Inside Sitecore 10.4 Update-1 - Key Improvements

Sitecore has recently release minor update on version its 10.4 version on 25th June 2025. Despite update on minor version, some important improvements have been made. 

So, Let’s try to understand what key features has been improved.

Solr Upgrade to v 9.8.1

First important change is in Solr service. The Sitecore XP 10.4.1 now supports upgraded version of Solr 9.8.1. Earlier it was using 8.11.2 version which has been deprecated.

If you check the official release notes from Apache Solr 9.8.1 documentation, it shows key improvements and bug fixes which enhance the performance and these updates make Solr 9.8.1 a robust and reliable choice, especially if you're using HTTP/2 in SolrCloud.

Another important change is also related to Solr, but it will be noticeable while installing the newer version of Sitecore XP via Sitecore Installation Framework (SIF). The setup process now, waits until the Solr server is fully available before proceeding, previously process waits for fixed period of time.

Undoubtedly, this is a very important change because some time Solr service did not installed on time and could cause further complication while setting up Sitecore.

Identity Server 8.0.16 to use v .Net 8

First, the changes are only in Sitecore XP 10.4.1 where the setup will install Sitecore Identity Server 8.0.16 by default that includes the update of .NET 6 to 8. This change was required as Microsoft has ended his support for .Net 6 on 12th Nov, 2024.

There are few breaking changes also mentioned by Sitecore, that includes:
  • Dependent Sitecore Identity Server module version 8.0 now requires encrypted communication with SQL Server. Ref: see the Encrypted communication with SQL Server section in the Sitecore XP 10.4.1 installation guide applicable for your deployment topology. 
  • The installation of Sitecore Identity Server 8.0 introduces a database schema change, which requires running an Identity Server database upgrade script.

Updates on Application Insight

Instrument Key is no longer supported for Microsoft's Azure Monitor - Application Insights, instead now you have to use connection string property to enable the feature. So while installing XP 10.4.1 or later version, you need to configure Connection Strings.

This change is actually brought by Microsoft as per their new Policy, follow this link to understand it better https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/app/connection-strings


As of now, your existing instrument key will keep on working but will no longer be receiving any updates.

Other Changes

  • EXM: Updated ChilkatDotNet48 to the latest version. Chilkat library now uses the latest version. 
  • Hotfixes are applied for deployment process, including running some optional automation to simplify installing Sitecore XP.
  • Containers: Added ability to configure a TLS certificate for MSSQL.
  • Security Enhancements

Bug Fixing and Improvements

A lot of improvements have been made in Content Editor section, Media Library, Experience Editor, Publishing process and many others.

Some performance improvements in Sitecore Xconnect are also noted, which might be improved further in later versions.

Conclusion:

In last I can say, the changes brought in the latest version of Sitecore v 10.4.1 are considerably important, which not only improve the performance but also brings up better stability and reliability.
I would recommend you to go thru the Breaking Changes section, which might help to over the possible issues while upgrading the Sitecore version.

References:

Sitecore Release Notes: https://developers.sitecore.com/downloads/Sitecore_Experience_Platform/104/Sitecore_Experience_Platform_104_Update1/Release_Notes

Download Sitecore 10.4.1 version: https://developers.sitecore.com/downloads/Sitecore_Experience_Platform/104/Sitecore_Experience_Platform_104_Update1

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