> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.hostcloud.in/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Reinstall your VPS operating system

> Wipe your Linux VPS and start again with a fresh operating system.

Reinstalling gives you a clean server with a fresh copy of the operating system you choose. It's useful if something has gone badly wrong, or you want to switch to a different Linux version.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Reinstalling permanently deletes **everything** on the server: files, websites, databases and settings. It can't be undone. Copy anything you want to keep off the server first, or take a snapshot from the **Snapshots** tab.

**1. Open the server panel**

In the Client Area, click **Services** in the top menu (page: **My Products & Services**), then open your VPS.

**2. Open the Reinstall tab**

Click the **Reinstall** tab. You'll see a message that reinstall protection is on.

![The Reinstall tab, showing that reinstall protection is on, a warning that reinstalling wipes all data, and the image choices](https://mintcdn.com/host-cloud/RZlILv_TrgPxefdL/images/vps/reinstall-tab.jpg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=RZlILv_TrgPxefdL\&q=85\&s=9ca29865dfd48f3809e5f5088c5ab7fe)

**3. Turn off reinstall protection**

Click the unlock button next to the reinstall protection message. Protection stops a reinstall from happening by mistake.

**4. Choose an image**

Under **Choose an image**, pick the operating system, such as Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux or Fedora. If you're not sure, choose the newest Ubuntu LTS version.

**5. Add an SSH key (optional)**

Paste your public SSH key if you want to log in with a key instead of a password. See [First steps to secure a new VPS](/vps/secure-a-new-vps.md).

**6. Add Cloud-Init (optional, advanced)**

Cloud-Init lets you run setup commands automatically on first boot. Leave it empty unless you know you need it.

**7. Start the reinstall**

Confirm the reinstall. It usually takes a few minutes. The server panel shows the status.

## After the reinstall

* Your server keeps the same IP address.
* Log in as `root`. If you don't have the new password, open the **Overview** tab and use **Reset Password** under **Root Credentials**.
* Your computer may warn that the server's identity has changed the next time you connect with SSH. That's expected after a reinstall. Remove the old entry with `ssh-keygen -R 203.0.113.10` (use your server's IP), then connect again.
* Secure the new system again. See [First steps to secure a new VPS](/vps/secure-a-new-vps.md).

Still stuck? [Open a ticket](/support/open-a-ticket.md) with your server's IP address.


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