Recommended Free Tools
Fedora Workstation 40, released on April 23, 2024, brought GNOME 46 as its headline change. The most visible improvements were in Files, Settings, accessibility, online accounts, and remote desktop. This retrospective covers Workstation specifically; Fedora Linux 40 also included changes to other editions and spins.
GNOME 46 was the defining Workstation 40 upgrade
Fedora Workstation is Fedora’s GNOME-based desktop edition. Its version 40 release centered on GNOME 46, released by the GNOME project on March 20, 2024. The practical changes focused on making common desktop tasks easier to find and manage, rather than introducing a wholly different workflow. Fedora Magazine’s Workstation 40 feature overview and the GNOME 46 release notes describe the changes.
Files can search beyond the folder you are viewing
GNOME Files gained a global search interface that can search configured locations at once. You can search file contents and filter results by file type or modification date, so you do not have to guess which folder contains a document before starting the search.
Files also gained a dynamic progress area in its sidebar for ongoing and completed operations. Switching between list and grid views became faster, Files preferences gained their own search, date and time displays were refined, and network devices became easier to discover.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Linux Laptop: This IdeaPad Slim 3 Laptop comes pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux, offering fast performance, robust security, and a clean, user-friendly experience. Enjoy full customization, seamless hardware compatibility, and access to thousands of open-source apps. Whether you're working, creating, or coding, it's built to keep up with everything you do.
- A Multitasking Master: The latest AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor (up to 4.5 GHz) delivers powerful performance with 8 cores and 16 threads for smooth multitasking. Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics provide crisp visuals for streaming, browsing, photo editing, and casual gaming. With smart machine intelligence, it adapts to your needs for a fast, responsive experience.
- 15.6" Full HD Display: The IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts an 88% screen-to-body ratio for a floating, edge-to-edge visual experience. TÜV Low Blue Light certification reduces eye strain, making it perfect for long work or study sessions.
- Military-Grade Durability: The smart IdeaPad Slim 3 combines portability and durability, letting you work, study, and play on the go. With a profile 10% slimmer than the previous generation, it's lightweight yet military-grade rugged, ready for anything, anywhere.
- Versatile Connectivity: Enjoy the security of a built-in webcam with a privacy shutter. Connect effortlessly with multiple ports: 2x USB A, 1x USB C, 1x HDMI, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone combo. Bundle comes with Stylus Pen, 256GB Portable SSD and 5-in-1 Docking Station.
Settings and accessibility received targeted refinements
The Settings app was reorganized: system options were grouped in a System section, while app settings were consolidated. Touchpad settings added controls for choosing a secondary click gesture—two-finger click or corner click—and an option to keep the touchpad active while typing.
GNOME 46 also included specific accessibility work. Orca, the screen reader, gained a sleep-mode shortcut, Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Q. High-contrast mode and switch on/off symbols were improved. These are concrete interface refinements, not a guarantee that every user’s experience will change in the same way.
Rank #2
- Dual USB-A & USB-C Bootable Drive – compatible with most desktops and laptops, new or old. Boot directly or install any included Linux system permanently on your hard drive.
- Fully Customizable USB – easily Add, Replace, or Upgrade any compatible bootable ISO app, installer, or utility (clear step-by-step instructions included).
- 8 Best Linux Distributions in One Drive – explore AV Linux, Elementary OS, Fedora SoaS, Fedora Workstation, Tails OS, Ubuntu Desktop, Ubuntu MATE, and Kubuntu (KDE). No Internet Required – run Live or install offline.
- Fast, Secure & Privacy-Focused – enjoy the freedom of Linux with no forced updates, no online account requirements, and improved privacy and performance compared to Windows or macOS. Ready for Work, Learning & Entertainment – includes office suite, web browser, multimedia apps, image editing, and gaming support (Steam, Epic, GOG via Lutris or Heroic Launcher).
- Premium Hardware & Reliable Support – built with high-quality flash chips for speed and longevity. TECH STORE ON provides responsive customer support within 24 hours.
Online Accounts added OneDrive and WebDAV support
GNOME Online Accounts added Microsoft OneDrive support, with OneDrive appearing in the Files sidebar, and added support for WebDAV accounts. These integrations make supported remote storage more accessible from the desktop’s file manager.
Remote Login is different from sharing an active desktop
GNOME 46 added a dedicated RDP remote-login option for connecting when the computer is not already being used in a local session. It creates a separate remote session, and GNOME says the remote user can configure the system display from that side. This is distinct from remote assistance or screen sharing with someone who is already signed in to the desktop. GNOME’s release notes describe the new remote-login capability.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Other Fedora Linux 40 changes were not Workstation features
Fedora Linux 40 included release-level changes beyond the GNOME desktop. Keep these separate from Workstation’s GNOME 46 feature list:
- KDE Spin: Fedora’s KDE Spin included Plasma 6 and used Wayland by default. Those details apply to the KDE Spin, not Fedora Workstation. Fedora’s release announcement covers the broader release.
- PyTorch: Fedora’s repositories offered PyTorch as
python3-torch. The initial package supported CPU execution only; it did not provide GPU or NPU acceleration. - Atomic terminology: Fedora shifted from calling rpm-ostree-based variants “immutable” to “Atomic.” This naming change concerns those variants, not the standard Workstation edition.
- NetworkManager: IPv4 address conflict detection was enabled by default. This is a Fedora-level networking change rather than a GNOME 46 desktop feature.
Fedora Workstation’s feature overview also describes reduced memory use in search and speed improvements in terminal apps as qualitative improvements; it does not provide measurements, so they should not be treated as quantified performance results. The Workstation overview and the Fedora Linux 40 announcement provide the edition-level context.
Rank #4
- Just plug Panda PAU0F into your laptop or desktop to unlock the dedicated WiFi 6E (6GHz) frequency band for low latency and high data throughput with any WiFi 6E router.
- Locate the most robust WiFi connection and optimal signal range using the dual adjustable antennas.
- Use Panda PAU0F on Windows 11 (not Windows 10) or Linux to connect to any WiFi 6E router in 6GHz frequency band.
- Supports the WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3 WiFi security standards.
- If you want to use Panda Wireless PAU0F with a guest OS VM in a Virtual Machine, please contact Panda Wireless for more info.
Upgrade an existing system or install Fedora 40 fresh
An existing Fedora installation could move to Fedora 40 through either the graphical Software app or the command-line system-upgrade workflow. These are alternative upgrade routes; an installation USB is not required for an in-place upgrade. A clean installation is a separate path and may involve installation media.
| Route | Best suited to | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Software app | People who prefer a graphical workflow | Use the Software app’s upgrade offer and follow its prompts. |
dnf system-upgrade |
People who prefer a terminal workflow | Use DNF’s system-upgrade process to upgrade the existing installation. |
| Clean installation | People setting up a fresh system rather than upgrading in place | Follow Fedora’s installation options; physical installation media may be useful. |
Fedora’s Workstation overview lists the Software app and dnf system-upgrade as upgrade choices. For new installations, consult Fedora’s Workstation page for official user-guide and download entry points.
Best Value
- Fedora Linux Apparel design. This tee is great present. Show your passion for this mindset with this Linux Fedora Shirt! It is an open source Linux distribution which focuses more on stability. You can give this Tee as a gift for young or men and girl.
- This tee theme with Linux Fedora Logo. Gift idea for friends, co-workers, hackers, geeks, programmers, computer geniuses and sys admins. Furthermore for Christmas, birthday or Father's Day for young or men and girl.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
What the release means in retrospect
Workstation 40’s clearest value was the accumulated improvement to everyday GNOME tasks: finding files across configured locations, managing operations, locating settings, accessing supported online storage, and connecting through a dedicated remote session. The broader Fedora 40 release also mattered, but its KDE, PyTorch, networking, and Atomic changes should not be mistaken for Workstation-specific desktop features.
Fedora Project Leader Matthew Miller announced the release on April 23, 2024, writing: “I’m proud to announce the 40th release of Fedora Linux, a community-built and community-maintained operating system that belongs to all of us.” Read the Fedora Linux 40 announcement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
