NSX Manager "Start Update" button is grayed out during the upgrade process in NSX 4.x

Products

• VMware NSX

Issue/Introduction

During the process of performing an NSX upgrade, specifically when moving from version later 3.2 to 4.2. The Start Update button within the NSX Managers tab of the Upgrade Manager is observed to be grayed out. Although the Upgrade Coordinator has been successfully updated and the management section is visible. 

Cause

This behavior is by design and follows the mandatory upgrade sequencing enforced by the NSX Upgrade Coordinator. To ensure data plane stability and management compatibility, the management plane upgrade is restricted until all dependent transport nodes are successfully updated.

Resolution

The upgrade process must follow a specific order, refer tech doc for reference: NSX 4.2 Upgrade Guide - Upgrading Management Plane

1. Edges: All Edge clusters must be upgraded and reach a "Success" status first.

2. Hosts: Host Transport Nodes must then be upgraded to the target version.

3. Management Plane: The NSX Manager cluster is the final component in the sequence.