VCSA Pre-Update Check Fails with 'You can not patch a vCenter Server appliance in a vCenter HA cluster.' Error

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to patch a vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) configured with vCenter HA, the following error is encountered during the Pre-Update Check:

Error
You can not patch a vCenter Server appliance in a vCenter HA cluster.
Resolution
You must remove the vCenter HA configuration, apply patches to vCenter Server appliance, and then reconfigure your vCenter HA deployment.

Environment

• vCenter Server Appliance 8.x
• vCenter HA enabled

Cause

vCenter HA must be removed before applying patches to the vCenter Server Appliance. The patching process modifies the primary node, which conflicts with the HA configuration's integrity checks and replication.

Resolution

Follow these steps for a vCenter Server Appliance in an HA setup:

1. Remove vCenter HA Configuration: Disconnect and delete the existing vCenter HA configuration, which includes deleting the Passive and Witness nodes. For steps refer Remove vCenter HA configuration
2. Apply Patch: Apply the required patch to the primary vCenter Server Appliance.
3. Reconfigure vCenter HA: After the patching process is successfully completed, reconfigure vCenter HA to establish a new HA deployment with updated Passive and Witness nodes.

Additional Information

• Documentation: Before removing the HA configuration, thoroughly document all current configurations (IP addresses, network settings, storage, etc.) of your vCenter HA deployment. These details will be crucial for re-establishing the HA setup after patching.
• Node Power-Off: When the HA configuration is removed, the Passive and Witness nodes will power off automatically.
• New vApps: After reconfiguring HA post-patch, two new vApps (for the Passive and Witness nodes) will be created. You may then choose to delete the old, powered-off vApps from your inventory.