Upgrading Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) to version 7.4.1 through the Firepower Device Manager (FDM)

Pre-Upgrade Checklist

• Verify the Model Compatibility: Ensure your hardware supports version 7.4.1 by consulting Cisco’s compatibility documentation.
• Backup Configuration: Always back up the configuration on the FTD device.
• Review Release Notes: Cisco's release notes for version 7.4.1 contain important information about new features, changes, and known issues.
• Check Available Disk Space: Verify there is sufficient storage for the upgrade package on your FTD device.
• Check Connection with Cisco Smart License: Ensure that the device is properly registered with Cisco Smart Licensing.
• Schedule Maintenance Window: Expect downtime, as a reboot will be required.

Download the Upgrade Package

• Log in to the Cisco Software Center with your Cisco credentials.
• Download the correct FTD Version 7.4.1 upgrade package for your device model.
• Use Firepower Device Manager (FDM) to upload the package if not directly downloading to the device.

Upload the Package to FTD via FDM

• Access FDM by entering the device’s IP address in a web browser.
• Go to Device > Updates and select Upload Update.
• Choose the downloaded FTD 7.4.1 package file and begin the upload process.

Install the Update

• Once the package is uploaded, go to Device > Updates and select Install next to the uploaded package.
• Follow on-screen instructions. FDM will ask if you want to proceed with the installation.
• Confirm that you want to install the update and allow the process to begin. This process can take several minutes and will restart the device.

Monitor the Upgrade Process

• The FDM interface will provide updates during the installation.
• Do not interrupt the process, as it could corrupt the device firmware.
• The device will reboot automatically as part of the upgrade.

Post-Upgrade Verification

• After the device restarts, log back into FDM.
• Verify the version under Device > Updates or Device > System Information to confirm the 7.4.1 version is active.
• Verify that all configurations are intact and that the device operates as expected.
• Test traffic flow to ensure network connectivity is restored.

Re-register the Device if Required

• If your licensing settings or registration changed during the upgrade, verify or re-register with the Cisco Smart License portal as necessary.

Following these steps carefully should lead to a successful upgrade.