| Issue | Detail |
|-------|--------|
| Hardware support | Not all Nexus switches support 9.3.x. Check Cisco’s compatibility matrix for your model. |
| Bootflash size | This file is ~600-900 MB. Ensure bootflash has enough free space (show system files). |
| Incompatible upgrade path | Cannot jump directly from 6.x to 9.x. Follow Cisco’s recommended upgrade path (e.g., 6.x → 7.x → 8.x → 9.3.8). |
| No SmartNet? | You cannot legally download it. Contact a Cisco partner or use a virtual image (e.g., Nexus 9000v in CML) for lab use. |
| Do not interrupt | Interrupting an NX-OS upgrade can brick the switch. Use a console connection, not just SSH. |
Search for the Nexus Operating System:
Navigate to the Product Page:
Find the Software Download Section:
Select Your Software Version:
Login or Register:
Download the Software:
Not all Nexus switches support 9.3.8. Confirm your model is on the supported list:
Q: Can I use nxos.9.3.8.bin on a Nexus 1000v?
A: No. The Nexus 1000v virtual switch uses a completely different image (VSM/VEM). Do not attempt. nxos.9.3.8.bin download
Q: Is 9.3.8 a "Gold Star" release?
A: Cisco does not officially use "Gold" anymore, but 9.3.8 is widely considered a recommended maintenance release within TAC (Technical Assistance Center) for 9.3.x.
Q: How long does Cisco keep 9.3.8 available for download?
A: Typically, until 18 months after the last 9.3.x release (End of Vulnerability/Security Support). As of 2026, 9.3.8 is in Extended Support. Download it now if you need archival access.
Q: My switch is in a VPC pair. Do I upgrade both?
A: Yes, but one at a time. Upgrade the secondary switch, let it stabilize, then upgrade the primary. Do not run mismatched NX-OS versions in VPC for more than a few hours.
Before you proceed with the download, confirm compatibility. NX-OS 9.3.8 supports the following platforms: | Issue | Detail | |-------|--------| | Hardware
| Platform Series | Specific Models Supported | Notes | |----------------|--------------------------|-------| | Nexus 3000 | 3048, 3064, 3132Q, 3172PQ, 3232C | Full support | | Nexus 3100 | 31108TC-V, 31108PC-V | Requires sufficient memory | | Nexus 3500 | 3524, 3548 | Limited to certain SKUs | | Nexus 3600 | 36180YC-R, 3636C-R | Recommended | | Nexus 9200 | 92160YC-X, 92300YC, 92348GC-X | Runs as NX-OS mode (not ACI) | | Nexus 9300-EX/FX | 93180YC-EX, 93108TC-FX, 93216TC-FX2 | Fully compatible |
Incompatible devices:
Check your current version:
Run show version on your switch. If the platform shows “kickstart image” as a different major version (e.g., 7.x or 10.x), verify upgrade/downgrade paths.
Critical Warning: Do not download nxos.9.3.8.bin from file-sharing sites (torrents, random FTP servers, or blog posts with direct links). These files are frequently modified to include backdoors or are truncated, leading to switch bricking. Search for the Nexus Operating System:
The ONLY legal and safe source is Cisco.com, which requires a valid Service Contract (SmartNet) or a Cisco login with associated downloads privileges.