How to Upgrade Fedora to the Latest Version

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

FedoraUpgradeLatest VersionOperating SystemCommand LineTerminalSoftwareSystem UpdatePackage ManagerComputers

Upgrading Fedora to the latest version can sometimes seem a bit scary, especially for users who are not deeply familiar with Linux. However, with a little knowledge and guidance, anyone can upgrade successfully. This comprehensive guide will guide you through the steps required to easily update your Fedora operating system to the latest version.

Introduction to Fedora

Fedora is a popular Linux distribution known for its cutting-edge features and regular updates. It is sponsored by Red Hat and designed to provide the latest free and open-source software. Fedora is popular among a variety of users, including developers, administrators, and enthusiasts looking for a reliable and user-friendly platform.

With a six-month release cycle, each new version of Fedora brings advancements in system architecture, user interface, and software capabilities. Keeping your Fedora system updated ensures security improvements, new features, and improved performance.

Preparing for the upgrade

Before you upgrade your Fedora system, it's important to take a few preliminary steps. This ensures that your data is safe, and the upgrade process goes smoothly. Let's take a look at the preliminary steps:

1. Back up your data

It is always a good practice to backup your important files and data before making significant changes to your system. Use external storage devices, cloud services, or backup software to keep a copy of your important data. This minimizes the risk of data loss if something unexpected happens during the upgrade.

2. Update your current system

Before starting the upgrade process, make sure your existing Fedora system is up-to-date with the latest packages. Open the terminal and use the following command:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

The above command refreshes the metadata and upgrades all packages to their latest available version.

3. Check the release notes

Each Fedora release comes with a set of release notes. These notes provide information about new features, changes, and critical issues specific to the release. You can find the release notes on the Fedora Project website. Reviewing these notes can help you prepare for any changes that may affect your workflow.

4. Verify software compatibility

Compatibility is an important factor to consider, especially if you depend on some third-party applications or proprietary software. Verify if these applications are supported in the new Fedora release. Visit the software vendor website or community forum to get this information.

Upgrading Fedora

There are several ways to upgrade Fedora, including using the graphical user interface (GUI) or the command line. We'll cover the graphical software tool 'GNOME Software Applications' for those who prefer a GUI and the DNF system upgrade method for command-line users.

Using the DNF system upgrade

The 'DNF System Upgrade' plugin is a command-line method to upgrade Fedora. It downloads the required packages and handles the upgrade process efficiently.

Step 1: Install the DNF plugin

Make sure the DNF plugin is installed. Open the terminal and execute the following command:

sudo dnf install dnf-plugin-system-upgrade

Step 2: Download the upgrade package

Next, start downloading packages for the new Fedora release. You can specify the release version you want to upgrade to. For example, if you want to upgrade to Fedora 34, use this command:

sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=34

During this process, you may encounter dependency issues. Use the --allowerasing flag to remove packages that cause conflicts:

sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=34 --allowerasing

Step 3: Reboot and upgrade

Once the download is complete, initiate the upgrade by rebooting your system. Use the following command:

sudo dnf system-upgrade reboot

The system will restart and proceed with the upgrade process, updating all necessary files. This step may take some time, so be patient.

Using the GNOME Software Application

If you prefer to use a graphical interface to manage your upgrades, Fedora provides the GNOME Software application.

Step 1: Open GNOME Software

Open the application by searching for "Software" in your Applications menu.

Step 2: Check for updates

GNOME Software automatically checks for available updates. If a new system upgrade is available, it will display a prompt or notification.

Step 3: Start the upgrade

Follow the prompts to upgrade. GNOME Software will handle the process of downloading and applying the upgrade. Make sure your machine is powered on and connected to the internet during this time.

Post-upgrade tasks

After the upgrade is completed successfully, check the stability and functionality of your system. Follow these steps after the upgrade:

1. Verify the upgrade

Check if the upgrade was successful by opening a terminal and running:

cat /etc/fedora-release

This command displays the new Fedora version installed on your machine.

2. Verify software and data

Make sure your software applications are working as expected and your data is secure. Open and test the applications you rely on daily.

3. Clean up the system

Over time, unnecessary files can accumulate on your system. To clean up these leftover packages, use the following:

sudo dnf autoremove ls ~/.cache | xargs -d '\n' -n 1 rm -r

4. Review the configuration files

Sometimes, configuration files may change with new Fedora releases. It is advisable to review your system and application configuration files to ensure everything is set up as desired.

Troubleshoot upgrade issues

Although Fedora's upgrade process is designed to be simple, problems can sometimes occur. If you encounter problems, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

1. Resolve package disputes

Package conflicts can interrupt the upgrade process. If you receive package conflict errors, review the error messages to identify the conflicting packages. You may need to remove or replace these packages to proceed with the upgrade.

2. Check internet connectivity

Make sure you have a stable internet connection during the download and upgrade process. Intermittent connectivity may cause the package download to be incomplete.

3. Seek help from community resources

Fedora has an active user community. The community forums, mailing lists, and IRC channels are excellent places to get advice and solutions from experienced users.

Conclusion

Keeping your Fedora system up-to-date with regular upgrades is crucial for security, stability, and access to the latest features. By following this detailed guide, you can successfully upgrade your Fedora system using both GUI and command-line methods. Remember to perform pre-upgrade tasks such as backing up your data and reviewing the release notes to ensure a smooth transition to the new version. If you encounter problems, troubleshoot them using the tips provided and don't hesitate to seek help from the open-source community. Embrace the latest in Fedora software and enjoy a better computing experience.

As Fedora continues to evolve, each release presents new opportunities and improvements that enrich the user experience on the desktop, server, or cloud. Stay informed, explore new features, and make the most of your Fedora installation. Happy upgrading!

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