Which PostgreSQL version ships with each Qlik Sense Enterprise release — and what you need to do when upgrading across major PG milestones.
Era 1
9.6.x
Qlik 3.1 — Nov 2020
Bundled PostgreSQL, no manual action needed
Pivot — Feb 2021
12.x
Fresh install only
Upgrade path still lands on 9.6.x — reinstall needed for 12.x
Era 3 — Aug 2023+
14.x
QPI tool required
Use Qlik PostgreSQL Installer from Qlik Community Downloads
Upgrade column = PostgreSQL after in-place upgrade. Fresh Install = PostgreSQL after clean install.
| QS Version | After Upgrade | Fresh Install | Notes |
|---|
QS 3.1 through QS Nov-20
All these versions ship with PostgreSQL bundled at 9.6.x (earlier versions used 9.3.x). No manual PostgreSQL action required — upgrade QS and PG moves with it.
| QS Version | PostgreSQL |
|---|---|
| 3.1 | 9.3.x |
| 3.2 | 9.3.x & 9.6.x |
| Jun 2017 | 9.6.x |
| Sep 2017 | 9.6.x |
| Nov 2019 – Nov 2020 | 9.6.x & 11.x |
Source: Qlik Community
The fork in the road
Upgrade path
9.6.xFresh install
12.xFeb 2021 is the critical pivot. Upgrading in-place stays on 9.6.x. Only a fresh install of Feb 2021 gives you PostgreSQL 12.x. This is why the Expert Mode reinstall path goes through Feb 2021 — uninstall, fresh install, restore backup, then continue upgrading.
PostgreSQL 12.5 required — but not automatic
From May 2021, Qlik Sense ships with PostgreSQL 12.5. However, upgrading QS does not automatically upgrade the bundled PostgreSQL. New PG versions are only deployed on fresh install. To manually upgrade, use the Qlik PostgreSQL Installer (QPI) — this also unbundles PostgreSQL from QS.
PostgreSQL 14.x — QPI supports Feb 2022 and above
Aug 2023 ships with PostgreSQL 14.x. If migrating from 9.6 or 12.5, use the Qlik PostgreSQL Installer (QPI). Note: QPI only supports QS Feb 2022 and above. Upgrade to Feb 2022 first if on an older version before running QPI.
On 9.6.x, want to get to 14.x?
Step-upgrade to Feb 2021 → upgrade QS to Feb 2022+ → run QPI to get PG 14.x
Want 12.x without QPI?
Upgrade to Feb 2021 → take QRS backup → uninstall → fresh install Feb 2021 → restore → continue upgrading
Already on 12.x, want 14.x?
Ensure QS is Feb 2022 or above → run QPI from Qlik Community Downloads