Fedora Linux Installation Guide 2026 | Generated by AI
Question: How to install Fedora Linux?
Answer:
Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to install Fedora Linux (as of 2026, the process is still very similar to recent versions — Fedora 41 / 42 era).
Two Main Ways to Install Fedora
- Workstation (recommended for most desktop/laptop users — GNOME desktop)
- Spins / Kinoite / Silverblue / Server / etc. (choose if you want KDE, XFCE, immutable system, server, etc.)
Recommended Method in 2025/2026: Fedora Workstation (GNOME)
Step 1 – Download Fedora
-
Go to the official website:
https://getfedora.org/ -
Choose Fedora Workstation (most popular choice)
-
Download the ISO file (~2.0–2.5 GB)
Step 2 – Create bootable USB
Use one of these tools (all free):
| Your current OS | Recommended tool | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Rufus (best) or Fedora Media Writer | Use “DD mode” in Rufus if needed |
| macOS | Fedora Media Writer or balenaEtcher | Fedora Media Writer is official |
| Linux | Fedora Media Writer, dd, Ventoy, balenaEtcher |
dd command is very reliable |
Quick dd command example (Linux):
sudo dd if=Fedora-Workstation-Live-x86_64-42-1.2.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync
Replace /dev/sdX with your USB device (use lsblk to check — be careful!)
Step 3 – Boot from USB
- Insert USB
- Restart computer
- Enter boot menu (usually F12, F11, Esc, F2, Del — depends on manufacturer)
- Common keys:
- Dell → F12
- Lenovo → F12 or Fn+F12
- HP → F9 or Esc → F9
- ASUS → F8 or Esc
- Common keys:
- Select the USB drive
If it doesn’t appear → enter BIOS/UEFI (usually Del, F2, F10) and:
- Disable Secure Boot (recommended for first install)
- Set USB as first boot device or enable “UEFI USB boot”
Step 4 – Start Fedora Live system
-
Choose Try Fedora (recommended) or Install to Hard Drive
-
Test everything works (Wi-Fi, sound, touchpad, screen brightness)
Step 5 – Launch the installer (Anaconda)
Click the “Install to Hard Drive” icon on the desktop.
The graphical installer has these main steps:
- Language → choose your language
- Keyboard → add layouts if needed
- Time & Date → usually auto-detected
- Installation Destination
- Select your disk
- Two easy choices:
- Automatic partitioning (recommended for beginners)
- Custom (if you want separate /home, encryption, etc.)
- Network & Hostname (optional)
- Root Password & User Creation
- Create at least one user (you can make it administrator)
- Set root password (or enable root login — not recommended)
- Begin Installation → wait 3–15 minutes
Step 6 – Finish & Reboot
- Remove USB when asked
- Click Reboot
First boot:
- GNOME welcome / tour appears
- Connect to Wi-Fi if needed
- Log in with the user you created
Quick Tips & Common Choices (2026)
| Question | Recommended for most people | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop environment | GNOME (Workstation) | KDE (Fedora KDE Spin) |
| Immutable / atomic system | Fedora Silverblue or Kinoite | Traditional (Workstation) |
| Full disk encryption | Yes (LUKS) | No (faster, but less secure) |
| Partitioning | Automatic | Custom (if dual-boot) |
| Secure Boot | Disabled during install | Can re-enable later |
| Third-party codecs/drivers | Install after first boot via command | — |
Post-install useful commands:
# Update system
sudo dnf update --refresh
# Install common useful packages (multimedia, etc.)
sudo dnf install ffmpeg gstreamer1-plugins-{bad-\*,good-\*,ugly-\*,base} gstreamer1-plugin-openh264
# Enable RPM Fusion (for more software)
sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm
sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm
Enjoy Fedora!
It is one of the most modern, up-to-date, and clean Linux distributions available.
References: