> The full list of articles is in [llms.txt](https://docs.f3cloud.com/llms.txt). Every page has a Markdown version: add .md to its address. This page as Markdown: [https://docs.f3cloud.com/en/client-area/reinstall-os.md](https://docs.f3cloud.com/en/client-area/reinstall-os.md). # Reinstalling the operating system on a server How to reinstall the operating system on an F3 Cloud VPS in the client area. Choosing a system, a new root password, how long it takes and what to do if SSH complains about a new server key. Reinstalling returns the server to a clean system, as if you had just ordered it. It helps when the server has been broken by unlucky settings, infected, or when you simply want to start a project from scratch. You can reinstall the OS yourself in the client area, there is no need to contact support. > **All data on the server will be deleted.** > > Reinstalling wipes the server disk completely. Files, databases, VPN and panel settings cannot be recovered afterwards. Save everything important in advance, we explain how in the article on [backups](https://docs.f3cloud.com/en/vps/security/backups.md). *** ## 1. Select the server in the list Log in to the [client area](https://my.f3cloud.com/) and open the server list in the **Products/Services** (Товары/Услуги) section. Tick the server you need to the left of its number, and the buttons on the toolbar above the list become active.
Server list in the client area with a server ticked

The server is selected and the control buttons are active

*** ## 2. Open «Reinstall OS» Click Actions (Действия) on the toolbar above the list and choose **Reinstall OS** (Переустановить ОС).
The Actions menu with the Reinstall OS item

Reinstalling is in the Actions menu

> **Where is the «Go to» button.** > > The server used to be reinstalled in a separate control panel opened with the «Go to» button. Now every server action is right in the client area. We describe all the buttons in the article on [server management](https://docs.f3cloud.com/en/client-area/server-management.md). *** ## 3. Choose a system and set a password The reinstall form opens. Fill it in from top to bottom. 1. **Current OS** (Текущая ОС) shows the system recorded in billing. It is for reference only and cannot be changed. 2. In **New operating system** (Новая операционная система), pick a system. **AlmaLinux**, **CentOS Stream**, **Debian**, **Oracle Linux** and **Ubuntu** are available in several versions. To avoid scrolling through a long list, start typing the name in the search field. 3. In **New root password** (Новый root-пароль), come up with a password of at least **6 characters**. The eye button shows what you have typed, and the button next to it generates a strong password for you. 4. The **Email the password after installation** (Отправить пароль на почту после установки) checkbox turns on an email with the new password. Either way, save the password straight away, for example in a password manager.
The OS reinstall form in the client area

The OS reinstall form

Searching for Debian 12 in the list of operating systems

Quick search in the list of systems

Check that the right system is selected and click Ok. The reinstall starts immediately. > **Not sure which system to choose.** > > Go with **Debian 12** or **Ubuntu 24.04**. They are popular and stable, and most guides are written for them, including the ones in our knowledge base. *** ## 4. Wait until it finishes The server shuts down, the system is written to the disk again, and the server boots into it. Reinstalling Debian 12 on the **DE-Promo** plan took us just over a minute, other systems may take a little longer. The server status in the list stays **Active** (Активен) the whole time, and billing does not show a separate message when it finishes. Wait 2–3 minutes and connect to the server over SSH with the new password, for example via [Termius](https://docs.f3cloud.com/en/vps/termius-connection.md). If you want to watch the server boot, open the console with the VNC button. > **The password from «Instructions» no longer works.** > > The Instructions (Инструкция) button shows the password issued when the server was ordered, and it does not change after a reinstall. Log in with the new password from the form. Billing may also keep showing the old system in the server list, this does not affect how the server works. *** ## If something went wrong
SSH says REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS CHANGED After a reinstall the server gets a new SSH key, while your computer remembers the old one and warns you about a possible substitution. In this case the warning is expected. Run the command below on your computer with the server IP address and connect again. ```bash # Remove the old server key from the list of known hosts ssh-keygen -R server-IP-address ``` Termius and other apps will offer to accept the new server key in this situation, agree to it.
The message «The request has already been sent. Try again in a minute» A reinstall can be started no more than once a minute. Most likely the previous request is already running or has just finished. Wait a couple of minutes and try connecting to the server before starting another reinstall.
The new password does not work Check the keyboard layout and Caps Lock. If the password still does not work, set a new one via **Actions** → **Change password** (Смена пароля) using [this guide](https://docs.f3cloud.com/en/client-area/reset-root-password.md). There is no need to reinstall the server again.
The message «The action failed» This means the server management system could not complete the reinstall. Billing creates a support task automatically, and we will get in touch with you. There is no need to repeat the reinstall in the meantime.
The system you need is not in the list Write to our support with the Question (Вопрос) button on the toolbar above the server list, and we will tell you how to install the system you need.
*** ## Our resources **Telegram channel:** [https://t.me/f3cloud_news](https://t.me/f3cloud_news)\ **F3 Cloud:** [https://f3cloud.com](https://f3cloud.com/en)