#Upgrading Clusters

This section provides instructions for upgrading Kubernetes clusters managed by Cluster API.

#Upgrade Overview

Cluster upgrades on Immutable Infrastructure follow a two-phase approach:

1. Phase 1: Upgrade Distribution Version (Aligned Extensions)
2. Phase 2: Upgrade Kubernetes Version

#Distribution Version vs Kubernetes Version

Each Distribution Version corresponds to a specific Kubernetes version. Upgrading the Distribution Version updates cluster extensions and may enable new Kubernetes versions.

#Prerequisites

• Control Plane is reachable and healthy
• All nodes are in Ready state
• Sufficient IP Pool capacity for rolling updates

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#Phase 1: Upgrading Distribution Version (Aligned Extensions)

Upgrading the Distribution Version updates the cluster's Aligned Extensions (L3 and L4 plugins).

#Using the Web UI

Navigation: Clusters → Clusters → Select cluster → Aligned Extensions Tab → Click Upgrade

#Step 1: Review Modifications

Review any detected modifications that may affect the upgrade.

Operations:

• Acknowledge: Confirm review and proceed to Step 2
• Cancel: Abort the upgrade process

#Step 2: Upgrade Aligned Extensions

Version Information:

• Current Version: The cluster's current Distribution Version
• Target Version: The global cluster's Distribution Version

Plugin Impact Assessment:

For Medium and High impact plugins, check Acknowledge to confirm you understand the risks.

Operations:

• Back: Return to Step 1 to re-review modifications
• Start Upgrade: Begin the upgrade (only available after acknowledging Medium/High impacts)
• Cancel: Abort the upgrade process

#Post-Upgrade Verification

After the Distribution Version upgrade completes:

• Cluster's Distribution Version is updated
• Node Pools' Kubernetes versions are now lower than the new Distribution Version supports
• Proceed to Phase 2 to upgrade Kubernetes

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#Phase 2: Upgrading Kubernetes Version

After upgrading Distribution Version, upgrade Kubernetes on each Node Pool. Provider-specific guides contain the Phase 2 procedures for each platform.

See platform-specific guides:

• Huawei DCS
• Huawei Cloud Stack
• VMware vSphere

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#Platform-Specific Instructions

Select your platform for detailed upgrade instructions:

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#Related Topics

• Creating Clusters
• Managing Nodes
• Infrastructure Resources