How to Upgrade Fedora 42 to Fedora 43

Introduction

Fedora 43 introduces multiple major improvements, including a newer Linux kernel, updated core system components, and the latest GNOME desktop environment. If you are currently running Fedora 42 (Server or Workstation), upgrading to Fedora 43 allows you to benefit from better performance, improved security, and broader hardware support. This guide walks you through the official and recommended upgrade process using the dnf system-upgrade tool.

Prerequisites

Before starting the upgrade, ensure that the following requirements are met:

• Back up your important data using tools such as rsync, Deja Dup, or external storage.
• Fully update Fedora 42 to avoid dependency conflicts.
• Ensure sufficient disk space (at least 10–15 GB free).
• Verify system health to ensure there are no broken packages.

Fedora 43 New Features

Some notable features included in Fedora 43 are:

• GNOME 49 – Improved performance and new features, with full migration to Wayland.
• RPM 6.0 – Enhanced security with fingerprint-based OpenPGP key handling.
• Python 3.14 – Latest major Python release with performance and language improvements.
• Linux Kernel 6.17 – Better hardware support and performance optimizations.
• Anaconda WebUI – Now the default installer for Fedora Editions and Spins.

Step 1: Confirm Current Fedora Version

Before upgrading, confirm that your system is running Fedora 42:

hostnamectl

Check the Operating System field and verify that it shows Fedora Linux 42.

Step 2: Update Fedora 42 System

Ensure your current system is fully updated and free of package issues:

sudo dnf update --refresh
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
sudo dnf check

Resolve any reported issues before proceeding.

Step 3: Install the DNF System Upgrade Plugin

Fedora provides an official plugin that simplifies the release upgrade process.

Install it with:

sudo dnf install -y dnf-plugin-system-upgrade

This plugin handles dependency resolution, package downloads, and upgrade execution.

Step 4: Download Fedora 43 Packages

Download and prepare all packages required for the Fedora 43 upgrade:

sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=43 --allowerasing

Explanation:

• –releasever=43 prepares the system for Fedora 43

• –allowerasing allows removal of conflicting or incompatible packages

When prompted, accept the Fedora 43 GPG key.

If any errors occur, resolve them before continuing.

Step 5: Reboot and Start the Upgrade

Once the download completes successfully, reboot the system to begin the upgrade:

sudo dnf system-upgrade reboot

The system will reboot into the upgrade environment and start installing Fedora 43 packages. This process may take some time.

Step 6: Verify Fedora 43 After Upgrade

After the upgrade finishes, the system will reboot automatically.

Verify that the upgrade was successful:

hostnamectl

The Operating System field should now display Fedora Linux 43.

Step 7: Post-Upgrade Cleanup

Fedora retires some packages in every release. These packages remain installed but no longer receive updates.

Remove retired packages with:

sudo dnf install remove-retired-packages
remove-retired-packages

This step helps keep your system clean and secure.

Conclusion

Upgrading from Fedora 42 to Fedora 43 using the dnf system-upgrade tool is a safe and well-supported process when done correctly. By following each step carefully—verifying your system, updating packages, performing the upgrade, and cleaning up afterward—you can fully enjoy the improvements Fedora 43 brings.