# Upgrade ## Prerequisites for Upgrading to SZC v6.x Before upgrading to SZC v6.x, ensure the following prerequisites are met: 1. **Current Version Requirement**: Users must be on SZC version 5.12.1 or above to upgrade to v6.x. 2. **Zone Restriction**: SZC v6.x is not supported in Restricted Zones. Customers in Restricted Zones cannot proceed with this upgrade. 3. **ASP.NET Core Hosting Bundle**: [ASP.NET 8 Hosting bundle](https://aka.ms/dotnet/8.0/dotnet-hosting-win.exe) should be installed on the server prior to initiating the upgrade. Do not confuse it with just ASPNET Runtime (without hosting bundle). ## Upgrade storage zones controller to the latest version > **Note:** > > ShareFile recommends taking a snapshot of the server before the update and backup the Storage Zone Server configuration. To learn how to back up the storage zone configuration, see [Back up a primary storage zones controller configuration](https://docs.sharefile.com/en-us/sharefile/storage-zones-controller/5-0/manage-storagezone-controllers/backup-configuration) Upgrade storage zones controller utilizing the following steps. 1. Download the latest version of the Storage Zone controller Software from the [ShareFile download page](https://docs.sharefile.com/en-us/sharefile/sharefile-downloads). > **Note:** > > Storage zone controllers are unavailable during the upgrade and server reboots. To avoid a data loss, we recommend scheduling a maintenance window with users. Let them know the zone is unavailable for file transfers during the upgrade. 2. Install the MSI file on the Windows server that has the storage zone controller installed. If you have multiple servers, the update should be installed first on the primary server and then on the others. There are two ways to identify which server is the primary server: 1. Identify the primary storage zones controller from the **Configuration** page: * On a controller server, navigate to `http://localhost/configservice/login.aspx` or start the configuration tool from the Start menu. The permission to “create and manage zones” is required to access the configuration. * On the **Data** tab, check the Primary Zone Controller field. The field lists the primary zone controller’s server host name as `http://server/ConfigService`. ![Storage zones primary controller field](https://docs.sharefile.com/en-us/sharefile/assets/2ee4d4e7dea0ba38b91148a0d223c5a1/szc-upg-configserv.png) Note the localhost in `http://localhost/ConfigService` indicates this server is the primary zone controller. 2. If you are upgrading from version 5, identify the primary storage zones controller before you upgrade: > **Note:** > > SZC v6.x stores configuration in JSON files, not Windows registry keys. Use the registry only to identify the primary controller while it is still running v5. * On a controller server, open Registry Editor (regedit.exe). * Locate the Registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\ShareFile\StorageCenter * Verify the key value `isPrimaryConfigServer` is true. 3. Start the upgrade on the primary storage zone controller: 1. Run StorageCenter.msi to start the ShareFile storage zones controller Setup wizard. 2. Respond to the prompts. When the installation completes, the wizard displays the message “Completed ShareFile storage zones controller Setup Wizard.” 3. Restart the server. 4. On each secondary storage zone controller (if needed): 1. Run StorageCenter.msi to start the ShareFile storage zones controller Setup wizard. 2. Respond to the prompts and then select **Finish**. 3. Restart the server. 5. On all storage zone controllers, restart the IIS server of all zone members. 1. Launch the CMD prompt and Run as Administrator. 2. Type `iisreset` then hit the **Enter** key. If successful, the prompt indicates “Internet services successfully restarted.” 6. After the upgrade installation, choose to Launch the storage zones Configuration page on any zone member to log in and modify any configuration settings. * To return to the storage zones controller console at any time, open `http://localhost/configservice/login.aspx`. After you click **Finish** or return to the storage zones controller console, the Logon page opens. * To change any of the displayed information, select **Modify**, make your changes, and select **Save**. > **Note:** > > Verify data transfers to each storage zone controller are functional before ending the maintenance window. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### Q1: Why should I upgrade to SZC v6.x? **A:** v6.x offers improved performance, security, and system reliability, especially for large-scale deployments. The 64-bit upgrade and .NET Core base ensure future scalability and fast patching cycles. ### Q2: Is the upgrade process different from earlier versions? **A:** Yes. The installation and update flow has been redesigned for a smoother experience. The CLI and configuration management have also been improved. ### Q3: Do I need to uninstall v5.x before v6.x upgrade? **A:** No, we **do not** recommend that you uninstall v5.x to upgrade to v6.x. Installing v6.x will execute an in-place upgrade and convert your existing zone and configuration from v5.x to v6.x. ### Q4: What are the .NET Core benefits for SZC? **A:** .NET Core brings: * Improved Performance * Better memory handling * Long-term support * Rapid patching for security vulnerabilities ### Q5: Will SZC v6.x support all current workloads and file types? **A:** Yes. The upgrade is fully backward compatible for existing SZC workloads and enhances performance for high-volume environments. ### Q6: Are any features or components deprecated in v6.x? **A:** Yes. Deprecated and outdated components which are not in use have been removed for leaner performance and security. This may impact any unsupported or legacy custom integrations. ### Q7: How does v6.x improve security posture? **A:** v6.x provides a stronger, more secure foundation by updating internal packages and moving to a modern, patch-friendly .NET Core base. It further reduces the attack surface by removing legacy dependencies. ### Q8: What is happening to Storage Zones Controller v5.x, and why? **A:** ShareFile is retiring support for Storage Zones Controller v5.x as part of its platform modernization and security improvements. Customers must upgrade to a supported SZC v6.x release to maintain uninterrupted service, continued technical support, and security updates. ### Q9: When will support for Storage Zones Controller v5.x be deprecated? **A:** SZC v5.x will reach End of Life on **January 31, 2027**. All customers running v5.x must complete their upgrade to v6.x before this date to avoid service disruption. ### Q10: What is the difference between End of Maintenance (EOM) and End of Life (EOL)? **A:** * **End of Maintenance — October 28, 2026**: Routine maintenance and updates for SZC v5.x will no longer be provided. ShareFile may release security-related fixes at its discretion. * **End of Life — January 31, 2027**: SZC v5.x will no longer be operational, and standard technical support for these versions will end. ### Q11: What happens if I do not upgrade before January 31, 2027? **A:** Your SZC v5.x will no longer be able to communicate with the ShareFile cloud control panel after January 31, 2027, potentially disrupting access to files and services dependent on those Storage Zones. To avoid disruption, upgrade to a supported SZC v6.x release before the deadline. ### Q12: I'm already running SZC v5.12.7. Do I still need to upgrade? **A:** Yes. Although v5.12.7 includes security updates, it remains part of the v5.x product family and is subject to the **January 31, 2027** EOL deadline. We recommend upgrading directly to a supported SZC v6.x release as soon as possible. ### Q13: Which version of SZC v6.x should I upgrade to? **A:** We recommend upgrading to the latest supported SZC v6.x release available for your environment. Always refer to the official ShareFile documentation for the latest available version and compatibility requirements. ### Q14: Will my existing Storage Zone data be deleted if I don’t upgrade? **A:** The deprecation of support concerns the operation and supportability of SZC v5.x. It does not include the deletion of customer files. However, customers who do not upgrade may lose the ability to access files and services dependent on their v5.x controller. ### Q15: What should I do if I cannot upgrade before the January deadline? **A:** Contact ShareFile [Technical Support](https://support.sharefile.com/s/) or your account team as soon as possible. Our teams can help assess your migration blockers, review available options, and provide guidance toward completing the upgrade. Any request for an extension will be subject to internal review and approval. Extensions are not guaranteed. ### Q16: Will ShareFile continue supporting SZC v5.x during the migration period? **A:** Yes. Technical support for SZC v5.x will remain available until **January 31, 2027**. After October 28, 2026, security-related updates may occasionally be released at ShareFile's discretion. Routine maintenance and feature updates will not continue. ### Q17: What if my organization has multiple Storage Zones Controllers? **A:** Every SZC v5.x installation within your environment must be identified and upgraded to a supported v6.x release before the EOL deadline. This includes secondary controllers and other active environments that depend on v5.x. ### Q18: Who should I contact if I need assistance? **A:** You can contact ShareFile [Technical Support](https://support.sharefile.com/s/) through the **Chat with us** option in the ShareFile Help Center. You can also reach out to your ShareFile account team for migration planning and guidance. For technical instructions, refer to the official Storage Zones Controller v6.x documentation. ### Q19: Will I need to uninstall .NET Framework 4.8 before upgrading to SZC v6.x? **A:** No. You should not uninstall .NET Framework 4.8 as part of the upgrade. The current SZC v6.x system requirements specify both .NET Framework 4.8 or later and the ASP.NET Core 8 Hosting Bundle. These components can coexist on the same Windows server. ### Q20: Can .NET Framework 4.8 and .NET 8 run on the same server? **A:** Yes. .NET Framework 4.8 and .NET 8 can coexist on the same Windows server. Customers upgrading to SZC v6.x can retain .NET Framework 4.8 while installing the required ASP.NET Core Hosting Bundle, provided the server meets the published system requirements. ### Q21: Will upgrading to SZC v6.x affect other applications running on .NET Framework 4.8? **A:** Installing .NET 8 does not inherently replace or remove .NET Framework 4.8, so applications dependent on .NET Framework 4.8 can continue using it. However, if other applications share the same IIS environment or server resources as SZC, customers should assess potential configuration and service dependencies before upgrading. ### Q22: Will upgrading from SZC v5.x to v6.x require downtime? **A:** Yes. Storage Zones Controllers will be unavailable during the upgrade and required server restarts. Customers should schedule a maintenance window, inform affected users, and verify file transfers after the upgrade is completed. ### Q23: Will I need to upgrade from .NET 8 to .NET 10 in the future? **A:** Microsoft has announced that .NET 8 will reach End of Support on November 10, 2026. ShareFile is planning a future SZC v6.x release with .NET 10 support. Customers should follow the supported SZC release guidance to stay current with security updates and platform requirements. ### Q24: Should I wait for the .NET 10-based SZC release instead of upgrading to v6.x now? **A:** We recommend proceeding with the latest supported SZC v6.x release rather than delaying migration solely for a future release. Customers should complete their migration before the **January 31, 2027** EOL deadline. If a newer supported v6.x release becomes available before their planned migration, they should review the latest requirements and upgrade guidance.