Regular VirtFusion updates bring security fixes, new features and support for newer operating systems. Updating is quick, but a careful routine protects you from a broken panel during business hours.
Before you start
- Root SSH access to the control server.
- A recent backup or snapshot of the control server, including the database.
- The release notes for the target version, especially any required steps or OS changes.
- A quiet maintenance window, announced to customers if you expect panel downtime.
Back up the control server
- Take a provider snapshot of the control server if possible.
- Also dump the database to a file and copy it off the server. The documentation shows the database name and credentials location for your version.
- Copy the configuration and environment files listed in the documentation.
Update VirtFusion
- SSH to the control server as root.
- Update the operating system packages first:
apt update && apt upgrade -y. - Run the VirtFusion update command or script given in the official documentation for your release.
- Watch the output for errors. Do not interrupt it.
- Log in to the admin area and confirm the new version number.
Note: VirtFusion can also show available updates in the admin area. Always read the notes before clicking update on a production panel.
Update hypervisors
- Update hypervisor agents as described in the release notes; some releases update them automatically from the control server.
- Apply OS updates on hypervisors one node at a time. Kernel updates need a reboot, which stops the VPSs on that node, so schedule and announce it.
Check afterwards
- All hypervisors show online.
- Create, start and stop a test server, and open its VNC console.
- Place a test order in WHMCS and confirm provisioning in the module log.
Troubleshooting
- Panel shows an error page: check free disk space and the control server logs, then re-run the update.
- Tasks stay queued: restart the queue workers per the documentation.
- WHMCS module errors: update the VirtFusion WHMCS module to the version that matches the panel.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I update VirtFusion?
Apply security releases quickly and feature releases within a few weeks after reading the notes.
Do running VPSs stop during a control server update?
No. VPSs run on the hypervisors; only the panel and API are briefly affected.
Can I roll back an update?
Restore your snapshot and database backup. That is why you take them first.