How to Upgrade Cisco Catalyst 9200 Switch in Install Mode

Last updated: 25-01-2026

Introduction

Upgrading your Cisco Catalyst 9200 switch firmware is a critical maintenance task that ensures optimal performance, security patches, and access to the latest features. This guide walks you through upgrading a Cisco 9200 switch using install mode, the recommended method for IOS-XE devices.

What is Install Mode?

Install mode is the preferred upgrade method for Cisco IOS-XE devices, including the Catalyst 9200 series. Unlike bundle mode, install mode provides several advantages.

  • Extracts and copies individual package files
  • Better disk space utilization
  • Granular control over the upgrade process
  • Easier rollback procedures
  • Reduced risk of boot failures
  • Faster boot times

Prerequisites and Preparation

System Requirements

  • Sufficient flash memory space (1–2 GB free recommended)
  • Console or SSH access
  • TFTP server or USB storage
  • Current configuration backup
  • Scheduled maintenance window

Pre-Upgrade Checklist

Document current system information:

show version
show install summary
show boot
show file systems

Backup the current configuration:

copy running-config startup-config
copy startup-config tftp://your-tftp-server/backup-config.txt

Check available flash storage:

show flash: | include bytes
dir flash:

Verify current install packages:

show install summary

Step-by-Step Upgrade Process

Step 1: Download the New IOS-XE Image

Download the correct IOS-XE image for your Catalyst 9200 model from Cisco Software Download.

Example filename format:

cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin

Step 2: Clear Flash Memory (Recommended)

Remove unnecessary files to ensure sufficient space.

install remove inactive
unnecessary files will be delete 
delete flash:old-image-name.bin
delete flash:*.log
delete flash:*.tmp
delete flash:tracelogs/*
delete /force /recursive flash:/old_version_directory
show flash: | include bytes

Step 3: Transfer the Image to the Switch

Using TFTP:

copy tftp://192.168.10.10/cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin flash:

Using USB:

copy usbflash0:cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin flash:

Step 4: Verify the Image Transfer

dir flash: | include cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin
verify /md5 flash:cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin 0d4acfb1e3f269271bc8eb095d907014

Step 5: Set Boot Path

show boot
configure terminal
boot system flash:packages.conf
exit
copy running-config startup-config
show boot

Step 6: Perform the Install Mode Upgrade

install add file flash:cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin activate commit

Alternative Step-by-Step Install

install add file flash:cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin
install activate
install commit

Step 7: Monitor the Upgrade Process

Installing image flash:cat9k_lite_iosxe.17.15.03.SPA.bin
Extracting image
Installing image
Verifying image
Image validation successful
Preparing to activate image
Success

Step 8: Verify the Upgrade

show version | include Version
show install summary
show boot
show processes cpu | include five
show memory statistics

Post-Upgrade Tasks

Configuration Verification

ping gateway-ip
show ip interface brief
show interface status
show interface description
show spanning-tree summary
show vlan brief
show ip route

Performance Monitoring

show processes cpu history
show memory statistics history
show logging | include ERROR|WARN

Rollback Procedures

Using Install Rollback

show install rollback
install rollback to id 1

Manual Rollback

show install inactive
install activate id previous-package-id
install commit

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Insufficient Storage Space

install remove inactive
dir flash: | include bytes

Boot Loop Issues

SWITCH_NUMBER=1
BOOT=flash:packages.conf

Image Corruption

verify /md5 flash:image-name.bin expected-md5-hash

Best Practices and Tips

Maintenance Window Planning

  • Schedule upgrades during low-traffic periods
  • Allow sufficient upgrade time
  • Prepare rollback plans in advance

Stack Considerations

  • Upgrade the active switch first
  • Allow stack members to sync
  • Monitor stack health

Security Considerations

  • Download images only from Cisco
  • Verify checksums before installation
  • Review Cisco security advisories

Conclusion

Upgrading Cisco Catalyst 9200 switches using install mode is reliable and efficient when properly planned. Always back up configurations, verify images, and monitor the system after upgrades.