Get started in 15 minutes
From a downloaded image to a configured system. Five steps, no rush, no magic — just follow along in order.
Download the image and verify it
On the download page, pick an edition and architecture. After downloading, always check the SHA-256 — it takes seconds and guarantees the image is intact.
Write the image to USB
You'll need an 8 GB+ flash drive (its data will be erased). The easiest route is a graphical tool — Fedora Media Writer, balenaEtcher or Ventoy. On Linux you can use dd — the command is on the download page.
Boot from the drive
Reboot and open the boot menu (usually F12, F2, F10 or Del). Select the USB drive. The Draft OS live environment loads, where you can try everything before installing.
Install the system
Launch the installer from the desktop. It walks you through language, disk partitioning, encryption, user creation and the desktop environment (GNOME or KDE Plasma). Automatic partitioning suits most people.
If the disk will hold personal data — enable LUKS encryption right in the installer.
First boot and setup
After the reboot, log in as your user. Update the system and install your first apps:
# Update the system $ draft update # Install a couple of apps $ flatpak install flathub org.mozilla.firefox ✓ Ready to go