First steps with a new VPS: connecting by SSH or Remote Desktop

After payment the server is set up automatically within minutes. Its details are emailed to you and shown in the control panel.

1. 1
   Step 1

   Follow the setup

   After payment, a page shows that the new operating system is being prepared and updates by itself. You can close it safely; setup continues in the background. When it finishes, it says your server is ready and the details are emailed to you.

2. 2
   Step 2

   Find the IP address and sign-in details

   Open Servers → your server. Under System information you will find the IP address (1) with a copy button. The username is root on Linux and Administrator on Windows, and the password is in the email. If you cannot find it, press Change password (2) to create a new one.

   
3. 3
   Step 3

   Linux server: connect by SSH

   On Windows 10 or 11 open PowerShell or Terminal; on a Mac open Terminal. Type ssh root@your-IP and press Enter. On the first connection type yes to accept the server fingerprint, then paste the password (it stays invisible while you type, which is normal). On a phone, use an app such as Termius.

4. 4
   Step 4

   Windows server: Remote Desktop (RDP)

   On Windows open Remote Desktop Connection (search for mstsc), enter the IP address, then the username Administrator and the password. On a Mac or phone, install Microsoft's Windows App and add the server with the same details.

5. 5
   Step 5

   What to do first

   Update the system (Linux: apt update && apt upgrade -y on Debian and Ubuntu; Windows: Windows Update), change the password to a strong one of your own, and open only the ports you need in the firewall.

6. 6
   Step 6

   If you cannot connect

   Open the VNC tab to see the server screen in your browser, and follow the Server not responding guide for the full checklist.