Bazzite Linux 44.20260713 has arrived, delivering the Fedora Atomic-based handheld experience with a significant kernel jump to version 7.1.3 and expanded hardware support for Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go devices. The release refreshes the graphics stack with Mesa 26.1.4 and Gamescope 137.9, while updating drivers for both proprietary and open-source Nvidia GPUs to improve compatibility and performance. Users can transition to the new version without reinstalling by rebasing their system, retaining Bazzite's atomic rollback history and automated security features. This update continues to position Bazzite as a robust, open-source alternative to SteamOS for gaming on a wide range of Linux-compatible hardware.

Bazzite Linux 44.20260713 Released: Kernel 7.1.3 and Driver Updates for Handheld Gaming

Bazzite Linux 44.20260713 has landed. The Universal Blue-backed distro brings a significant kernel jump, fresh Mesa graphics code, and updated Nvidia drivers. This one targets anyone running the Steam Deck, a ROG Ally, or a handheld they just picked up.

Developed by the community behind Universal Blue, Bazzite aims to be the open-source SteamOS you can run on just about any PC, laptop, or handheld. This release keeps that promise by addressing hardware compatibility through its latest system stack. You get the rolling-release freshness of Fedora Atomic without the usual manual intervention.

What's new in Bazzite 44.20260713

The headline changes start with the kernel. It bumps from version 7.0.9-ogc3.2 to 7.1.3-ogc3.4. That's not just a number change. It brings hardware support and patches that matter for controller mapping, power efficiency, and Vulkan performance.

Mesa moves to 26.1.4-2. Gamescope hits 137.9b021486-1. These are the types of updates that fix HDR issues when you flip from the dock back to handheld mode. They keep framerates stable on variable refresh rate displays.

NVIDIA users get driver updates too. The open kernel module ticks to 610.43.03-1, while the LTS branch jumps to 580.173.02-1. It's a solid refresh, though you'll want to pick your image carefully. Bazzite supports both proprietary drivers and the beta NVK open-source stack, but the open stack still has quirks. You need to match your image to your GPU to avoid frustration.

The Bazaar app store gets attention here as well. Bazaar config updates to 0.9.1-3. The new release adds Waywallen to the utilities section. For KDE users, the Oxygen theme is now the default. GNOME folks get updates to libadwaita, the papers theme, and other core libraries.

Bazzite sits in a crowded corner of the Linux handheld scene. You've got SteamOS, ChimeraOS, and various other spin-offs. Bazzite's differentiator is the base on Fedora Atomic and the Universal Blue infrastructure. That means automated builds, cosign image signing, and a rollback history that spans 90 days. If you've ever bricked a system with a bad update on a rolling release, the atomic rollback is a lifesaver.

As Sean Hollister of The Verge noted when the handheld scene was getting interesting, "You might be surprised by just how much better the portable experience can get." The long wait for a polished Linux handheld experience is effectively over for AMD hardware, at least.

How to update

Existing users can rebases to the new version without reinstalling. Keep in mind that the rebase command differs depending on which image you're running.

For the standard desktop image, you pull the stable branch:

rpm-ostree rebase ostree-unverified-registry:ghcr.io/ublue-os/bazzite:stable

If you're on the Deck mode image for Steam Deck or HTPC setups, use the deck target:

rpm-ostree rebase ostree-unverified-registry:ghcr.io/ublue-os/bazzite-deck:stable

You can also use the helper tool if you prefer a shorthand:

bazzite-rollback-helper rebase stable

For NVIDIA users, the process is similar but you need the nvidia image:

rpm-ostree rebase ostree-unverified-registry:ghcr.io/ublue-os/bazzite-nvidia:stable

The project supports a wide list of handhelds including the Steam Deck, Legion Go, Ally, GPD, OneXPlayer, and AOKZOE devices. Framework laptops get official support. Apple Silicon is listed as "Coming soon," which has been the status for a while.

Bazzite has over 8,700 GitHub stars and nearly 1,000 forks. It's sustained through Open Collective sponsorships that cover hosting and hardware development. The project uses GitHub Actions for fully automated image building and publishing.

Head here to download the ISOs if you're starting fresh.The documentation is at docs.bazzite.gg, and the community hangs out on Discord and the Bazzite subreddit.