Introduction
Fedora Linux 44 has officially arrived, bringing a host of improvements and new features for users of all stripes. Whether you're a long-time Fedora enthusiast or considering your first installation, this release offers significant enhancements in usability, performance, and desktop experience. This article highlights the key changes, guides you through the upgrade process, and explains how to get started with a fresh install.
Acknowledging the Community
The Fedora 44 release is the result of countless hours of work from the global Fedora community. Contributors across development, design, documentation, and quality assurance have collaborated to make this release possible. A virtual release party was held shortly after the go/no-go meeting, celebrating the achievement. If you missed it, a recording is available to watch the presentations and hear from the contributors themselves. Thanks to everyone who helped bring Fedora 44 to life.
Upgrading from an Existing Installation
If you already have Fedora Linux installed, upgrading to version 44 is straightforward. The process is similar to applying regular system updates — just a bit more time-consuming. In most cases, you simply run the upgrade tool and let it work while you take a break. For detailed steps, refer to the official upgrading guide (see the release notes for full instructions).
Fresh Installation Options
New to Fedora or want a clean start? You can download install media for the flagship Editions: Workstation, KDE Plasma Desktop, Cloud, Server, CoreOS, and IoT. Additionally, Atomic Desktops such as Silverblue, Kinoite, Cosmic, Budgie, and Sway are available. For those who prefer alternative desktop environments, Fedora offers spins with Cinnamon, Xfce, and others. Each flavor provides a ready-to-use environment tailored to different use cases.
Key Highlights and User-Visible Changes
Fedora 44 introduces many improvements, but several stand out for their impact on the daily user experience. Below we cover the most notable changes.
Anaconda Installer
The Anaconda installer has been updated to simplify network configuration during installation. Previously, Anaconda would create default network profiles for all detected devices. Now, profiles are only generated for devices that are explicitly configured — either through boot options, kickstart files, or interactive selection in the UI. This change reduces post-installation clutter and makes networking customization more straightforward for users who need to adjust settings after setup.
Workstation Edition – GNOME 50
Fedora Workstation 44 ships with the latest GNOME release, version 50. This brings numerous refinements, including improvements to accessibility, color management, remote desktop capabilities, and general desktop polish. Built-in applications such as Document Viewer, File Manager (Nautilus), and Calendar have also received updates. For a complete list of changes, consult the GNOME 50 release notes.
KDE Plasma Desktop – Plasma 6.6
KDE users will welcome the new Plasma 6.6 desktop environment, which includes a redesigned Plasma Login Manager and a refreshed Plasma Setup tool. These changes create a more cohesive and integrated experience from the moment the computer boots. The installation process has also been simplified, making it easier to set up Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop for friends or family.
Plumbing Upgrades
Beyond the visible changes, Fedora 44 includes updates to core system components and libraries. These “plumbing” upgrades improve security, performance, and compatibility. Notable changes include updated compiler toolchains, kernel updates, and improvements in package management. For a comprehensive list of all changes, refer to the official release notes.
Getting Started with Fedora 44
Ready to dive in? Whether you choose to upgrade or perform a fresh installation, Fedora Linux 44 offers a modern, secure, and user-friendly experience. Download the appropriate image from the Fedora website, and join the millions of users who rely on Fedora for their computing needs.
Fedora Linux 44 is a community-driven release. If you encounter any issues or have feedback, the Fedora community welcomes your contributions.