Resolve Releases for IOS XR Routers

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Updated:July 27, 2026
Document ID:222669

Bias-Free Language

The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For the purposes of this documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on RFP documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product. Learn more about how Cisco is using Inclusive Language.

Introduction

This document describes the generic recommended release for each Cisco IOS XR router.

Background Information 

The information in this document is intended to serve as a general guide for upgrading Cisco IOS XR routers or for new deployments involving Cisco IOS XR routers. Beyond these recommendations, if you are required to run Cisco IOS XR releases to utilize newer software features or hardware, it is recommended to select the Extended Maintenance Release (EMR) when possible.

Review the Cisco IOS XR Release Taxonomy Bulletin. This page explains the new release taxonomy that started in release 24.1.1. The recommended release and the guidelines to run EMR is a general guidance. You are advised to review your network for features, hardware, caveats, and scale requirements to select the release choice for your network.  

Recommended Release per Platform

This table lists the recommended release(s) for each platform.

Platform

Recommended Release

8000

25.2.21

ASR9000 (64-bit/eXR)

25.2.21

NCS540

25.2.21

NCS560

25.2.21

NCS5500

25.2.21

NCS5700

25.2.21

XRv9000

25.2.21

XRd

25.2.21
note-icon

Note: 32-bit Cisco IOS XR is also referred to as cXR (Classic XR). 6.9.2 is the last Cisco IOS XR release for routers and modules that are 32-bit (cXR) only. 64-bit Cisco IOS XR is referred to as eXR (Evolved XR).

Early Field Trial (EFT)

Early Field Trials (EFT) for Cisco IOS XR is a collaborative program designed to provide pre-release (beta) software images containing new features, performance improvements, and critical bug fixes. This program enables testing updates in lab environments and network topologies before software is Generally Available (GA).

Early Access to New Features and Key Enhancements

EFT provides access to features and functionality ahead of the general release. This allows you to evaluate and validate updates such as new features, enhanced scaling capabilities, and hardware support tailored to Cisco IOS XR.

Customized Testing 

You can deploy EFT software in lab setups, replicating production-like conditions to evaluate:

  • Feature functionality in network architecture.
  • Integration with existing tools and workflows.
  • Interoperability with third-party systems and devices.

This ensures software works seamlessly with unique operational setups.

Early Resolution of Issues

By identifying and reporting defects or inconsistencies during EFT, Cisco collaborates closely to resolve issues before GA releases. This ensures critical fixes are implemented early, minimizing the risk of service interruptions during deployment.

Streamlined Upgrade Cycles

With Cisco IOS XR’s quarterly release cadences, EFT participation allows:

  • Pre-certification of software in your environment.
  • Assess the readiness of critical fixes or features needed for upgrades.
  • Streamline testing cycles during production rollouts.

Service Packs

Service Pack Overview

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance Cisco IOS XR and meet the needs of customers, Cisco has introduced an operational offering: Cisco IOS XR Service Pack (SP). Cisco IOS XR Service Packs bundle multiple Software Maintenance Upgrades (SMU) into a single image based on the dot-2 Extended Maintenance Release (EMR). Cisco IOS XR Service Pack is designed to simplify the deployment and maintenance process for those looking to upgrade their network.

Service Pack Details

  • Single Image Deployment: Cisco IOS XR Service Packs bundle multiple SMUs into a single image based on the dot-2 EMR.  
  • Optional: Service Packs are optional to dot-2 EMR, offering a hardened image with packaged fixes.  
  • The Service Pack release always has the format xx.yy.21.
  • First release: The first released Service Pack is 7.11.21 based on the 7.11.2 EMR.
  • Release Cadence: Currently, one SP image per calendar year starting from the 24.2 release train.  
  • Availability: Posted under ‘IOS XR Service Packs’ on CCO.  
  • Recommended Release: Service Pack is recommended for deployment timelines that align with the availability of the SP image. For other cases, dot-2 EMR continues to be the go-to release to upgrade your network. This incorporates all the latest fixes and stability improvements from the dot-1 Feature Release (FR). 

Service Pack Location

1. Go to the regular software download location and chose the Cisco IOS XR platform.

8000 Series Router - 8202 Router

2. There are several options to download. You can find the Cisco IOS XR software, SMU, and the Cisco IOS XR Service Packs. Select the Cisco IOS XR Service Packs.

Software Download for IOS XR Service Packs

3. The next page shows the available Service Packs you can select from.

Software Download for Latest Releases 25.2.21

Suggested Release

A suggested Cisco IOS XR release is the latest EMR release. A recommended Cisco IOS XR release is flagged with a golden star. There are always two suggested releases. These releases provide software quality, stability, and longevity. The suggested releases provide more options than the Service Pack which has fewer releases.

Software Download for Suggested Releases

Related Information

Revision History

Revision Publish Date Comments
3.0
27-Jul-2026
Updated title, introduction, spelling, grammar, alt text, inserted horizonal lines to separate sections/readability, fixed CCW errors.
2.0
27-May-2025
Update on recommended release.
1.0
18-Dec-2024
Initial Release
TAC Authored

Contributed by Cisco Engineers

  • Luc De Ghein
    TAC

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