8.4 to 9.2 without upgrading

[iwannabfishn]

I have a 4 node cluster of 8.4. I am upgrading by clearing all the VMs off of a host. Then I shut that node down. I run the command on another node to remove the node from the cluster (pvecm delnode nodename). Then I clean up by running the command (rm -r /etc/pve/nodes/nodename). The I install 9.2 on the shutdown node and configure it fresh. I have found this easier than trying to upgrade. Lastly, I join the 9.2 new node to the cluster. I have done this with node4, node3, and node2. I have only one 8.4 node left. But, this was the first node in the cluster. Is there anything I should verify or check before I do this same process with node1? I am concerned that when I shutdown node1, I will have some unforseen issue. Please let me know if there is something I should check before removing node1. Thanks!

 

[SteveITS]

You can just upgrade without removing it…? Are you following the upgrade guide?

 

[leesteken]

Thread 'Proxmox Virtual Environment 9.2 available!'

May 21, 2026

We are excited to announce the release of Proxmox Virtual Environment 9.2. This release focuses heavily on platform refinement, stability, and core optimization.

Proxmox VE 9.2 is built on the robust Debian 13.5 "Trixie" and ships with Linux kernel 7.0 as the new stable default. In addition to core system enhancements, this update integrates the latest versions of our key underlying technologies, including QEMU 11.0, LXC 7.0, and ZFS 2.4. Storage capabilities have also been advanced with Ceph Tentacle 20.2.1 as the new default stable release, and Ceph Squid 19.2.3 still available as an...

• t.lamprecht
• Replies: 50
• Forum: Proxmox VE: Installation and configuration

• 

FAQ
Q: Can I upgrade from the latest Proxmox VE 8 to 9 with apt?
A: Yes, please follow the upgrade instructions on https://pve.proxmox.com/wiki/Upgrade_from_8_to_9

 

[Neobin]

I have only one 8.4 node left. But, this was the first node in the cluster.

In a PVE-cluster, there is no master node or something like that.

I am concerned that when I shutdown node1, I will have some unforseen issue.

Just move all guests to the other nodes and power that node off. Wait a few minutes and if nothing explodes, move on with your reinstallation...

 

[iwannabfishn]

Thanks, I was worried that since this was the first node that it might be some sort of master relationship. I am not exactly following the upgrade guide. I am running Cisco UCS servers and the regular upgrade was messing up the network connections. It has been much easier, for me, to shut each node down, then remove them from the cluster, then install 9.2 fresh, then rejoin the new node to the cluster.