GDR upgrade path question

Question

I have a SQL Server updated to version 15.0.4326.1, which is on the GDR path but on a GDR + CU version. Can I install the next update on the GDR path to go to version 15.0.2110.4 that is GDR only, or do I have to install the next GDR + CU update?

Answer 1

Hi @Ryan Schmitz,

Thanks for your information.

Unless you're specifically required to use GDR, go with CU. Please read CU patch notes before installing. GDR updates cumulatively only contain security updates for the given baseline. CU updates cumulatively contain all functional fixes and security updates for the given baseline.

As for which patch branch to follow, see below:

• If SQL Server installation is at a baseline version, you can choose either the GDR or CU update.
• If SQL Server installation has intentionally only installed past GDR updates, then choose to install the GDR update package.
• If SQL Server installation has intentionally installed previous CU updates, then chose to install the CU security update package.

Note: You are allowed to make a change from GDR updates to CU updates ONE TIME. Once a SQL Server CU update is applied to a SQL Server installation, there is NO way to go back to the GDR update path. Hope this article help you understand well.

Best Regards,

Lucy Chen

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Answer 2

Hi @LucyChen-MSFT ,

Thanks for the info. We are intentionally on the GDR path. I've previously understood everything you shared. The new thing is that the GDR path now contains parallel updates with and without CU content. My question is more, if I install a GDR update with CU content, do I have to continue installing GDR updates with CU content going forward, or can I still install later GDR updates without CU content?

Answer 3

Hi @Ryan Schmitz,

Thanks for your information.

if I install a GDR update with CU content, do I have to continue installing GDR updates with CU content going forward, or can I still install later GDR updates without CU content?

From the official documentation, the CU and GDR paths are different bases and different versions.

So, after you install a GDR update with CU content, you cannot install only GDR updates.

I checked the update for SQL Server version 15.0.4326.1 (CU22+GDR) and the latest GDR for SQL Server version 15.0.2104.1, they update the same patches and resolve the same vulnerabilities.

According to the information above, I read the version 'CU22+GDR' as GDR for CU22, not plus. It means that you are on CU path now.

In addition, hope this can help you understand:

You can only choose GDR if you are on RTM or on the GDR train.

You can choose CU+GDR if you are an RTM, CU train, or GDR train.

You must apply the CU+GDR if you are already running on the CU train.

Please check the version of your SQL Server before you deploy to production. If you see the word GDR, then your SQL Server is using the so-called GDR (General Distribution Release) and if you only see CU, then you can get the full Cumulative Updates.

Regards,

Lucy Chen

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Answer 4

Hi @Ryan Schmitz,

I think what I said before was not completely correct. I checked the difference between the CU and CU+GDR again. I noticed this information in CU+GDR:

So, I go to research the cumulative update repository, I found this in this article:

Then, I check the update of SQL Server in Linux. Just like what I guess, it doesn't show the two common paths:

I think this information explains why GDR and CU+GDR are in two branches, but they have the same update.

Hope this can resolve your confusion.

Regards,

Lucy Chen