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Applies to: Azure Local 2311.2 and later
Important
Azure Stack HCI is now part of Azure Local. Learn more.
This article provides an overview of upgrading your version 22H2 cluster to Azure Local.
Azure Stack HCI OS, version 22H2 is already out of support.
- Monthly security and quality updates have stopped.
- Your system continues to work, including registration and repair.
- Billing has continued.
- Microsoft Support is available only for upgrade assistance.
To continue receiving updates, we recommend upgrading your operating system to a newer version via PowerShell.
If you're running an Azure Stack HCI, version 22H2 stretch cluster or managing the cluster via System Center Virtual Machine Manager, review the Supported workloads and configurations table for update timelines.
About Azure Local
Azure Local integrates the Azure Arc infrastructure that provisions and manages workloads like Azure Local virtual machines (VMs) enabled by Azure Arc, Azure Kubernetes Services, and Azure Virtual Desktop. For more information, see What's new in Azure Local.
Starting with version 2311.2, Azure Local has evolved from a cloud-connected operating system (OS) to an Arc-enabled solution. The OS forms the base layer of this solution, with the Arc and the Orchestrator (also known as the Lifecycle Manager) components layered on top. These components are packaged together into a solution that follows an Infrastructure as code (IaC) model.
- This IaC model takes a set of input parameters that are specific to each customer and environment.
- The lifecycle manager then orchestrates the desired state across all the layers to meet the desired state and version.
The following diagram illustrates the components of the new version of Azure Local:
Azure Local upgrade versus update
An Azure Local upgrade converts a version 22H2 cluster into an Azure Local cluster by installing a new version of software, introducing significant changes and major improvements. An Azure Local update, on the other hand, updates an existing Azure Local cluster to a newer version of Azure Local, by applying a set of changes to enhance performance, security, or stability.
For example, to transition from version 22H2 to Azure Local, you must upgrade. On the other hand, to move from Azure Local 2504 to Azure Local 2508, you should update your system. For more details on updating Azure Local, see About updates for Azure Local.
High-level steps for Azure Local upgrade
To upgrade Azure Local from an older version, follow these high-level steps:
Upgrade the old OS to the new OS via PowerShell.
Perform post-OS upgrade tasks.
Validate the solution upgrade readiness.
Apply the solution upgrade.
The following diagram illustrates the Azure Local upgrade process:
Supported workloads and configurations
Important
- Consult your hardware OEM before you upgrade Azure Local. Validate that your OEM supports the version and the upgrade.
- Upgrading your Azure Local from the old version is supported only for regions where Azure Local 2311.2 is available. For more information, see Azure Local region availability.
- Use of 3rd party tools to install upgrades isn't supported.
Azure Local upgrade supports the following services and workloads:
| Workload/Configuration | Currently supported |
|---|---|
| Azure Kubernetes (AKS) on Azure Local | Kubernetes versions are incompatible between the old and new Azure Local versions. Before you apply the OS upgrade, it's important to uninstall AKS Arc and all its settings using the Uninstall-Aks-Hci command. |
| Azure Local VMs enabled by Azure Arc | See notes Preview versions of Azure Local VMs can't be upgraded. |
| Stretched clusters on Azure Local | Yes You must upgrade to Azure Stack HCI OS, version 23H2 to maintain your cluster in a supported state. For more information, see Upgrade stretched clusters from Azure Stack HCI OS, version 22H2 to 23H2. The solution upgrade isn't applicable for stretched clusters. |
| System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM) | Yes If your Azure Local instance running version 22H2 is managed by SCVMM 2025, the OS upgrade is supported. |
| Azure Local, version 22H2SP | No This upgrade process isn't supported for upgrading from Azure Local, version 22H2 Supplemental Package clusters. |