# Upgrades

To connect to a database created with a previous version of Derby, you must first upgrade that database.

Upgrading involves writing changes to the system tables, so it is not possible for databases on read-only media. The upgrade process:

- marks the database as upgraded to the current release (Version 10.17).
- allows use of new features.

See the release notes for more information on upgrading your databases to this version of Derby.

- Preparing to upgrade
  Upgrading your database occurs the first time the new Derby software connects to the old database.
- Upgrading a database
  To upgrade a database, you must explicitly request an upgrade the first time you connect to the database with the new version of Derby.