01
VIOS and virtual devices
A VIOS that is down, a virtual SCSI or NPIV map that no longer matches the client, and a shared Ethernet adapter that failed over the wrong way.
OS Support
PowerVM and VIOS software support.
The virtualization layer under AIX and IBM i. VIOS, virtual SCSI and NPIV, shared Ethernet adapters, HMC partition problems, and Live Partition Mobility.
IBM PowerVM / VIOS
The release that is running.
When a client LPAR cannot see disk or the network, the fault is often in the VIOS or in the mapping, not in AIX or IBM i. This page is that layer: Virtual I/O Server, virtual devices, and the HMC side of a partition that will not activate.
Our IBM Power engineers cover VIOS 2.2, 3.1, and 4.1, including levels past IBM standard support. AIX and IBM i on the client partitions are separate platform pages. The Power frame itself can be on the same hardware agreement.
Versions
- VIOS 2.2
- VIOS 3.1
- VIOS 4.1
- Power8 through Power11
If a release is not listed, send it. We still quote it.
02
Updates, backups, and the HMC
A VIOS update with a back-out, a VIOS backup you can actually restore, and the HMC reference code or partition state that explains why an LPAR will not start.
03
Mobility
Live Partition Mobility checks before a move, and a migration that stalls. The client operating system stays on its own page.
Scope
What’s covered.
The list is the operating system and the virtualization layer that sits with it. Anything not named here is in scope only when the quote says so. New patches and license keys stay with the manufacturer.
- LPAR profiles, processor compatibility mode, and a partition that will not activate.
- VIOS health, including a dual-VIOS pair when one side is down.
- Virtual SCSI maps and backing devices the client can no longer see.
- Virtual Fibre Channel and NPIV, including the map to the physical adapter.
- Shared Ethernet adapter failover and a client VLAN that lost its path.
- VIOS updates and upgrades, with a back-out for the window.
- VIOS backup and restore, including viosbr and the system backup you already take.
- HMC connectivity, partition state, and reference codes tied to the OS problem.
- Live Partition Mobility validation, and a move that fails partway.
- Shared processor pools and entitled-capacity questions.
- Virtual network and VLAN problems between the VIOS and the client LPAR.
- Coordination with the AIX or IBM i engineer when the fault crosses the virtual layer.
- VIOS 2.2, 3.1, and 4.1, including levels past IBM standard support.
Also see AIX software support · AIX administration · IBM i software support · IBM hardware maintenance · How OS support works · Software support vs OEM maintenance.
Lifecycle
Manufacturer end-of-support dates.
Updated October 22, 2026
IBM publishes VIOS fix-support dates on the PowerVM VIOS lifecycle page, and standard-support expectations on a separate note. These are IBM's dates. NETRAID coverage is not limited to levels still in IBM standard support.
VIOS 2.x
What the manufacturer published
Standard support ended
Date
September 30, 2020
VIOS 2.x
What the manufacturer published
Service extension ended
Date
June 30, 2023
VIOS 3.1.2
What the manufacturer published
End of fix support
Date
November 30, 2023
VIOS 3.1.3
What the manufacturer published
End of fix support
Date
September 30, 2024
VIOS 3.1.0 through 3.1.3
What the manufacturer published
Standard support ended
Date
April 30, 2026
VIOS 3.1.4
What the manufacturer published
End of fix support and standard support
Date
April 30, 2026
VIOS 3.1.4
What the manufacturer published
Service extension through
Date
April 30, 2028
VIOS 4.1.0
What the manufacturer published
End of fix support
Date
November 30, 2026
VIOS 4.1.x
What the manufacturer published
Standard support
Date
IBM still lists 4.1 in standard support.
| Release | What the manufacturer published | Date |
|---|---|---|
| VIOS 2.x | Standard support ended | September 30, 2020 |
| VIOS 2.x | Service extension ended | June 30, 2023 |
| VIOS 3.1.2 | End of fix support | November 30, 2023 |
| VIOS 3.1.3 | End of fix support | September 30, 2024 |
| VIOS 3.1.0 through 3.1.3 | Standard support ended | April 30, 2026 |
| VIOS 3.1.4 | End of fix support and standard support | April 30, 2026 |
| VIOS 3.1.4 | Service extension through | April 30, 2028 |
| VIOS 4.1.0 | End of fix support | November 30, 2026 |
| VIOS 4.1.x | Standard support | IBM still lists 4.1 in standard support. |
End of fix support is not the same date as standard support for every 3.1 level. IBM's 3.1.4 service extension, which runs May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2028, includes limited how-to help for specific 3.1.0 through 3.1.3 fix levels and does not include new fixes for those levels. IBM marks the 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 fix-support dates as estimates. Those estimates are left off this table.
FAQ
Questions about PowerVM.
Do you support VIOS, or only the AIX and IBM i clients?
Both. Client LPARs are on the AIX and IBM i pages. This page is the PowerVM layer: VIOS, virtual devices, HMC partition problems, and Live Partition Mobility.
Is this IBM software maintenance for PowerVM?
No. New VIOS fixes and license entitlements stay on IBM software maintenance. We work the virtualization layer that is running.
Which VIOS levels are in scope?
2.2, 3.1, and 4.1. If the level is older or newer than that, send it with the quote.
Can the Power frame be on the same contract?
Yes. Part replacement on the Power system can be written with PowerVM, AIX, or IBM i software support.
Do you help with Live Partition Mobility?
Yes. Checks before a move, and a migration that fails or stalls.
Who picks up the case?
Our IBM Power engineers. The same team works the VIOS and can work the AIX or IBM i client when the fault crosses that line.
What should we send if a VIOS is down?
A snap from the VIOS if you can still reach padmin, lsmap output, and the HMC reference code or partition state. The how-it-works page lists this with the other platforms.
Same-day quote
Request PowerVM Support.
Version, host count, and how critical each system is. We return a scoped quote — business hours through 24×7.
Get a PowerVM and VIOS quote.
Tell us the versions and how many hosts. We return a scoped quote.