Startup check: Jira data version too low to be upgraded

Platform Notice: Data Center Only - This article only applies to Atlassian products on the Data Center platform.

Note that this KB was created for the Data Center version of the product. Data Center KBs for non-Data-Center-specific features may also work for Server versions of the product, however they have not been tested. Support for Server* products ended on February 15th 2024. If you are running a Server product, you can visit the Atlassian Server end of support announcement to review your migration options.

*Except Fisheye and Crucible

Summary

When a new Jira version is released, older data may need conversion through 'upgrade tasks.' New versions don't always cover all tasks for older data, requiring multiple upgrade stages. Atlassian supports Jira versions up to two years old and documents changes, but differences between older unsupported versions and current ones may lack thorough documentation.

If upgrading Jira across several versions, read the release and upgrade notes to plan effectively. You might need to upgrade to interim versions for a smooth transition and verify supported platforms, as some may change over time, potentially affecting your current database.

Below we detail the required versions that cannot be bypassed due to Jira upgrade tasks, and suggested upgrade paths. These upgrade paths do not take into account the supported platform upgrades you may need to make.

Solution

Jira Core

Jira Core is the base platform of all the Jira applications, and was previously known as Jira prior to October, 2015.

Jira < 3.XJira 4.4.5Jira 6.4Jira Core 7.0.xJira Core > 7.0

Jira Software

Jira Software previously consisted of Jira and the Jira Agile add-on. When upgrading Jira and the Jira Agile add-on, there are more specific steps required to ensure you're compatible and don't miss any upgrade tasks. The Jira Agile add-on was also previously known as GreenHopper. If you're upgrading from an old version of Jira Agile/GreenHopper, we also suggest you read the Jira Agile release and upgrade notes.

Jira < 3.XJira 4.4.5Jira 6.4Jira Software 7.0.xJira Software > 7.0

GH < 3.8GH 5.7Agile 6.3Jira Software 7.0.XJira Software > 7.0

Jira Service Management

Jira Service Management previously consisted of Jira and the Jira Service Management add-on. When upgrading Jira and the Jira Service Management add-on, there are more specific steps required to ensure you're compatible, and don't miss any upgrade tasks. We also suggest you read the Jira Service Management release and upgrade notes.

Jira < 6.1.9Jira 6.3.5Jira 6.4Jira Service Management 3.0.XJira Service Management > 3.0

SD < 1.1.6SD 2.0.5SD 2.4.2Jira Service Management 3.0.XJira Service Management > 3.0

Updated on April 24, 2025

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