upgrading-fedora-in-WSL.md

This article provides a step-by-step guide for upgrading a Fedora WSL instance from version 43 to 44, using `dnf system-upgrade` and `dnf5 offline reboot`. After the upgrade, it instructs users to manually rename the WSL profile and shortcut in Windows, and to update the distribution name and shortcut path in the Windows Registry. The guide emphasizes ensuring the WSL instance is stopped before proceeding and warns users to be cautious when editing the Registry.

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.