What should you always do before upgrading to a new version of Tableau Server?

Backing up Tableau Server before upgrading is a critical step to ensure that all your data, configurations, and settings are preserved in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process. The backup creates a .tsbak file, which contains all necessary components of your Tableau Server environment, allowing you to restore the server to its previous state if needed. Storing this backup file on a computer outside of your Tableau Server installation adds an additional layer of safety, protecting your data from being lost in the event of a server failure during the upgrade.

While running a performance test, notifying users of the upgrade, and disabling active sessions can also be important considerations when managing upgrades, they do not provide the same essential safety net as performing a backup. A performance test can indeed help gauge how the new version might impact system performance, and notifying users is courteous and keeps them informed. Disabling active sessions may be necessary in specific contexts to prevent data issues during the upgrade; however, these actions are secondary to having a solid backup, which is the most critical step for safeguarding your Tableau Server environment.