# Ensure Auto Minor Version Upgrade Is Enabled for DMS Instances

- Source: https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000233451-ensure-auto-minor-version-upgrade-is-enabled-for-dms-instances
- Section: [Solutions](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions) › [AWS Checks New Version](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/62000112673) › [AWS New Checks](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/folders/62000169206)
- Last updated: 2026-05-29
- Publisher: iCompaas, Inc. (https://www.icompaas.com)

**Profile Applicability**

-   **Level 2**

#### **Description**

The Auto Minor Version Upgrade feature for AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) replication instances ensures that minor engine upgrades, including security patches and performance improvements, are automatically applied during the maintenance window. Enabling this feature helps maintain the stability, security, and performance of your DMS instances without manual intervention.

#### **Rationale**

-   Enhanced Security: Ensures timely application of security patches.
    
-   Improved Performance: Keeps instances up-to-date with the latest minor version improvements.
    
-   Operational Efficiency: Reduces the need for manual upgrades, minimizing administrative overhead.
    

#### **Impact**

**Pros:**

-   Keeps DMS replication instances secure and up-to-date.
    
-   Reduces the risk of vulnerabilities due to outdated software.
    
-   Simplifies maintenance by automating minor version upgrades.
    

**Cons:**

-   May introduce changes that require compatibility testing.
    
-   Requires proper scheduling of maintenance windows to avoid disruptions.
    

#### **Default Value**

By default, Auto Minor Version Upgrade is disabled for DMS replication instances. It must be explicitly enabled during instance creation or modification.

#### **Pre-Requisite**

IAM Permissions Required:

-   dms:DescribeReplicationInstances
    
-   dms:ModifyReplicationInstance
    
-   AWS CLI installed and configured.
    

#### **Remediation**

#### **Test Plan:**

**Using AWS Console:**

1.  Sign in to the AWS Management Console.
    
2.  Navigate to Database Migration Service (DMS) > Replication Instances.  
    
3.  Select the replication instance to check its configuration.  
    
4.  Under the Maintenance section, verify if Auto Minor Version Upgrade is enabled.
    

**Using AWS CLI:**

1.  Describe the replication instance:  
    
    aws dms describe-replication-instances --filters Name=replication-instance-id,Values=<instance-id>
    
2.  Check the AutoMinorVersionUpgrade field in the output. Ensure it is set to true.
    

#### **Implementation Steps:**

**Using AWS Console:**

1.  Navigate to Database Migration Service (DMS) > Replication Instances.![](https://support.icompaas.com/assets/kb/7e8b84cf4ff8fa06.png) ![](https://support.icompaas.com/assets/kb/2c600bfdca0fc4a0.png)  
    
2.  Select the replication instance to update.![](https://support.icompaas.com/assets/kb/72389bfc68139071.png) 
    
3.  Click Modify and enable Auto Minor Version Upgrade under the Maintenance section.  
    ![](https://support.icompaas.com/assets/kb/907771c2e327abb0.png) 
    
4.  Save the changes.
    

**Using AWS CLI:**

1.  Enable Auto Minor Version Upgrade for the replication instance:  
    
    aws dms modify-replication-instance \\
    --replication-instance-arn <instance-arn> \\
    --auto-minor-version-upgrade
    

2.  Verify the updated configuration:  
    
    aws dms describe-replication-instances --filters Name=replication-instance-id,Values=<instance-id>
    

#### **Backout Plan**

#### **Using AWS Console:**

1.  #### If enabling Auto Minor Version Upgrade causes issues, sign in to the AWS Management Console.  
    
2.  #### Navigate to AWS DMS, select the replication instance, and go to the Modify settings.![](https://support.icompaas.com/assets/kb/e14e1bfb52ae8eed.png)![](https://support.icompaas.com/assets/kb/65553c6c8b379444.png)![](https://support.icompaas.com/assets/kb/960abdf21e3cb73c.png)   
    
3.  #### Set Auto Minor Version Upgrade to No.  
    ![](https://support.icompaas.com/assets/kb/3ad82c80f2adebcc.png) 
    
4.  #### Save the changes and verify that the instance is no longer automatically upgrading to newer minor versions.
    

#### **Using AWS CLI:**

1.  #### To disable Auto Minor Version Upgrade, run:  
    
    aws dms modify-replication-instance --replication-instance-arn <REPLICATION\_INSTANCE\_ARN> --auto-minor-version-upgrade false
    
2.  #### Verify that the setting has been updated by running:\\  
    
    aws dms describe-replication-instances --replication-instance-arn <REPLICATION\_INSTANCE\_ARN>
    

#### **References**

-   [AWS DMS Replication Instance Documentation](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/dms/latest/userguide/CHAP_ReplicationInstance.html)
    
-   [AWS DMS Maintenance Settings](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/dms/latest/userguide/CHAP_Maintenance.html)
    
-   [AWS CLI Command Reference for DMS](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/cli/latest/reference/dms/index.html)

## Related compliance guidance

- [SOC 2 compliance: a practical implementation guide for cloud-native SaaS teams](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/soc-2-trust-services-criteria): Configuration checks like this one are the technical half of a SOC 2 / ISO 27001 programme — the guide shows where they fit, what else an auditor expects, and how to evidence them.
- [ISO/IEC 27001:2022 compliance: a practical implementation guide](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/iso-27001-2022): ISO 27001 Annex A.8 (technological controls) is where cloud hardening evidence lands; the guide shows how to run the ISMS around it.