# upgrading-fedora-in-WSL.md

> Source: <https://gist.github.com/innovara/ac00d2cb9507398e1cb5c7fd05e3072b>
> Published: 2026-05-06 20:54:41+00:00

This is a tried and tested method for upgrading Fedora to a newer version within WSL.
Replace 43
and 44
with your current version and the target version respectively.
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh -y
exit
wsl --list --verbose
Wait until the Fedora instance shows as Stopped
.
Reopen Fedora, then run:
sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=44
sudo dnf5 offline reboot
The upgrade process will begin. Wait a few minutes depending on your system size and package count.
You may want to check the status of the WSL VM with:
wsl --list --verbose
wsl --update
- Open Terminal.
- Click the dropdown arrow (∨) and select Settings.
- Under Profiles, select
FedoraLinux-43
. - Rename it to
FedoraLinux-44
and save.
- Open the Windows Start menu and search for "Fedora".
- Right click
FedoraLinux-43
and select Open file location. - Locate
FedoraLinux-43
. - Press
F2
, rename it toFedoraLinux-44
, and confirm.
Open regedit
and update the following keys by replacing 43
with 44
:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Lxss\{uuid-string}\DistributionName
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Lxss\{uuid-string}\ShortcutPath
The OsVersion
entry updates automatically and does not require manual changes.
- Upgrade time depends on the number of installed packages.
- Always ensure the WSL instance is in an appropriate state before proceeding with upgrade steps.
- Take care when editing the Windows Registry, incorrect changes can affect system behaviour.
This process ensures both the Fedora environment and its Windows integrations reflect the upgraded version correctly.