Fedora Linux 44 Officially Released: GNOME 50 and Latest KDE Plasma 6.6 Lead Major Update

Breaking: Fedora Linux 44 Now Available for Download

The Fedora Project announced today the immediate availability of Fedora Linux 44, marking a significant milestone for the open-source operating system. This release introduces GNOME 50 for Workstation users and the latest KDE Plasma 6.6 for the KDE Spin, alongside critical refinements to the Anaconda installer.

"Fedora 44 represents the culmination of months of collaborative work from our global community," said Matthew Miller, Fedora Project Leader. "This release delivers cutting-edge desktop environments and under-the-hood improvements that will benefit both novice users and seasoned developers." Users can download the install media now from the official website.

Key Highlights of Fedora Linux 44

GNOME 50 on Workstation

Fedora Workstation ships with GNOME 50, the latest version of the popular desktop environment. This update brings refinements in accessibility, color management, and remote desktop capabilities. Default applications like Document Viewer, File Manager, and Calendar have also received significant enhancements. Full details are available in the GNOME 50 release notes.

KDE Plasma 6.6 on KDE Spin

The KDE Plasma Desktop Spin is now based on Plasma 6.6, featuring a new Login Manager and Setup tool for a streamlined first-boot experience. The installation process has been simplified, making it easier to set up systems for friends or family. "KDE users will notice a more cohesive and integrated experience from the moment they power on the computer," Miller noted.

Anaconda Installer Improvements

For fresh installations, the Anaconda installer now only creates network profiles for devices configured during installation (via boot options, kickstart, or interactive UI). This change eliminates default profiles for all devices, simplifying post-installation network customization. This is particularly useful for users who need to adjust networking after setup.

How to Get Fedora Linux 44

Existing users can upgrade easily using the standard upgrade process. "In most cases, it’s just like rebooting for regular updates, but you might have time for coffee," explained a Fedora contributor. A step-by-step upgrade guide is available.

For fresh installs, users can download the flagship Editions: Workstation, KDE Plasma Desktop, Cloud, Server, CoreOS, IoT, as well as Atomic Desktops (Silverblue, Kinoite, Cosmic, Budgie, Sway) and alternative spins like Cinnamon, Xfce, and Sway. Check the download page for all options.

Background

Fedora Linux is a leading open-source operating system sponsored by Red Hat, serving as the upstream for Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It is known for its rapid adoption of new technologies and strong focus on free software. Each release follows a six-month development cycle, with Fedora 44 continuing this tradition of innovation. The project held a virtual release party last Friday to celebrate the go/no-go milestone.

What This Means

For end-users, Fedora 44 offers the latest desktop environments and improved usability, particularly for those who need advanced accessibility or networked installations. Developers benefit from updated libraries and tooling, though specific plumbing upgrades are detailed in the release notes. The simplified Anaconda network handling reduces friction for custom setups. Overall, Fedora 44 reinforces the project's commitment to delivering cutting-edge, stable Linux experiences.

"Every release is a collective achievement," Miller concluded. "We thank all contributors who made Fedora 44 possible." Watch the release party recording to hear from contributors about their work.