands and a reboot. Enjoy the new release!