Upgrade Db2 clients

Upgrading your Db2 database product to a new release might require upgrading your Db2 client.

Upgrading a client involves installing a Db2 version 12.1 client copy and then upgrading the client instance. A client instance allows you to connect your application to a database and keeps the information about your client configuration, your cataloged nodes, and your cataloged databases.

The current level of client that you have installed determines the way to proceed with an upgrade to Db2 version 12.1. You can directly upgrade to Db2 version 12.1 clients from version 10.5, or version 11.1. If you have clients earlier than version 10.5, upgrade to a version 10.5 client first.

Note: It is recommended that the clients be at the same fix pack level as the server.

Review Upgrade essentials for clients for details about upgrade support and options available for clients.