Upgrade the VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector from the Workspace ONE UEM console to take advantage of the latest bug fixes and enhancements. This process can be automated using the VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector auto-update option, or performed manually for situations where administrative control is a priority.
VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector Auto-Update
The VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector auto-updates by default. This toggle is available in the Workspace ONE UEM console. Auto-update allows VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector to upgrade automatically to the latest version without any user intervention by querying Workspace ONE UEM for newer versions of VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector. Enabling auto-update is optional for those environments and situations in which manual upgrades are preferred.
- Post auto-upgrade, the AirWatch Cloud Connector installer needs to run in the AirWatch Cloud Connector box to get the new PowerShell module.
- If the auto-update fails, restart the ACC service to resolve the issue.
Benefits
- No need to determine manually if you need to upgrade and then have to search for the latest VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector version – the software does it for you.
- Since it assures you stay updated, you always have the latest features, enhancements and fixes.
- Most importantly, it ensures you have the most up-to-date security.
Update Process
VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector auto-update is performed using the Bank1 and Bank2 folders inside the CloudConnector folder. Workspace ONE UEM detects which of these folders is empty and streams the appropriate VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector files into it, in addition to emptying the contents of the other folder. For the subsequent update, Workspace ONE UEM repeats the process except for the alternate folder. This process repeats each time a new version is auto-updated. This process is illustrated below.
Do not delete the Bank1 or Bank2 folders. The Bank1 and Bank2 folders are integral to the VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector auto-update process.
Auto-Update Security
VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector auto-updates are performed with security in mind. Every update is signed by the Workspace ONE UEM console and verified by VMwareAirWatch Cloud Connector, so it will only update itself with a trusted upgrade. The upgrade process is also transparent to the Workspace ONE UEM Admin. When a newer version is available, VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector knows from querying the Workspace ONE UEMconsole on port 443, and then an upgrade occurs.
While VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector is upgrading to the latest version, it will not be available, so there will be a short loss of service (i.e., approx. 1 minute). For those who have multiple VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector servers, to ensure all VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector services are not down at the same time, AirWatch incorporates a random timer to the upgrade process so VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector outages will occur at different times for very short periods of time.
If the VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector auto-updates, the version under Add or Remove Programs does not change – the original version will still be listed. The version under Add or Remove Programs only changes when you run the full VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector installer. The best way to verify if the auto-update succeeded is to look in the VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector logs for what version is running.
Effects of Deactivating Auto-Update
If you choose to deactivating this feature, then there are some drawbacks by having to do all VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector upgrades manually. When not upgraded, the VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector remains operational until one of the following occurs:
- Powering the VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector off and on (purposely or power outage).
- Reinstalling the VMware AirWatch Cloud Connector.
- Upgrading the Workspace ONE UEM console to a later version.
- Regenerating Workspace ONE UEM, AWCM, or AirWatch Cloud Connector certificates, which requires the latest version of Workspace ONE UEM being installed and a reboot to recognize the new certificate(s).
