ESXi 6.x/7.x lpfc Partner Async driver retained on ESXi 8.x after upgrade

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

When upgrading from 7.x or older version to ESXi 8.x, with a Partner Async lpfc driver version installed whose version is higher than the ESXi 8.x inbox version, the 7.x or older version Partner Async lpfc driver version will remain on ESXi 8.x.  

Although these versions will work with ESXi 8.x they do not contain the complete ESXi 8.x feature capability and should be updated to the latest 8.x Partner Async driver release.

 

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 6.x

VMware vSphere ESXi 7.x

VMware vSphere ESXi 8.x

Cause

The lpfc driver installed on the system being upgraded has a higher version than the 8.x lpfc driver. ESXi will not downgrade the driver when upgrading to latest version.

Resolution

To resolve the issue, follow the below mentioned steps:

1. Upgrade to ESXi 8.x.
2. Search the VMware Compatibility Guide  for the latest 8.x lpfc driver. 
3. After the device has been identified, click on the name to view the available 8.x drivers.
4. Click the expand button on the left of the driver version to reveal the driver download link. 
5. Download the driver and install it.