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Reinstalling your server

Install a fresh operating system — pick the OS, save the root password, and watch it run.

Updated 22 July 2026

Reinstalling gives you a clean operating system on your server. Open it from the Reinstall tab.

Before you start

Reinstalling erases everything on the server. A fresh OS is installed and all current data is permanently wiped — this can't be undone. Take a backup of anything you need first.

Choosing your options

  1. Operating system — pick from the systems available for your server, grouped by family. Use the filter box to narrow a long list.
  2. Root password — a strong password is generated for you. Copy and save it before you start — you'll need it to log in afterwards. You can regenerate it, or type your own.
  3. SSH keys — optionally add one or more public keys (one per line) to log in without a password.

When you're ready, confirm the destructive-action prompt to begin.

While it runs

The install runs on its own and moves through three stages:

  1. Preparing boot environment
  2. Installing operating system
  3. Installation completed

A progress bar tracks the stages, and you don't need to keep the page open. While an install is running, power and other management actions are locked until it finishes.