Create a VM · Virtual machines

Pick an image, a size, storage, backups and a login method, then launch.

Before you start

A payment method on the account.

An SSH key (recommended), or a strong password ready.

Create the VM

Open Virtual Machines and choose Create.

Pick a project, or create one with + New Project.

Choose an image: a catalog template (Linux and Windows versions) or one of your custom images.

Choose a size: General purpose plans have a standard disk; SSD plans have the same sizes on a faster SSD disk. SSD capacity is limited, so SSD plans can show Sold out, and they cannot take extra storage.

Storage and backups: add extra disk space, and turn on automatic backups (weekly adds 10%, daily adds 20%).

Authentication: pick an SSH key, add one inline, or set a password.

Finalize details: set the hostname and how many identical VMs to create, check the cost estimate, and choose Create.

Most VMs are running within a minute or two. The list shows the progress while it provisions.

Billing periods

Hourly: Pay per hour of use.: Deleted straight away.

Monthly: Billed monthly.: Deletion is scheduled for the end of the billing cycle. You can cancel it until then.

Yearly, paid monthly: 12-month commitment billed monthly.: Early deletion charges the remaining months as an early termination fee.

Yearly, paid up front: The full year paid at once. Best value.: Deletion at the end of the billing cycle.

Password rules

If you use a password instead of an SSH key, it must be at least 10 characters, contain an uppercase letter (not the first or last character) and a number, and must not end in a number or special character. We do not email VM passwords, so store it safely.