Open the machine → Reinstall tab.
Reinstalling rebuilds the machine from scratch with a fresh operating system or application. The machine keeps its IP addresses, its hostname and its plan — only the disk contents are replaced.
WarningReinstalling permanently deletes all data on the machine, and it cannot be undone. Take a backup or copy anything you need off the machine first.
Choose what to install
The page has two tabs:
- Operating Systems — the standard distributions, each with a version selector. Your current OS is flagged Current OS, and the suggested option is marked Recommended.
- Applications — pre-configured stacks that arrive ready to use.
NoteApplications declare a minimum RAM. If your plan has less, the page warns you before you continue — resize first, or the application won't run properly once installed.
Run the reinstall
- 1Pick the OS or applicationSelect it and, for an OS, choose the version.
- 2Set the credentialsFill in Server Credentials — the root password for the rebuilt machine.
- 3Confirm you understandTick I understand this will delete all data.
- 4ReinstallClick Reinstall and confirm in the dialog. The machine rebuilds and comes back on the new system.
SSH keys
The keys listed on the SSH Keys tab are written to the machine as part of this reinstall. That's the one moment they're applied, so check the list is right before you start — it's the difference between logging straight back in and having to fall back to the console.
If the machine is protected
ImportantA machine with protection enabled can't be reinstalled. Turn protection off in Server Management first. This is the safeguard doing its job — it exists precisely to stop an accidental rebuild of a production server.
After the reinstall
Your access details change: the new root password is the one you just set, and any application shows its access URL and credentials on the machine's overview page. The event is recorded in Activity.
TipNeed an OS we don't offer as a template? Mount an ISO instead and install it by hand from the console.