VPS Distributions
Available operating systems and software programs for your VPS
We offer more than 30 operating systems, applications and web hosting control panels pre-installed with your VPS.
Operating systems
Get the latest, optimised versions of the operating systems best suited to your VPS. These are available to pre-install on our virtual private servers.
Linux/Unix
Free and open-source, Linux is one of the most well-known and popular operating systems. Users love its stability, security and customisation options. Our Linux and Unix VPS solutions are designed for all types of needs, workloads and deployments, from more standard to the most innovative.
CentOS 6
Community ENTerprise Operating System (CentOS) is a free, open-source distribution designed for servers, development environments, and other applications where stability and compatibility are essential.
| OS Type | Family | Version | Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No results. | ||||
AlmaLinux
This open-source distribution is also based on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) source code and aims to offer a stable and compatible alternative to CentOS. Users can migrate from CentOS to AlmaLinux without having to make any changes to their applications or infrastructure.
| OS Type | Family | Version | Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux/Unix | AlmaLinux | AlmaLinux 8 | Included | |
| Linux/Unix | AlmaLinux | AlmaLinux 9 | Included |
Debian
Debian is a stable and free open-source distribution that is widely used in the IT world. It is known for its robustness, security, and wide range of available applications.
| OS Type | Family | Version | Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux/Unix | Debian | Debian 11 | Included | |
| Linux/Unix | Debian | Debian 12 | Included | |
| Linux/Unix | Debian | Debian 13 | Included |
Fedora
Renowned for its fast development cycle and its engagement with open-source software, Fedora aims to provide a cutting-edge development platform. This distribution can be used on both personal computers and servers, and it offers all of the latest Linux features and technologies.
| OS Type | Family | Version | Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux/Unix | Fedora | Fedora 40 | Included | |
| Linux/Unix | Fedora | Fedora 42 | Included |
Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux is a distribution designed to deliver stability and security, and is suited to a variety of applications, including servers and business environments.
| OS Type | Family | Version | Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux/Unix | Rocky Linux | Rocky Linux 8 | Included | |
| Linux/Unix | Rocky Linux | Rocky Linux 9 | Included |
Ubuntu
A popular Linux distribution based on Debian, Rocky Linux is used for both personal computers and servers, IoT (Internet of Things) devices and cloud environments. Easy to use, accessible, and offering a vast ecosystem of software, Ubuntu delivers stability and regular updates.
| OS Type | Family | Version | Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux/Unix | Ubuntu | Ubuntu 22.04 | Included | |
| Linux/Unix | Ubuntu | Ubuntu 24.04 | Included | |
| Linux/Unix | Ubuntu | Ubuntu 24.10 | Included | |
| Linux/Unix | Ubuntu | Ubuntu 25.04 | Included |
Windows Server*
Windows Server is a Microsoft-developed operating system, optimised for virtual use. This OS offers a stable, secure and scalable environment for running your applications and websites.
*Not available on Local Zone VPS.
Administration interfaces
Set up, manage and control your virtual private server with the intuitive and efficient administration interface of your choice. You can monitor your resources, install your software and easily manage your users by installing a control panel on your VPS.
cPanel *
The most popular control panel on the market. With cPanel, you get access to a user and server management interface for smooth and intuitive administration. Simplify common web hosting operations without having to worry about the advanced technical knowledge required.
*Not available on Local Zone VPS.
| OS / APP | Family | Version | Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cPanel | $16 /month |
Plesk *
With its various licences, Plesk is the administration interface of choice for many system administrators. Simplify the management of your web infrastructure, from configuring your databases and monitoring performances to securing your VPS and more.
*Not available on Local Zone VPS.
| OS / APP | Family | Version | Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plesk | Web Admin | $12 /month | ||
| Plesk | Web Pro | $20 /month | ||
| Plesk | Web Host | $35 /month |
OS with application
Manage your VPS’s hardware resources whilst running your software applications thanks to a comprehensive software environment offered by the OS with application.
Docker*
Run your applications in complete isolation from each other with the Docker containerisation platform.
*Not available on Local Zone VPS.
| OS / APP | Family | Version | Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Docker | Included |
Use cases
Interested in our VPS licences, operating systems and compatible software?
Your VPS opens up a range of possibilities thanks to the multiple distributions and compatible software that you can install. You can also opt for a licensed VPS, such as Windows or cPanel.
WordPress VPS
Discover easy website design with our WordPress VPS. With this solution, you can handle traffic spikes on your website thanks to the scalability of our virtual private servers.
Debian VPS
Configure your virtual machine to suit your needs with our Debian VPS range. Ideal for the most advanced Linux users.
Your questions answered
Can I buy a licence after buying my VPS?
Licences need to be purchased when you place an order for a Windows operating system. For VPS with Linux operating systems, you can manage your licences via your OVHcloud Control Panel. To find out more, check out this guide.
Which operating systems are available for the VPS?
- AlmaLinux 8
- AlmaLinux 9
- CentOS 7
- Debian 10
- Debian 11
- Debian 12
- Fedora 37
- Fedora 38
- Rocky Linux 8
- Rocky Linux 9
- Ubuntu 18.04
- Ubuntu 20.04
- Ubuntu 21.04
- Ubuntu 22.04
- Ubuntu 23.04
- Windows Server 2016 Standard (Desktop)
- Windows Server 2019 Standard (Desktop)
- Windows Server 2022 Standard (Desktop)
Which OS should I choose for my VPS?
OVHcloud VPS solutions are offered for Linux and Windows. Each OS has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on how it is used and users' needs and habits.
Windows servers include a graphical interface and are suitable for Microsoft programs and applications, and for using .net and .asp.
Linux servers don't have a graphical interface and aren't therefore faster and use fewer resources. The most widely used are Debian/Ubuntu and CentOS.
How do I update my VPS’ operating system?
To update your VPS’ OS, you must have root access and have backed up your instance to avoid data loss in the event of a software configuration failure.
To find out more, please follow this guide.
How do I reinstall my VPS’ OS?
To reinstall your VPS' operating system, please refer to this guide.
How does a VPS work?
A VPS is virtualised using resources from a dedicated server. It provides an isolated and autonomous environment. The user can then allocate resources to their virtual machines according to their needs.
Why choose a VPS?
A VPS lets you run a variety of applications: from websites and databases to email servers, custom applications, online games, and much more. They're versatile solutions and can be configured to suit your needs.
How to sign in to a VPS
You can connect to your VPS in SSH with the username and password which you received when installing (or reinstalling) your VPS. To access your server, you can use the KVM tool directly in your OVHcloud Control Panel, a command line terminal (Linux or Mac) or third-party software on Windows (we recommend using PuTTy).
Refer to our guides to sign in to your VPS for the firs time:
What is a VPS?
A VPS—a virtual private server—is created from a physical server. Using virtualisation technology, the host’s resources are divided into virtual machines. Each virtual machine’s resources are isolated and managed independently of one another.
What can I do with a VPS?
A virtual private server (VPS) is a solution that brings all types of web projects, websites and software applications to life. All of the data on a VPS is dedicated to the user, who gets access to a reliable and scalable virtual machine, without having to worry about hardware management for their hosting system.
What is the difference between a VPS and a dedicated server?
A VPS is created from a dedicated server. With a dedicated server, the user has complete control over the management of their machine. On the other hand, a virtual private server user is spared the need to manage the physical aspects of their setup.
What is the best OS for VPS?
The best OS for a VPS depends on how it used, along with the user's knowledge level and needs. You can view the list of OS available to pre-install on OVHcloud VPS here.