Fedora Linux 44: What’s New and How to Get It
Introduction
Fedora Linux 44 has officially arrived, bringing a host of new features, refined desktops, and under-the-hood improvements to the open-source community. This release marks another milestone in Fedora’s tradition of delivering cutting-edge technology while maintaining stability. Whether you’re a long-time user or considering your first installation, this article covers everything you need to know about Fedora 44—from upgrades to standout changes.
A Community Effort
This release would not have been possible without the dedication of countless contributors. The Fedora project extends its gratitude to everyone who helped build, test, and document Fedora 44. A special virtual release party was held just after the go/no-go meeting, and if you missed it, you can catch the recording to hear about the great work from various contributors.
How to Upgrade
Upgrading an existing Fedora system to version 44 is straightforward. In most cases, the process is similar to applying regular updates—just run the upgrade tool and grab a coffee. For detailed instructions, refer to the official Upgrading Fedora Linux guide.
Fresh Installation
If you’re new to Fedora or want to start clean, download the installation media for the flagship Editions: Workstation, KDE Plasma Desktop, Cloud, Server, CoreOS, and IoT. You can also choose from Atomic Desktops like Silverblue, Kinoite, Cosmic, Budgie, and Sway, or opt for alternative desktops such as Cinnamon, Xfce, or Sway. Each variant is tailored to different workflows, so pick the one that fits your needs.
Notable Changes in Fedora Linux 44
Fedora 44 introduces a variety of improvements across the entire system. While the official release notes contain the full list, here are some of the most impactful changes for users.
Anaconda Installer
For those performing a fresh installation of Fedora 44 Spins, the Anaconda installer has been updated to simplify network configuration. It now creates network profiles only for devices that were explicitly configured during installation (via boot options, kickstart, or interactive UI). Previously, it created default profiles for all devices. This change reduces post-installation clutter and makes it easier to customize networking later.
Workstation Edition (GNOME 50)
Fedora 44 Workstation ships with the latest GNOME 50, which brings a long list of refinements. Accessibility options have been enhanced, color management is more robust, and remote desktop support has been improved. Default applications such as Document Viewer (Evince), Files (Nautilus), and Calendar have also received updates. To dive into all the details, check the GNOME 50 release notes.
KDE Plasma Desktop
KDE fans will appreciate that Fedora 44 KDE Plasma Desktop is based on Plasma 6.6. This version introduces the new Plasma Login Manager and Plasma Setup tool, providing a more cohesive experience from the moment you power on your computer. The installation process has been streamlined, making it easier to set up a system for friends or family.
Plumbing Upgrades
Beyond user-facing changes, Fedora 44 includes important updates to core components. The kernel, system libraries, and toolchains have all been refreshed to improve performance, security, and hardware support. These changes may not be visible at first glance, but they ensure a solid foundation for the entire distribution.
Get Started with Fedora 44
Whether you choose to upgrade an existing system or perform a fresh install, Fedora Linux 44 offers a polished and modern experience. Dive into the community, explore the new features, and enjoy one of the most innovative Linux distributions available. For more details, visit the Fedora Project website.