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. For more details, see the Virtual I/O Server (VIOS) Maintenance Strategy.
- 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, such as from version 3 to version 4. For more details see "viosupgrade" Checklist for Upgrading Virtual I/O Server (VIOS)
For VIOS update or upgrade 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 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 version does not necessarily imply that you can go from your current version 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.
Related Information
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Document Information
Modified date:
29 January 2026
UID
ibm16352941