In the last blog post we upgraded our Composer Server which was straight forward (great job VMware). Next we need to upgrade the Connection Server.
The upgrade process is in two parts, first of all we need to upgrade the Connection Server and then install HTML Access.
To make things slightly harder, I’m performing a ‘twist test’ which means that the upgrade is being performed using a Horizon View 5.2 dedicated desktop. Any issues to the usability of the desktop will be in the table at the end of the post.
Upgrade Process
Before we embark on this upgrade process, the number one rule is to get a good backup. Plus I recommend you check that everything is in good working order in your Horizon View 5.2 environment.
The Connection Server upgrade forms two parts:
- Connection Server
- View HTML Access
View Connection Server
In my lab, I have a single View Connection server called VMF-VCON01.
The first thing we are going to do is download the correct installation which is at the time of writing is VMware-viewconnectionserver-x86_64-5.3.0-1427931
Launch the installer and hit ‘Next’
Accept the EULA and hit ‘Next’
Click Install
A quick check of the vmfocus.com Horizon View environment shows everything is working, so onto the next step!
Twist Test
| Question | Answer |
| Did the installation cause any disruption to existing external Horizon View 5.2 desktop connections? | No |
| Able to connect to existing composed desktops after installation? | Yes |
| Recompose tasks work on Horizon View 5.2 desktops? | Yes |
| Did the View Connection Server require a reboot? | No |
| HTML 5.2 Access via Blast working after installation? | No |
View Connection Server HTML Access
Download the correct installed which is at the time of writing is VMware-Horizon-View-HTML-Access_x64-2.2.0-1404668
Launch the installer and hit ‘Next’
Access the License Agreement and hit ‘Next’
Select install location
Hit Install
Twist Test
| Question | Answer |
| Did the installation cause any disruption to existing external Horizon View 5.2 desktop connections? | No |
| Able to connect to existing composed desktops after installation? | Yes |
| Recompose tasks work on Horizon View 5.2 desktops? | Yes |
| Did the View Connection Server require a reboot? | No |
| HTML 5.3 Access via Blast working after installation? | Yes |
VMFocus 
After you upgraded your Primary Connection Server, did you upgrade your Security first then the Replica or vice versa?
Hi, after upgrading the Primary Connection server you should do any Replica Connection servers. After this is completed move onto your Security Servers.
Just found your blog – AWESOME! We purchased a small VDI shop that is using Connection Server 5.0. We want to get to at least 5.3 or higher. Is it possible to use your steps here to upgrade from 5.0. to 5.3?
Hi Keith, thanks for reading. I haven’t tested an upgrade from 5.0 to 5.3 so I’m not able to confirm exactly. I would however expect the steps to be the same.