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

# Install an OS from an ISO image

Use a custom ISO image to install operating systems that are not available as built-in VMmanager templates. Provide a public HTTP or HTTPS URL to an ISO image (up to 8 GB). VMmanager downloads the image, mounts it as a bootable disk, and restarts the server from it. Only one ISO image can be mounted on a server at a time.

<Warning>
  Installing from ISO erases all data on the server disk. Back up any important files before proceeding.
</Warning>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open VMmanager 6">
    In the [Gcore Hosting Portal](https://hosting.gcore.com/billmgr), navigate to **Products/Services** → **Virtual private servers**, select the server checkbox, and click **To panel**.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore-docs/pQ4-4s8U7vYgGpWa/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/manage/operating-system/install-a-linux-os-from-your-iso-image/install-a-linux-os-from-your-iso-image-image1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pQ4-4s8U7vYgGpWa&q=85&s=c13d69b36f5d4a847c36f76aa7bad238" alt="Virtual private servers list with a server row selected and the To panel button highlighted in the toolbar" width="1024" height="235" data-path="images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/manage/operating-system/install-a-linux-os-from-your-iso-image/install-a-linux-os-from-your-iso-image-image1.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the ISO mount dialog">
    In VMmanager 6, go to the **Virtual machines** list. Open the three-dot menu on the right side of the server row and select **Mount ISO-image**.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore-docs/pQ4-4s8U7vYgGpWa/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/manage/operating-system/install-a-linux-os-from-your-iso-image/install-a-linux-os-from-your-iso-image-image2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pQ4-4s8U7vYgGpWa&q=85&s=d5878cce900062cec7a013c0df2e6a25" alt="VMmanager 6 virtual machines list with the three-dot menu open and Mount ISO-image option highlighted" width="1500" height="556" data-path="images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/manage/operating-system/install-a-linux-os-from-your-iso-image/install-a-linux-os-from-your-iso-image-image2.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the ISO image URL">
    In the **URL** field, enter a direct link to the ISO file.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore-docs/pQ4-4s8U7vYgGpWa/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/manage/operating-system/install-a-linux-os-from-your-iso-image/install-a-linux-os-from-your-iso-image-image3.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pQ4-4s8U7vYgGpWa&q=85&s=0030a03697233c5836bb0a974359ffe9" alt="Upload ISO-image page with URL field and Tags field" width="784" height="716" data-path="images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/manage/operating-system/install-a-linux-os-from-your-iso-image/install-a-linux-os-from-your-iso-image-image3.png" />
    </Frame>

    <Note>
      Add **Tags** to trigger VMmanager automation scripts that use matching tag values.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download and connect">
    Click **Download and connect**. VMmanager downloads the ISO image, mounts it as a bootable disk, and reboots the server from it automatically.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete the installation via VNC">
    After the server reboots, connect via [VNC](/hosting/virtual-servers/manage/connect/connect-to-a-virtual-server-via-vnc) to reach the installer. The ISO boot menu appears in the console. Follow the installer steps to complete the OS installation.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  After the installation is complete, disconnect the ISO image to restore normal boot: open **Virtual disk** in the left sidebar, disconnect the mounted ISO image, and restart the server.
</Note>