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

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 OpenShift version to an earlier minor release is not feasible due to the presence of multiple API and etcd changes introduced in latest minor versions, and therefore not supported. Only upgrading to a newer version is supported as noted in the documentation about the OpenShift Update Service. Refer also to how cluster updates work for more information about upgrades.

Note: starting with OpenShift 4.16, in limited cases Red Hat Support could help with z-stream rollbacks after checking there are no other options as explained in why unassisted z-rollback is not supported?
It is important to know that the z-stream is the z version in 4.y.z, and that assisted z-rollback is not applicable in any case for minor releases (the y in 4.y.z).

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, Red Hat advocate for thorough testing of custom applications on the latest Openshift release prior to updating any production clusters.

This solution is part of Red Hat’s fast-track publication program, providing a huge library of solutions that Red Hat engineers have created while supporting our customers. To give you the knowledge you need the instant it becomes available, these articles may be presented in a raw and unedited form.

Comments