Open the VPS control panel from your server’s page in the client area, choose the reinstall option, pick the operating system and confirm. Reinstalling erases everything on the server, so copy off anything you need first.
- Copy off what you need. Download your files, database dumps and configuration to your computer or other storage. A snapshot in the VPS control panel is useful too, but keep a copy off the server as well.
- Sign in to the client area, open Services and click the VPS.
- Open the VPS control panel linked from the service page.
- Choose the reinstall option. It may be labelled Reinstall, Rebuild or OS Reinstall.
- Pick the operating system: Ubuntu, AlmaLinux, Debian, CentOS or Rocky Linux.
- If the panel asks for a new root password, set a strong one and note it down. Then confirm.
- Wait a few minutes while the server rebuilds and restarts. To watch it boot, open the VNC console in the same panel.
- Reconnect. Your SSH program will warn that the server’s identity has changed. That is expected: run
ssh-keygen -R your-server-ip, then connect again. See How do I connect to my VPS with SSH from Windows?
Reinstalling can’t be undone. Everything on the disk is erased, including websites, databases and email. Check your copy opens on your computer before you confirm.
Which operating system?
- Ubuntu or Debian if you are following most online guides for Docker, Node.js or Python.
- AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux for software that expects a Red Hat-compatible system, including cPanel if you plan to license it yourself.
- CentOS: if the panel offers CentOS 7, avoid it for new servers. It stopped receiving security updates in June 2024.
- I have a managed cPanel VPS. Can I reinstall it?
- Don’t. A reinstall would remove cPanel and the licensed software we installed. Open a ticket and tell us what you are trying to fix.
- Will my backups survive?
- Backups are an add-on you choose when ordering a KVM VPS. If you have them, or want to keep a snapshot, ask us before reinstalling so nothing you need is lost.
Still stuck? Open a support ticket with the VPS name, or message us on WhatsApp +263 73 563 9917, Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00 CAT.
Updated 6 November 2026. Something here out of date? Tell us.