XenServer

Update and Driver Management

Use this guidance to plan, roll out, and, if needed, roll back driver updates on XenServer 9 hosts and pools.

Plan DMV usage

  • Inventory server and peripheral hardware. Record device IDs.
  • Verify hardware against the XenServer Hardware Compatibility List (HCL).
  • Review host update stream release notes for:
    • Driver compatibility
    • Dependencies
    • Kernel ABI (kABI) coupling

Roll out DMV

  • Create a pre‑production test pool that mirrors production hardware.
  • Schedule pool‑wide maintenance windows to minimize reboot impact.
  • Pin a driver version when stability is critical. Advance only after validation.

Roll back DMV

  • If you installed the wrong driver, select the correct version or variant using the server’s or pool’s Properties window. The driver will be reinstalled. An OS reinstall is not required. For more information, see Creating a Server Status Report

Security and supportability

  • Signature enforcement blocks unapproved binaries that could destabilize systems or reduce supportability.
  • The XenServer stream delivers signed driver artifacts with verified provenance across pools.
  • Do not side‑load vendor drivers unless the package is explicitly supported and signed for XenServer 9.

FAQ

Does DMV allow downgrading a driver?
DMV lets you choose among approved versions, which may include earlier versions. Review release notes and follow support guidance before changing versions.

What happens after a kABI change?
XenServer Engineering rebuilds and re‑signs affected drivers and ships them through the stream in lockstep with kernel updates. Install them like any other host update.

Can I install a driver downloaded directly from a vendor?
XenServer 9 requires packages with XenServer‑recognized signatures. The system blocks unrecognized packages to maintain supportability.

Is a XenServer host reboot always required?
A reboot is required when you switch driver variants or activate a newly installed driver version.

Update and Driver Management