Managing Cluster Settings

---
name: managing-cluster-settings
description: Reviews, audits, and modifies CockroachDB cluster settings. Self-Hosted has full control over all settings and start flags. Advanced/BYOC can modify most SQL-level settings but infrastructure settings are managed by CRL. Standard has limited settings access — session variables are the primary tuning mechanism. Basic has minimal settings — use session variables and Cloud Console. Use when auditing configuration, tuning performance, or troubleshooting settings-related issues.
compatibility: Self-Hosted has full control with admin role. Advanced/BYOC can modify most settings. Standard has limited SET CLUSTER SETTING access. Basic has minimal access. All tiers support SHOW CLUSTER SETTING for visible settings.
metadata:
  author: cockroachdb
  version: "2.0"
---

# Managing Cluster Settings

Reviews, audits, and modifies CockroachDB cluster settings. Before providing procedures, this skill gathers context to determine which settings are available and which modification approach to recommend for the operator's tier.

## When to Use This Skill

- Auditing cluster configuration for production readiness
- Identifying settings that deviate from defaults
- Tuning performance, replication, or admission control
- Verifying settings after an upgrade or incident
- Understanding which settings are modifiable on your tier
- Managing enterprise license installation and renewal (Self-Hosted)

**For version management:** Use [upgrading-cluster-version](../upgrading-cluster-version/SKILL.md) — do not change settings during an upgrade.
**For health checks:** Use [reviewing-cluster-health](../reviewing-cluster-health/SKILL.md).