"Patch Plan" option missing in SDDC manager for vCenter server due to active VxRail upgrade task

Products

• VMware SDDC Manager / VCF Installer

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

• The "Patch Plan" option is missing or grayed out under the Updates tab in SDDC Manager.
  
  
• Required vCenter Server upgrade bundles are not listed under Available Updates.
  
  
• The issue is isolated to specific workload domains, while other domains may show the expected upgrade options.
  
  

Environment

• VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) on VxRail 5.2.x
  
  
• VMware SDDC Manager 5.2.x

Cause

An active or previously initiated upgrade task (such as a VxRail upgrade plan) for the workload domain is currently locked or in progress within the SDDC Manager Lifecycle Management (LCM) service.

The LCM service enforces serialized upgrade workflows to ensure component interoperability.

If a plan is already active for one component, it can suppress or lock the initiation of a new "Patch Plan" for dependent components like vCenter Server.

Resolution

• To restore the ability to initiate the vCenter Server upgrade, identify and cancel any conflicting or stale upgrade tasks for the affected workload domains.
  
  
  1. Identify Active Tasks:
     
     
     • Log in to the SDDC Manager UI.
       
       
     • Navigate to Lifecycle Management > Tasks.
       
       
     • Check for any active, queued, or "stuck" upgrade tasks specifically related to VxRail or other components within the affected workload domains.
       
       
  2. Cancel Conflicting Upgrade Plans:
     
     
     • If an active upgrade plan exists for the domain that is not currently being performed, navigate to that component's Updates tab.
       
       
     • Locate the active task or "Patch Plan" summary.
       
       
     • Select the option to Cancel or Discard the existing upgrade plan for that component.
       
       
  3. Verify and Retry:
     
     
     1. Wait a few moments for the LCM service to update the domain state (you may perform a manual refresh of the UI).
        
        
     2. Navigate back to the Updates tab for the vCenter Server.
        
        
     3. The "Patch Plan" button and the necessary upgrade bundles should now be visible and available for selection.

Note: If the issue persists after canceling the task, restart the LCM service to ensure the state is cleared:

1. SSH to the SDDC Manager as vcf and switch to root.
   
   
2. Run the command: 

   systemctl restart lcm

   
   
   
3. Allow the service to stabilize before refreshing the UI.