# How to Reinstall Your VPS Operating System

> Canonical: https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-reinstall-your-vps-operating-system/ · Last modified: 2026-08-20T06:47:38+00:00

Reinstalling gives you a clean operating system on your VPS in just a couple of clicks. It's the fastest way to start fresh or switch to a different Linux distribution - but it erases everything, so read this first.

## Before you reinstall

**Reinstalling erases all data on your VPS.** Make sure you have a snapshot or an off-server backup of anything you want to keep - websites, databases, configuration files and email.

## Step-by-step: Reinstall the OS

1. Open your VPS in the Client Area and go to the **Reinstall** tab.
2. Read the red warning about data loss.
3. Under **Select Operating System**, choose an image from the dropdown.
4. Click **Reinstall VPS** and confirm.

![VPS Reinstall tab with operating system selection and data-loss warning](https://jethost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/vps-reinstall-tab.png)## After the reinstall

The VPS boots into the fresh operating system with new login credentials. Check the **Credentials** tab for the new details, then run your system updates and restore your data from the snapshot or backup.

## JetHost Experts Tip

Create a **snapshot** right before reinstalling. If something goes wrong, or you simply change your mind, you can restore your previous system instead of rebuilding from scratch.

## Need More Help?

A reinstall is a clean slate for your VPS - just make sure your data is safely backed up first. If you get stuck, the JetHost team is available 24/7 and usually answers in under five minutes - just [contact us](https://jethost.com/contact-us/) and we'll help you sort it out. Explore our other [VPS tutorials](https://jethost.com/kb/category/vps/) to get the most out of your server.