Cisco Nexus 9000 Series NX-OS Software Upgrade and Downgrade Guide, Release 10.6(x)

Convert a replacement standby supervisor to ACI boot mode

Updated: August 23, 2026

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Use this procedure to replace the standby supervisor module in a dual-supervisor system by copying and booting the Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) image from a USB drive, and properly configuring the new module to ensure seamless switch operation.

If you ever need to replace the standby supervisor module in a dual-supervisor system, you will need to copy and boot the Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) image for use with the replacement standby supervisor.

Before you begin

Copy the ACI image to a USB drive.

Procedure

Reload the switch.
Example:
```
switch# reload
```
Enter a break sequence (Ctrl-C or Ctrl-]) during the initial boot sequence to access the loader > prompt.
Example:
```
Ctrl-C
loader>
```
Plug the USB drive containing the ACI image into the standby supervisor USB slot.
Boot the ACI image.
Example:
```
loader> boot usb#:aci-image-name
```
Note

If you have two USB drives, enter the dir command to see which drive contains the ACI image. Then specify either usb1 or usb2 in the boot command.
Log in to the switch as an administrator.
```
Login: admin
```

Copy the ACI image from the USB drive to the switch.

Example:

switch# copy usb#:aci-image-name bootflash:aci-image-name

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