How can I change the default operating system of my Cloud Server?
You can change the operating system of your Cloud Server at any time by redeploying it with a different Linux distribution selected. This works for any supported distribution, so you're not locked into the OS you started with.
Changing your OS erases all data on your server
Changing the operating system requires a full redeploy of your Cloud Server, which permanently deletes all existing data, installed software, and configuration. Back up anything you need before you continue.
Why change your operating system
- Migrating your application to a distribution with better package support for your stack.
- Standardising your environment across multiple servers.
- Testing a different distribution or version before committing to it.
How to change your operating system
Changing your OS follows the same steps as a clean reinstall, and you can switch distributions at any time this way.
Select your preferred operating system and version when you redeploy, and the rest works the same whether you're switching distributions or reinstalling the one you already have.
For the full step-by-step instructions, see Redeploy your Cloud Server to reinstall from scratch.
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