Which Linux distributions include GNOME, and how can I get it?

GNOME is the default desktop experience on several major Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora Workstation, Debian, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise, Vanilla OS, and Endless OS. The simplest way to get it is to install one of these distributions, since GNOME comes preinstalled and preconfigured. If you already run Linux, you can add GNOME through your distribution's package management, though the exact steps vary by distribution and are best confirmed in its documentation.

Distributions that ship GNOME by default

According to the GNOME project's own site, GNOME is used as the default experience across the following systems:

The site also notes "and more," so this list is not exhaustive. If your distribution isn't listed, check its documentation to see which desktop it ships.

How to get GNOME

Option 1: Install a distribution that includes it

This is the most reliable path. Download an installer for any distribution in the table above, and GNOME will be the desktop you see after installation — no separate setup required. The GNOME site's "Get GNOME" section points to the latest release information, which is useful for checking what's new before you install.

Option 2: Add GNOME to an existing Linux system

If you already run Linux with a different desktop, you can typically install GNOME through your distribution's package manager. The GNOME site does not publish per-distribution installation commands, so the authoritative steps are in your distribution's own documentation. As a general pattern, the process involves:

1. Input: the name of your distribution and its package manager (for example, APT on Debian-based systems or DNF on Fedora-based systems).
2. Action: install the GNOME desktop package group or meta-package for your distribution.
3. Expected result: GNOME becomes selectable at the login screen, or becomes the default session after a reboot.

Because package names and group names differ between distributions, confirm the exact command in your distribution's docs rather than guessing.

What you get once GNOME is installed

• Overview and search: press the Super key at any time to see an overview, switch or launch apps, and search for anything on your computer.
• Workspaces: spread work across as many workspaces as you need.
• Built-in apps: GNOME ships with apps for everyday computing needs, designed to be simple and consistent so that once you've used one, the others feel familiar.
• More apps: additional third-party applications are available on Flathub, the Linux app store.
• Development: a developer platform and design system are available for building apps on GNOME's independent technology stack.

A note on Windows 10

The GNOME site highlights endof10.org as a resource for people running Windows 10 who want to extend the life of their computer with GNOME. If your reason for looking into GNOME is an aging Windows machine, that page is the intended starting point.

Practical tips before you switch

• Check hardware compatibility with your chosen distribution's documentation; GNOME itself does not publish a hardware list on the page reviewed here.
• Back up your data before installing a new operating system or changing your desktop environment.
• Try before committing where possible — many distributions offer a live session you can run without installing.
• Verify the latest release on the GNOME site so you know which version you'll be getting.

GNOME's software is described as open, with no restrictions on use, and the project states that it respects your privacy. If you want to go further than using it, the project invites contributions in code, design, translation, and testing.