# Change OS

## Change Operating System

This setting reinstalls or switches the operating system running on your VM. Choose from Linux distributions or Windows images. Windows Server (2025 and 2022) and Windows 11 Pro are all available.

Changing the OS will erase all existing data and configurations on the VM. Back up critical data before proceeding. Delete snapshots and backups before changing the OS.

- Go to VM Settings → Change OS.
- From Templates, select the OS and version.
- Click Change OS.

![Change operating system settings](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/_astro/change-os-change-operating-system.BBKE9Sza_1twAlz.webp)

See also: [Create Instance](https://docs.zcp.zsoftly.ca/public-cloud/compute/create-instance)