faqs | licenses and downloads | upgrading server

New versions of Tableau Server will not install on the same machine where an active Tableau Server resides. When upgrading you will need to either uninstall your existing Tableau Server or install the new version onto a different machine. If you uninstall your existing version, your data will not be lost if you follow the steps below. Upgrading to a new version of Tableau Server will import all your existing content, users, and configuration settings automatically. Select one of the three scenarios listed below and carefully follow the steps to ensure your server upgrade goes smoothly.

Scenario 1: Preserving Existing Content

Follow these steps if you have an existing Tableau Server installed and you would like to replace it with the new version and automatically import all of your existing content.

1. Backup your existing server by running the command: tabadmin backup. See the Administrator's Guide for details.


2. Uninstall the existing server using the Add/Remove Programs Control Panel.
   Uninstalling removes the application software, but leaves your data and configuration settings on the machine.


3. Download and run the new server installer.
   The installer will detect your previous server content and automatically import the data and configuration settings.

Scenario 2: Completely Replacing an Existing Server

Follow these steps if you have an existing Tableau Server installed and you would like to replace it with the new version, but you do not want to automatically import your existing content.

1. Backup your existing server by running the command: tabadmin backup. See the Administrator's Guide for details.


2. Move the backup file to either a different machine or outside of the c:/Program Files/... directory structure. If you need to revert the server back to a prior version, you will need this backup file to restore your content.


3. Uninstall the existing server using the Add/Remove Programs Control Panel.
   Uninstalling removes the application software, but leaves your data and configuration settings on the machine.


4. Manually delete the versioned Tableau Server directory at: c:\Program Files\Tableau (and all subfolders within it).
   Deleting this directory removes your existing content so that the new installer will not try to import it into the new server.


5. Download and run the new server installer. This will perform a fresh install.

Scenario 3: Installing on a Machine that has Never had Tableau Server On It

1. Download and run the server installer. This will perform a fresh install.