This article explains how to upgrade to Spire 4.0 (or higher) and install PostgreSQL 18 on an existing server.

Overview

Spire 4.0 and higher versions install PostgreSQL 18.

Important: Spire 4.0 does not support environments currently using PostgreSQL 10.

  • New Spire installations will automatically install PostgreSQL 18.
  • Existing Spire installations would continue to use PostgreSQL 14 if already installed if one chooses to do so. 

If your server is running an older PostgreSQL version, follow the steps below to safely upgrade.

Upgrade to Spire 4.0 install with PostgreSQL 18

Follow these steps to install PostgreSQL 18 on an existing Spire server:

  1. Create an Archive of all companies (required for Spire 3.6 or higher).
  2. Download the archive file(s) to a local folder (e.g., Downloads or another accessible location).
  3. Create a snapshot of all companies.
    • This step is optional for Spire 3.6 or higher but strongly recommended as a backup.
  4. Uninstall the current version of Spire Server.
  5. Rename the following folders (if they exist):
    • C:\ProgramData\Spire → C:\ProgramData\Spire_orig
    • C:\Program Files\Spire → C:\Program Files\Spire_orig
  6. Install Spire 4.0 or higher.
  7. Restore your data:
    • Import the archive(s) created in Step 1, or
    • Restore from the snapshots created in Step 3

Post-Upgrade Cleanup

After confirming that all companies and data are working correctly:

  • Wait a few days to ensure nothing is missing.
  • Delete the backup folder:
    C:\ProgramData\Spire_orig

Notes

  • Restoring snapshots will not contain the user accounts, server attributes, media, and custom reports. 
  • Always verify backups before proceeding with uninstalling or upgrading.
  • Keeping temporary backup folders for a few days provides an extra layer of safety in case anything needs to be recovered.

If you encounter issues during the upgrade, contact support or refer to related KB articles on backup and restore procedures.