> ## 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.

# Order a virtual server

[Gcore Hosting](https://hosting.gcore.com/billmgr) provides Virtual Private Servers across more than 30 data centers; after selecting a plan and completing payment, the server activates within 3 hours.

## Server order

The ordering flow has two stages: select a plan and data center, then configure the server and complete payment.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the plan catalog">
    In the left sidebar, navigate to **Products/Services** > **Virtual private servers**, then click **Order** in the toolbar.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore-docs/FhiSWIn6ND99iscP/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/order-a-virtual-server/order-a-virtual-server-image1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=FhiSWIn6ND99iscP&q=85&s=d5822c2a85c5003fe9f22c08ecff014a" alt="Virtual private servers list with the Order button highlighted in the toolbar" width="1530" height="462" data-path="images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/order-a-virtual-server/order-a-virtual-server-image1.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a data center and plan">
    Use the **Data center** filter to select a location. Optionally, use the **Payment period** filter to narrow the list.

    Each plan card shows hardware specs, included IPv4 and IPv6, bandwidth, and monthly price — the [plan overview](/hosting/virtual-servers/before-purchase/choose-a-virtual-server-for-your-needs) compares all configurations in detail. Click **Order** on the plan.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore-docs/FhiSWIn6ND99iscP/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/order-a-virtual-server/order-a-virtual-server-image2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=FhiSWIn6ND99iscP&q=85&s=3c09bbfb9c1a213ad16646e3229df715" alt="Plan selection page showing plan cards with specs, price, and Order buttons" width="1450" height="503" data-path="images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/order-a-virtual-server/order-a-virtual-server-image2.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure the server">
    On the configuration page, fill in the fields:

    | Field                                      | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
    | ------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | **Domain name**                            | Enter a domain registered with a third-party provider — at least a second-level domain, max 63 characters per label, 255 characters total. Defaults to `example.com` when left blank; update it after ordering. |
    | **Operating system**                       | Select an OS. Debian, FreeBSD, Ubuntu, and AlmaLinux are available on all plans at no extra cost. Windows Server is available on select plans at an additional charge.                                          |
    | **Public IPv4-address, pcs**               | Use the slider to set the number of IPv4 addresses. The range depends on the plan (typically 1 to 3 or 1 to 10).                                                                                                |
    | **IPv6 network**                           | Included at no extra cost and enabled by default. Uncheck to disable.                                                                                                                                           |
    | **Number of services available for order** | Set to more than one to order multiple identically configured servers in a single transaction.                                                                                                                  |
    | **Payment period** (right column)          | Select a billing period. A note shows the minimum order period and the equivalent daily charge.                                                                                                                 |

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/gcore-docs/FhiSWIn6ND99iscP/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/order-a-virtual-server/order-a-virtual-server-image3.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=FhiSWIn6ND99iscP&q=85&s=d62d0154a790782acd4882534a8b24b4" alt="Order configuration form showing OS selection, IPv4 slider, IPv6 checkbox, payment period, and Pay button" width="1702" height="758" data-path="images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/order-a-virtual-server/order-a-virtual-server-image3.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete the order">
    Click **Pay** to proceed to payment immediately, or **To cart** to save the order and pay later from the cart.

    After payment, the server status changes to **Activation in progress**. Activation takes between 15 minutes and 3 hours. Once complete, the status changes to **Active** and the server is ready to use.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Server statuses

A newly ordered server passes through three statuses before becoming available.

| Status                 | Meaning                                                                                |
| ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Ordered                | Payment is pending — add funds to the account balance and complete payment to proceed. |
| Activation in progress | Payment received. Provisioning is underway.                                            |
| Active                 | The server is ready to use.                                                            |

If the server remains in **Activation in progress** for more than 3 hours, contact support via **Support** > **Support tickets** in the left sidebar.

## Renewal

After the initial paid period ends, the server switches to [daily billing](/hosting/payments/renew-your-server). The daily charge equals the monthly plan price divided by the number of days in that month.