Question & Answer
Question
What VIOS version is recommended?
Cause
Example: I need to update VIOS from version 3.1.4.40. How can I determine the recommended level it can be updated to or the available options?
Answer
IMPORTANT
VIOS releases 3.1.0, 3.1.1, 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 have reached End of Fix Support. For details, see VIOS Lifecycle.
VIOS updates and upgrades are not the same.
A VIOS update can be done using VIOS updateios command and allows you to remain within the same VIOS version. Example: from 3.1.X to 3.1.Y or from 4.1.X to 4.1.Y
A VIOS upgrade can be performed using viosupgrade tool and allows you to migration to a new VIOS version. Example: from 3.1 to version 4.
For VIOS update recommendations, go to Fix Level Recommendation Tool (FLRT) for Power System Recommendations
> Enter your Server Machine-Type-Model
For Partition 1
> Select OS, VIOS
> Select your installed version under PowerVM Virtual I/O Server
> Click Submit
> Click Submit
Note 1: FLRT will generate recommendations based on the VIOS version you specify. The recommendation may include:
- "Recommended Update" (This allows you to remain within your current VIOS Release/Technology Level. For example, if your current version installed is 3.1.4.40, the Recommended Update will be a FixPack higher than 3.1.4.40)
- "Recommended Upgrade" (This will change your current VIOS version. For example, if your current version installed is 3.1.4.40, the Recommended Upgrade will be to VIOS version 4.X
Note 2: FLRT's recommended update/upgrade version does not necessarily imply that you can go from your current version installed directly to recommended level. For requisites information and how-to details, refer to the VIOS Service Release Notes you wish to update "to" recommended by FLRT.
Fix Central will provide a list of viable options based on the VIOS "Installed Version" you specify.
IBM recommends installing high impact pervasive (HIPER) APARs on the VIOS.
Related Information
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Document Information
Modified date:
21 November 2025
UID
ibm16352941