Customers are advised to install the latest "os-package" before staging the upgrade Junos version 22.3R1-S1.12 to Junos 24.x and later

• The vast majority of upgrade problems are due to limitations or bugs in the software already running during installation, rather than in the new software being installed.
• The “os-package” is designed to contain the latest version of the package system and is installable on any BSDX version (FreeBSD 10 or later) of EX platforms running Junos OS Release 21.x or later.
• The package is architecture-neutral.
• Installation of “os-package” does not require a reboot. It takes only a few seconds to add and be immediately available for help with a planned upgrade.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• The “os-package” is NOT bundled with JUNOS OS. “os-package” is needed only when the shipped JUNOS package that is running on a device needs to be updated to facilitate an upgrade.
• Customer must use the latest package regardless of the ‘os-package’ installed previously on the device.

The use of "os-package" allows you to upgrade EX Junos 22.3R1-S1.12 to Junos 24.X and later - instead of performing a two-step upgrade.

For example, when upgrading an EX switch from Junos 22.3R1-S1.12 to Junos 24.4R2-S4

• Typically, you need to upgrade from 22.3R1-S1.12 to 23.4R2-S7. Then upgrade from 23.4R2-S7 to Junos 24.4R2-S4
• With "os-package", you can install the "os-package" and then upgrade from 22.3R1-S1.12 to 24.4R2-S4 directly

 1691209 1957801

The use of "os-package" allows you to upgrade EX Junos 22.3R1-S1.12 to Junos 24.X and later - instead of performing a two-step upgrade.

For example, an alternate way to upgrade an EX switch from Junos 22.3R1-S1.12 to Junos 24.4R2-S4

• Typically, you need to upgrade from 22.3R1-S1.12 to 23.4R2-S7. Then upgrade from 23.4R2-S7 to Junos 24.4R2-S4
• With "os-package", you can install the "os-package" and then upgrade from 22.3R1-S1.12 to 24.4R2-S4 directly

Where can I find the latest “os-package”?

• Use this link OS-Package Link

What is the benefit of using “os-package”?

• It facilitates the upgrades from Junos version 22.3R1-S1.12 to Junos 24.x and later directly
• The goal of the “os-package” is to be backward compatible with all prior BSDx releases of JUNOS.

What will happen if customer do not upgrade the chassis after loading the “os-package”?

• If the system rebooted without the upgrade, “os-package” will simply deactivate itself.

How the old “os-package” can be deleted?

• You can run the below command to delete the older “os-package”
  >request system software delete os-package

Implementation

 
How to install the “os-package”?
“os-package” installation is simple and takes only a few seconds.

1. Download the latest copy of the "os-package” and save it to the /var/tmp folder of the device,
   NOTE: Customer shall download the latest “os-package” when the upgrade is staged.
2. Install the package by using the request system software add command:

   root@juniper> request system software add /var/tmp/os-package.tgz

   NOTE: It only takes a few seconds to run and does not need a reboot.

NOTE: Do not add "os-package" when there is already a 'pending' set. If you add the os-package twice, you will see the following notice. Follow step #3 to correct the situation.

NOTICE: 'pending' set will be activated at next reboot...

3. If the above NOTICE is seen, perform the steps below

   root@juniper> request system software rollback
   

4. Perform Step #1 and #2 to add “os-package” again.

See Also

• 1691209 
• 1957801

2026-05-27 - Published to customers after reviewing

First draft for internal review 2026-05-22. This is the updated version of TSB70152 [juniper.net] - specific to EX platform running Junos 22.3R1-S1.12, upgrading to Junos 24.X and later software.