---
title: "Reinstall"
description: "Rebuild your VM with a fresh OS or application, with the credentials, SSH keys and RAM requirements you need to check first."
category: "Deployment"
language: en
source: https://cubepath.com/docs/products/deployment/vps-reinstall
updated: 2026-08-04
---

# Reinstall

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.

> Warning: Reinstalling **permanently deletes all data** on the machine, and it cannot be undone. Take a [backup](/docs/products/deployment/vps-backups) 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.

> Note: Applications declare a minimum RAM. If your plan has less, the page warns you before you continue — [resize](/docs/products/deployment/vps-resize) first, or the application won't run properly once installed.

## Run the reinstall

```steps
### Pick the OS or application
Select it and, for an OS, choose the version.

### Set the credentials
Fill in **Server Credentials** — the root password for the rebuilt machine.

### Confirm you understand
Tick *I understand this will delete all data*.

### Reinstall
Click **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](/docs/products/deployment/vps-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

> Important: A 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](/docs/products/deployment/vps-activity).

> Tip: Need an OS we don't offer as a template? Mount an [ISO](/docs/products/deployment/vps-isos) instead and install it by hand from the console.