Is it possible to downgrade a version in OpenShift Container Platform 4?

Solution Verified - Updated -

Environment

  • Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform (RHOCP)
    • 4
  • Red Hat OpenShift Service on AWS (ROSA)
    • 4
  • Red Hat OpenShift Dedicated (OSD)
    • 4
  • Azure Red Hat OpenShift (ARO)
    • 4
  • OpenShift Managed (Azure)
    • 4

Issue

  • Need to downgrade a version in OpenShift 4.
  • An OCP 4 upgrade failed. How to revert the upgrade?
  • After an OpenShift 4 upgrade, custom applications are not working. Is it possible to rollback the upgrade?

Resolution

  • Rolling back or downgrading the primary Openshift version to an earlier release is not feasible due to the presence of multiple API changes introduced in the latest versions.
  • Returning to a prior version means reintroducing any bugs and security issues that were resolved in the upgrade. Essentially, opting for a downgrade jeopardizes the security of your cluster. It is vital to embrace these alterations to maintain compatibility and ensure a smoothly operational environment.
  • Reverting or rolling back an OCP 4 cluster to a previous version is not supported. Only upgrading to a newer version is supported. Refer to the documentation section Understanding the OpenShift Update Service for more information about upgrades.

If an upgrade fails, please open a support case, including a must-gather from the cluster (Gathering data about your cluster).

Root Cause

  • In OpenShift 4, only upgrading to a newer version is supported. Reverting or rolling back an OCP 4 cluster to a previous version is not supported.
  • Embracing the dynamism of Openshift, each new version brings forth impactful enhancements. To ensure a seamless transition, we advocate for thorough testing of your applications on the latest Openshift release prior to updating your production clusters.
  • For more details, review Support z-rollback for OCP EUS versions from 4.16+ as this is currently being evaluated.

Diagnostic Steps

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