Upgrading to Fedora Workstation 44: A Complete Guide

Overview

Fedora Workstation 44 represents a significant leap forward in desktop Linux, centered around the freshly released GNOME 50. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to upgrade safely and take full advantage of the new digital wellbeing features, refined applications, and enhanced performance. Whether you prefer a graphical upgrade or the command line, we've got you covered.

Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have:

• A supported system running Fedora Workstation 39, 40, 41, 42, or 43 (clean installs also possible from the ISO).
• At least 10 GB of free disk space on the root partition.
• A stable internet connection – the download is around 2-3 GB.
• A full system backup (use tools like Deja Dup, rsync, or a disk image).
• All current updates installed – run sudo dnf update --refresh.
• Optional but recommended: plug in your laptop to power and close other applications.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Method 1: Upgrade via GNOME Software (Graphical)

1. Open GNOME Software from the Activities overview.
2. Click the Updates tab – if Fedora 44 is available, you'll see a banner or an "Upgrade to Fedora 44" button.
3. Read the release notes and click Download & Restart.
4. The system will download the upgrade packages, reboot, and complete the installation automatically.

Method 2: Upgrade via Terminal using dnf system-upgrade

For more control, use the command line:

1. Install the system-upgrade plugin (if not already present):
   sudo dnf install dnf-plugin-system-upgrade
2. Download the upgrade:
   sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=44
   This may take a while. Answer y when prompted.
3. Verify the download – check for any error messages. If there are dependency issues, use --allowerasing with caution, or resolve manually.
4. Trigger the reboot upgrade:
   sudo dnf system-upgrade reboot
5. The system will reboot and perform the upgrade. After completion, log in and verify.

Method 3: Clean Install from ISO

If you prefer a fresh start, download the Fedora Workstation 44 ISO from the official website. Use a tool like Fedora Media Writer to create a bootable USB. Boot from it, choose "Install to Hard Drive", and follow the on-screen prompts. This method wipes your existing data, so back up first.

What's New in Fedora 44 Workstation

GNOME 50 – The Heart of the Release

Fedora 44 ships with GNOME 50, bringing a polished and more accessible desktop. Key highlights:

• Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls: Find native screen time limits and bedtime schedules under Settings > Parental Controls. Great for managing kids' usage or your own focus.
• Color Management: Better calibration support for designers and photographers.
• Remote Desktop Improvements: Smoother RDP sessions with GNOME Remote Desktop.
• App Refinements: The Document Viewer (Evince) loads faster, Files (Nautilus) has improved search, and Calendar now integrates with more online accounts.

For a complete list, visit the GNOME 50 release notes.

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

Mistake 1: Not Enough Disk Space

The upgrade requires temporary space for downloaded packages. Check with df -h /. If space is low, clean old kernels: sudo dnf remove --oldinstallonly or use sudo dnf clean packages.

Mistake 2: Interrupting the Upgrade

Do not force shutdown or unplug power during the dnf system-upgrade reboot phase. If interrupted, you may need to chroot from a live USB to repair. Patience is key – let it finish.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Pre-Upgrade Update

Always run sudo dnf update --refresh before the upgrade. Outdated packages can cause dependency conflicts.

Mistake 4: Not Checking Third-Party Repositories

If you use RPM Fusion or COPR, verify they support Fedora 44. Disable any that don't have updates to avoid broken packages.

Summary

Upgrading to Fedora Workstation 44 is straightforward with the built-in tools. You get the latest GNOME 50 with digital wellbeing features, performance enhancements, and updated apps. Choose between graphical Software, the terminal, or a clean install – but always back up first. For the complete list of changes, see the Fedora Linux 44 Change Set. Join the Fedora Discussion forum or Matrix chat for help and community news.