Getting Started
This manual explains how to install Fedora on 64-bit AMD, Intel and Arm SystemReady machines. The guide and its further detailed guides about different variants are intended for users of all levels of experience. However, it describes the installation process and its many options in far greater detail than most users are likely to require. This should help new users to complete the installation process without interruptions. Users may skip section about familiar topics.
Introduction
This guide covers installation of Fedora, a Linux distribution built on free and open source software. This manual helps you install Fedora on desktops, laptops, and servers. The installation system is easy to use, even if you lack previous knowledge of Linux or computer networks. If you select default options, Fedora provides a complete desktop operating system, including productivity applications, Internet utilities, and desktop tools.
Fedora is provided in several distribution items tailored for special Purposes. We call it Editions and spins.
Because of these differences, there is no single installation procedure.
Most editions and spins, but not all, use Anaconda, the Fedora installer, but in a way that is quite different in detail.
Therefore, each edition describes the installation separately. Most spins are based on one of the editions, mostly Fedora Workstation, and use the corresponding installation procedure.
Nevertheless, there are some preparatory steps that are almost the same for all variants, e.g. you need to prepare an installation media.
Fedora Variants and how to install
- Fedora Workstation Edition
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This variant is installed by using a Live CD
Software download at https://getfedora.org/workstation/
- Fedora Workstation Spins
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Most spins use a Live CD for installation as well.
Software download at https://spins.fedoraproject.org
- Fedora Server Edition
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This variant provides a flexible and highly adaptable Server, suitable to provide a wide range of services.
The project provides a dedicated installation guide and documentation about usage and administration.
Software download at https://getfedora.org/server/
- Fedora IoT Edition
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This variant implements a server for the 'Internet of Things' or 'edge computing'
The project provides a dedicated installation guide and documentation about usage and administration.
Software download at https://getfedora.org/iot/
- Fedora CoreOS
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A minimal, container-focused operating system, designed for clusters but also operable standalone. The project provides a Getting Started guide.
Software download at https://getfedora.org/coreos?stream=stable
- Fedora Silverblue
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An immutable desktop variant of Fedora Workstation Edition, featuring the Gnome desktop, and an excellent platform for container-focused workflows.
More information at https://silverblue.fedoraproject.org
- Fedora Kinoite
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An immutable desktop variant of Fedora Workstation Edition, featuring the KDE desktop, and an excellent platform for container-focused workflows.
More information at https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/fedora-kinoite/
- Fedora Cloud (upcoming edition)
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As the name indicates, it focuses on Fedora on cloud networks. Installation and usage follows the respective cloud systems.
- Fedora Labs
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Curated bundles of purpose-driven software, maintained by community members. The respective compilations are either installed as independent, complete Fedora versions or complement existing Fedora installations.
According to different usage und purposes the variation not only differ in their installation process, they differ in administration and usage. To learn how to use an installed Fedora system, see the manuals available at the specific variant documentation pages.
Regarding installation, be especially prepared for the fact that each variant requires additional post-installation processes.
General preparations
Despite all the differentiation, some things are the same for all variants.
Download the software deliverables
The differentiation according to tasks and areas of application corresponds to a differentiation of the download options and the further processing.
To find out more about Fedora download options, see Downloading Fedora.
Visit the Fedora Project downloads site to download a distribution file.
Prepare boot media
An install on hardware usually requires to transfer the download file to a bootable medium, mostly an USB stick. Fedora Media Writer is an appropriate tool.
Alternatively you may try balenaEtcher or the Ventoy project, both available for Linux, MacOS, and Windows. The latter is specifically usefull if you want to have several distributions and versions available on one stick.
Getting Additional Help
If you encounter any problems which are not described in documentation, you might get help from members of the community - developers, users, and others. There are many ways to get help: the Ask Fedora website, mailing lists, forums, or IRC.
The discussion forum askfedora is the recommended way to start with. See Getting help for detailed information.
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