IBM Support

PowerVM VIOS Update Recommendations

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 updates and upgrades (also known as VIOS migration) are not the same as noted in the VIOS Maintenance Strategy.
  • A VIOS update can be done using VIOS updateios command. It 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 the viosupgrade tool and allows you to upgrade/migrate to a new VIOS version, such as from version 3 to version 4.  For more details, see the "viosupgrade" Checklist
To determine the VIOS levels supported by your Power System (based on machine type and model), refer to the System to PowerVM Virtual I/O Server maps.
 
For VIOS update or upgrade recommendations, go to the Fix Level Recommendation Tool (FLRT) for Power System. 
> Enter your Server Machine-Type-Model
    For Partition 1
     > Select OS, VIOS
     > Under  "PowerVM Virtual I/O Server", select the VIOS level currently installed
     > Click Submit
 
Note 1:  FLRT tool will generate recommendations based on the VIOS version you specify. Based on the input provided, the recommendation may include:
  • "Recommended Update" - This allows you to remain within your current VIOS release.  For example, if your current version installed is 3.1.4.40, the Recommended Update will be a fix pack 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 or upgrade level does not necessarily imply that you can go from your current ioslevel installed directly to the recommended level.  For requisites information and how-to details, refer to the VIOS Fix Pack 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.
 

[{"Type":"MASTER","Line of Business":{"code":"LOB57","label":"Power"},"Business Unit":{"code":"BU058","label":"IBM Infrastructure w\/TPS"},"Product":{"code":"SSPHKW","label":"PowerVM Virtual I\/O Server"},"ARM Category":[{"code":"a8m50000000L0KIAA0","label":"UPDATE"}],"ARM Case Number":"TS004362182","Platform":[{"code":"PF025","label":"Platform Independent"}],"Version":"All Versions"}]

Document Information

Modified date:
26 February 2026

UID

ibm16352941

Page Feedback