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

# Reinstall the Operating System on Your Server

> Reinstall the operating system on your FlashRDP server to wipe data, switch distributions, or recover from a misconfiguration in 3 to 5 minutes.

If you want to start fresh or switch to a different operating system, you can perform a complete server reinstall directly from the FlashRDP Client Area. The deployment typically completes within 3 to 5 minutes.

<Warning>
  **Important: This action will permanently erase all data.**
  Rebuilding reinstalls the operating system from scratch. All files, databases, and configurations on this server will be lost and cannot be recovered.
</Warning>

## How to reinstall Your Server

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to the reinstall Section">
    Log into the [FlashRDP Client Area](https://billing.flashrdp.com/clientarea.php?action=productdetails) and open your active service. Scroll down to the **reinstall OS** section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Your Preferred Operating System">
    Choose the operating system version you want to install.

    * **Windows:** Access your server via RDP after deployment.
    * **Linux:** Access your server via SSH after deployment.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Your Authentication Method">
    Depending on the OS you selected, your authentication options will differ:

    ### For Windows

    Windows servers do not require an SSH key. Once the installation completes, the new Administrator password will simply be generated and sent directly to your registered email address.

    ### For Linux

    Linux distributions will ask you to choose an Authentication Method. You have two options:

    #### 1. Password Authentication

    Quick access with an automatically generated password. Ideal for quick trials or remote login.

    * Select **Continue with Password**. The new root password will be emailed to you.

    #### 2. SSH Key Authentication (Recommended)

    Secure and password-less login using a public key.

    * Select **Continue with SSH Key**.
    * Choose **Use Existing Public Key** and paste your key (e.g., `ssh-rsa AAAA...` or `ssh-ed25519 AAAA...`) to **Continue with This Public Key**.
    * Alternatively, choose **Generate a New Key** to let the system generate a fresh SSH key pair for you.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm and reinstall">
    Review your selections and initiate the reinstall. Within 3 to 5 minutes, your server will be completely wiped and freshly deployed with your new operating system!
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Related Articles

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card horizontal title="Connect from a Windows PC" icon="windows" href="/docs/windows-rdp/connect" />

  <Card horizontal title="Connect from a Mac or iPad" icon="apple" href="/docs/windows-rdp/connect" />

  <Card horizontal title="Connect to Linux via SSH" icon="terminal" href="/docs/linux-vps/ssh-access" />

  <Card horizontal title="Reset Server Password" icon="key-round" href="/docs/control-panel/reset-server-password" />
</CardGroup>