How To Upgrade To Fedora Linux 42 From Fedora 41 (Workstation and Server)

Fedora 42 is out, bringing new features, improved performance, and updated packages across the board. If you’re running Fedora 41—on either Workstation or Server—this guide walks you through a safe and clean upgrade to Fedora 42.

Why Upgrade?

Fedora 42 ships with the latest GNOME, newer versions of system libraries, improved Wayland support, and better performance for containers, virtualization, and more. Upgrading ensures you stay secure, compatible, and future-proof.

Step 1: Backup Your System

Before upgrading, make a backup. Use tools like:

Timeshift (for Workstation)
rsync or BorgBackup (for both Workstation and Server)
Snapshots if you’re using Btrfs

Store the backup on external media or a remote server.

Step 2: Apply All Updates

Run a full update to make sure your Fedora 41 system is current:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Then reboot:

sudo reboot

Step 3: Install the DNF System Upgrade Plugin

This plugin handles the upgrade process:

sudo dnf install dnf-plugin-system-upgrade

Step 4: Download Fedora 42 Packages

Now, fetch the upgrade packages:

sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=42

Tip: Add --allowerasing if you get dependency conflicts.

Step 5: Reboot and Start Upgrade

Once the packages are downloaded, kick off the upgrade:

sudo dnf system-upgrade reboot

Your system will reboot and start the upgrade process. It may take 10–30 minutes depending on your setup.

Step 6: Post-Upgrade Cleanup

Once you’re back in Fedora 42:

Clean up old packages: sudo dnf autoremove
Rebuild flatpak packages (optional but recommended): flatpak repair

For Fedora Server Users

All the same steps apply. If you’re using Cockpit, you can also perform the upgrade via its web UI:

Log in to Cockpit (https://your-server-ip:9090)
Go to Software Updates
Click Upgrade when Fedora 42 is available

This method is great for headless systems or remote administration.

Troubleshooting Tips

Stuck on boot? Try booting into an older kernel from GRUB.
Conflicts during download? Add --allowerasing to let DNF resolve them.
Need logs? Use journalctl -b -1 to inspect the last boot.

Final Thoughts

Fedora 42 is a solid release that keeps the distro at the bleeding edge of Linux development. By following the steps above, you’ll be up and running with minimal hassle. Always back up, stay updated, and enjoy the fresh improvements Fedora has to offer.

Got questions or hit a snag? Drop a comment below or share your experience!