> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/run-the-platform/system-administration/licensing-and-updates.md).

# Licensing and Software Updates

This guide explains how to manage software updates and licensing in VergeOS. For an overview of how licensing works, including System IDs and license types, see [Licensing Overview](/run-the-platform/system-administration/licensing-overview.md).

## Accessing System Updates

From the top menu, select **System** > **Updates**.

## Update Server Dashboard

The Update Server dashboard provides information about:

* Current update server status
* Package versions and availability
* Update logs and history
* System update settings

### Current Status Information

The dashboard displays key information about the update server:

* **Status**: Current state (e.g., Idle, Updating)
* **Name**: Update server name (Verge.io Updates)
* **Description**: Server purpose and capabilities
* **URL**: Update server address
* **Account User**: Account Username
* **Last Checked**: Timestamp of last update check
* **Last Updated**: Timestamp of last successful update

### Package Information

The Packages section shows:

* Package names and versions
* Associated branch (e.g., stable-4.13)
* Package descriptions
* Last modified dates

## Update Process

The update process consists of three main steps:

1. **Download**:
   * After checking for updates, newly available packages can be downloaded
   * Progress can be monitored in the Updates dashboard
2. **Install**:
   * Downloaded updates are distributed to all nodes
   * System prepares updates for application
3. **Reboot**:
   * Updates are applied one node at a time
   * For each node:
     * Workloads are automatically migrated to other nodes
     * Node is rebooted and updated
     * Node returns to service
     * Process continues to next node
   * No system downtime if adequate resources are available for workload migration

{% hint style="info" %}
The system handles workload migration transparently during the update process. VMs and other workloads continue running without interruption as long as there are sufficient resources available on the remaining nodes.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Monitor the Updates dashboard during the process to track progress across all nodes. The "Nodes Updated" counter shows how many nodes have completed the update process.
{% endhint %}

## Update Settings

### Required Settings

* **Update Source**: Select the appropriate update server
  * "Verge.io Updates" for normal installations
  * "Verge.io Trial/NFR" for POC and Not-for-resale licenses
* **User/Password**: Authentication credentials provided by the [VergeIO team](/support-and-services.md)
* **Branch**: Selects product version (e.g., 4.13 Release)
  * Updates are available within the selected branch
  * System notifies when updates in newer branches are available

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Critical Setting**

Proper authentication is required for core system functionality including:

* Virtual machine operations
* NAS functionality
* System updates
  {% endhint %}

### Automatic Update Options

* **Auto Check For Updates**:
  * Enabled by default
  * Checks hourly for available updates
  * Updates appear in Updates Dashboard
  * Does not automatically install updates
* **Auto Update**:
  * Optional automatic update installation
  * Requires specified update time
* **Update Time**:
  * Scheduled time for automatic updates
  * Uses 24-hour format (e.g., 00:46)

### System Update Settings

* **Max vSAN Usage Percentage**:
  * Default: 80
  * Defines threshold for automatic node updates
  * Manual updates required if vSAN usage exceeds this percentage
* **Warm Reboot (Fast)**:
  * When enabled, uses kexec for node reboots
  * Bypasses BIOS/EFI
  * Faster than standard reboot
* **Multi-Cluster Update**:
  * When enabled, allows multiple clusters to update simultaneously
  * Improves update efficiency in multi-cluster environments

### Snapshot Settings

* **Take System Snapshot on Update**:
  * Enabled by default
  * Creates system snapshot before updates
  * Allows rollback if needed
* **System Snapshot Expiration**:
  * Default: 6 hours
  * Configurable retention period
  * Units can be selected (e.g., Hours)

### Privacy Settings

* **Keep System Information Anonymous When Sending Usage Statistics**:
  * Optional anonymization of system information
  * Removes identifying information like VM/tenant names
  * Applies to update server communications

## Update Status Dashboard

The dashboard provides real-time information about:

* **Nodes Updated**: Count of updated nodes
* **Tasks**: Active update tasks
* **Events**: Update-related events
* **Update Logs**: Detailed system update logs

## Air-Gap Licensing

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Air-gap licensing is not common and requires justification.**
{% endhint %}

For environments without outbound internet access, VergeOS supports air-gap licensing. This process involves:

1. Generating a license request file from the system
2. Emailing the request file to [Verge.io Support](/support-and-services.md)
3. Receiving and applying an air-gap license file

{% hint style="info" %}
**Air-Gap Updates**

Systems with air-gap licensing can be updated using ISO files. See [Updating a VergeOS System with Airgap License](/knowledge-base/system-administration/updating-vergeos-system-with-airgap-license.md) for detailed instructions.
{% endhint %}

## Additional Resources

* [Updating the VergeOS System](/knowledge-base/system-administration/updating-vergeos-system.md)
* [Requesting an Airgap License](/knowledge-base/getting-started/requesting-an-airgap-license.md)
* [Updating a VergeOS System with Airgap License](/knowledge-base/system-administration/updating-vergeos-system-with-airgap-license.md)
* [System Snapshots](/automate-protect-and-extend/backup-and-dr/system-snapshots.md)
* [Restores from System Snapshots](/automate-protect-and-extend/backup-and-dr/system-snapshot-restores.md)

{% hint style="success" %}
Regular monitoring of the Update Status Dashboard helps ensure system health and security.
{% endhint %}


---

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