Auto update

Patches subscribed for automatic updates persist across software upgrades, including CCUs. This means that once a patch is subscribed, it remains active and continues to receive updates, even after major system changes.

Use the Auto updates panel to manage auto update features, their current version, and update settings. Keep track of active updates, which ensures transparency in system behavior. If a patch fails to install, an event is generated to alert the user, who can then investigate further.

Note: Auto updates apply only to packages of type patch. They do not include full system updates.
There are two levels of auto update configuration:
System level

The system-level auto update setting can be configured to one of the following:

  • Auto Update: automatically downloads and installs updates.
  • Auto Download: downloads updates but requires manual installation.
  • None: disables automatic updates entirely.
Per auto update level

The auto update level setting can be configured to one of the following:

  • Auto Update: automatically downloads and installs updates.
  • Auto Download: downloads updates but requires manual installation.
  • Use system setting: inherits the system-level configuration.
  • None: disables automatic updates entirely.

To ensure timely updates, it is recommended to configure the system level update setting to Auto Update setting and retain the default Use System Setting option for each update. This setup ensures that updates are automatically downloaded and installed in alignment with the system-wide policy, reducing the need for user intervention. This configuration ensures that patches for features are automatically downloaded and installed without requiring user action. System update settings can be configured by users with administrator permissions.

Preparing for a system update

Before you upgrade a system, complete the following actions:
  1. Ensure Call Home connectivity and network settings are properly configured. For detailed instructions on setting up Call Home, see Call Home.
  2. Decide the default behavior you want for automatic patch updates by setting the global policy using svctask chsystem -globalautoupdatepolicy.
  3. After you enable automatic updates, allow time for the system to begin processing; updates might not start immediately.

Updating the system by using the GUI

To manage system updates (download, install, edit policies, or revert updates), go to Settings > System > System Update > Auto updates panel in the management GUI.

Updating the system by using the CLI

Use the chautoupdate command to restore a specified auto update to a particular version, or to enable or disable the auto download and auto update policies for that update.