Upgrade to Fedora 39: A Comprehensive Guide

Fedora 39 has officially launched, bringing with it a host of new features including the latest Gnome 45 desktop environment, the Linux kernel 6.5, fresh drivers, and numerous enhancements. This article outlines how to upgrade your Fedora Desktop or Laptop to this exciting new version.

Upgrading to Fedora 39 Using the GUI

For Fedora users who rely on the Gnome Shell interface, upgrading through the graphical user interface (GUI) is the most user-friendly method. To initiate the upgrade:

1. Launch Gnome Software:
   Open the “Gnome Software” application from the app menu by searching for “Software”.

2. Check for Updates:
   Clicking on the "Updates" tab will display any available software updates for your current Fedora version. Ensure that you install these updates before proceeding with the upgrade.

3. Begin the Upgrade:
   After installing all pending updates, look for a notification that reads “Fedora Linux 39 Available” within Gnome Software. Below this message, click the “Download” button to start the download process for Fedora 39.

4. Install Upgrades:
   Once the download completes, a notification will prompt you to “Restart & Update.” Click this to install the downloaded packages on your system.

Upgrading to Fedora 39 via Terminal

For those who prefer command-line operations, upgrading Fedora 39 can also be achieved using the terminal, leveraging RedHat’s powerful package manager. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Terminal:
   You can open a terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or searching for “Terminal” in the app menu.

2. Update Current Packages:
   First, ensure your current Fedora version is fully updated by executing the following command:

   sudo dnf --refresh update -y

3. Install the Upgrade Tool:
   You will need the “dnf-plugin-system-upgrade” tool. Install it using:

   sudo dnf install dnf-plugin-system-upgrade

4. Download Fedora 39 Packages:
   To download the Fedora 39 upgrade files, run:

   sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=39

5. Reboot to Complete Upgrade:
   After the download is complete, execute the following command to reboot your computer and begin the upgrade process:

   sudo dnf system-upgrade reboot

   The system will now start installing the Fedora 39 packages and removing outdated components. This step will take time, so be patient.

6. Log In to Your New System:
   Upon completion of the upgrade, your system will reboot, allowing you to log into your updated Fedora 39 environment.

Fresh Installation of Fedora 39

If you prefer to start fresh instead of upgrading, Fedora makes the latest version available for download as an ISO file. Here’s how to set up a fresh install:

1. Download Fedora Workstation:
   Visit the official Fedora website and look for the “Fedora Workstation” section. Click on the “Download Now” button.

2. Getting the ISO:
   On the download page, find the “Just want an ISO file?” section and select the download link next to Fedora 39. Alternatively, consider using the Fedora Media Writer application to facilitate the download and installation process.

Using Fedora Media Writer

1. Launch the Media Writer:
   Open the Fedora Media Writer on your operating system (Windows, Linux, or macOS).

2. Select Download Options:
   Choose the “Download automatically” option, then click “Next” to proceed.

3. Select Your Fedora Edition:
   Choose your desired edition of Fedora from the available options, then click “Next”.

4. Prepare a USB Drive:
   Insert a USB drive into your computer, select your hardware architecture, and click “Download & Write” to start writing Fedora 39 onto the USB.

5. Install Fedora 39:
   After creating the USB drive, reboot your computer and enter the BIOS settings to set the boot order to prioritize USB, enabling the installation of Fedora 39.

With these straightforward instructions, upgrading or installing Fedora 39 should be a seamless experience. Enjoy the new features and enhancements that come with this exciting update!