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

# Installing an OS

OS installation and reinstallation are performed through the VirtFusion panel. A freshly provisioned VPS has no operating system — this is your first step after ordering.

## Available Operating Systems

| Family           | Options                                             |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| **Debian-based** | Ubuntu (LTS), Debian                                |
| **RHEL-based**   | AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, CentOS Stream, Oracle Linux |
| **Other Linux**  | Alpine, Arch Linux, openSUSE                        |
| **BSD**          | FreeBSD                                             |
| **Windows**      | Windows Server (BYOL — bring your own licence)      |
| **Custom**       | Custom ISO upload                                   |

<Info>
  Windows Server requires you to supply your own licence (BYOL). DigitalFyre does not provide Windows licences. The available templates and versions are shown in the VirtFusion panel at the time of installation.
</Info>

## Installing an OS

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access VirtFusion">
    Log in via [Single Sign-On](/vps/virtfusion/logging-in) from the Client Portal.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Your VPS">
    Choose your server from the VirtFusion dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to OS Installation">
    Navigate to the OS installation section and select your desired template.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Your Password">
    Set a root password (Linux/BSD) or Administrator password (Windows).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm">
    Start the installation. It typically completes within a few minutes. Your server starts automatically once the OS is ready.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Reinstalling an OS

Reinstallation follows a similar process. You can switch to a different OS or reinstall the same one.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access VirtFusion">
    Log in via [Single Sign-On](/vps/virtfusion/logging-in) from the Client Portal.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Your VPS">
    Choose your server from the VirtFusion dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click the Rebuild button">
    You will be prompted to confirm that you want to reinstall the OS. You will need to click **Continue** 
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm">
    Choose your VPS Name, Hostname, Timezone, and scroll down to select your preferred operating system. There are additional options such as SWAP size for Linux-based operating systems and SSH.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Danger>
  Reinstalling an OS permanently destroys all data on the server — files, databases, configurations, and applications. Create a backup first if you need to preserve anything. See [Backup Management](/vps/virtfusion/backup-management).
</Danger>

## After Installation

Once the OS is installed:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect to Your Server">
    Use SSH (Linux/BSD) or RDP (Windows) to connect. See [Connecting via SSH](/vps/getting-started/connecting-via-ssh) or [Connecting via RDP](/vps/getting-started/connecting-via-rdp).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Update the System">
    Install the latest security patches:

    <Tabs>
      <Tab title="Ubuntu / Debian">
        ```bash lines theme={"theme":{"light":"light-plus","dark":"ayu-dark"}}
        apt update && apt upgrade -y
        ```
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="AlmaLinux / Rocky / CentOS / Oracle">
        ```bash lines theme={"theme":{"light":"light-plus","dark":"ayu-dark"}}
        dnf update -y
        ```
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="Arch Linux">
        ```bash lines theme={"theme":{"light":"light-plus","dark":"ayu-dark"}}
        pacman -Syu
        ```
      </Tab>

      <Tab title="openSUSE">
        ```bash lines theme={"theme":{"light":"light-plus","dark":"ayu-dark"}}
        zypper update -y
        ```
      </Tab>
    </Tabs>
  </Step>
</Steps>