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Install Mode Upgrades

Package-based upgrade method for Catalyst 9000 series switches

Overview

Install Mode is the modern IOS-XE upgrade method for Catalyst 9000 series (C9200, C9300, C9400, C9500, C9600). Instead of a single monolithic image, software is organized into individual packages that can be activated and committed independently - enabling sub-minute rollbacks without a full re-transfer.

Install Mode vs. Bundle Mode

  • Install Mode: Packages extracted to flash, faster reload, supports ISSU on some platforms.
  • Bundle Mode: Full image in flash, simpler but slower reloads and no rollback flexibility.
Tip: Cisco recommends Install Mode for all Catalyst 9000 deployments. NetGUI defaults to Install Mode when a Catalyst 9000 is selected.

Package Installation Workflow

1
Select devices - choose one or more Catalyst 9000 switches from the device list.
2
Select the target image from the image repository. Only images compatible with your platform are shown.
3
Run pre-check. NetGUI verifies flash space, current install mode, and active package version.
4
Copy image to flash via SCP. NetGUI runs copy scp: flash: and tracks transfer progress.
5
Run install add. NetGUI issues the install command to unpack the package.
install add file flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.09.04a.SPA.bin activate commit

NetGUI can run add, activate, and commit as a single chained operation or step-by-step - configurable in the wizard.

Activation and Commit Process

Activate

Activating a package marks it for use on the next reload. The device does not reboot immediately unless you choose the Activate and Reload Now option.

install activate

Reload

After activation, schedule the reload in the wizard. The same scheduling options from Bundle Mode apply (immediate, scheduled, or staggered).

Commit

After the device comes back online running the new software, NetGUI prompts you to commit. Committing removes the rollback point and finalizes the upgrade.

install commit
Important: Always verify device health (interfaces up, routing tables correct) before committing. Uncommitted installs automatically roll back if the device reloads again.

Removing Inactive Packages

After a successful commit, previous software versions remain on flash as inactive packages. These can be removed to free space.

  1. In the upgrade wizard, click Remove Inactive after committing.
  2. NetGUI runs install remove inactive and displays reclaimed space.
  3. Alternatively, use the Flash Cleanup module for bulk cleanup across many devices.
install remove inactive Removing inactive package(s) from switch SUCCESS: install_remove

Pre/Post Verification

Pre-upgrade checks

  • Current IOS-XE version confirmation
  • Flash space availability
  • Active install mode detection
  • Stack member consistency (for stacked switches)
  • Interface and routing baseline snapshot

Post-upgrade checks

  • New version confirmed via show version
  • All interfaces match pre-upgrade baseline
  • STP topology unchanged
  • Route count within expected range
  • Install state shows Committed

NetGUI generates a side-by-side pre/post comparison report downloadable as PDF.

Rollback Procedure

If post-upgrade checks fail and the package has not been committed, rollback is automatic on the next reload. To trigger an immediate rollback:

  1. In the upgrade wizard, click Rollback.
  2. NetGUI issues install rollback to committed and schedules a reload.
  3. The device returns to the previously committed software version.
install rollback to committed