How to install Ubuntu Server

Quick answer: On Cloud2Y you do not install Ubuntu manually — select Ubuntu as the operating system when ordering a VPS/VDS, or reinstall to Ubuntu from your service page in the Client Area. The server comes up with SSH ready; you just update packages and secure access.

Overview

Ubuntu Server is the most popular choice on Cloud2Y: excellent documentation, five years of updates on LTS releases and huge community support. For production, pick an LTS release such as 22.04 or 24.04. This guide covers getting Ubuntu onto your server and the first checks after it boots.

Before you start

• A Cloud2Y VPS, VDS or dedicated server (or an order in progress).
• An SSH client (how to connect).
• Reinstalling an existing server erases all data — back up first.

Step-by-step guide

1. New server: choose Ubuntu (preferably the latest LTS) in the OS option at order time. Existing VPS/VDS: use the reinstall option on the service page, or open a ticket; on dedicated servers request the install via ticket.
2. Wait for deployment, then log in via SSH using the credentials from your service page.
3. Verify the release:

   lsb_release -a

4. Update everything:

   sudo apt update && sudo apt -y upgrade

5. Set the hostname and timezone if needed:

   sudo hostnamectl set-hostname myserver
   sudo timedatectl set-timezone Europe/Kyiv

6. Secure the server: add SSH keys, enable the UFW firewall and follow the post-deployment checklist.

Common issues

• Interim (non-LTS) release chosen for production — interim releases get only 9 months of updates; use LTS.
• Locale warnings on login: run sudo locale-gen en_US.UTF-8 and re-login.
• Kernel updated but not active: reboot after a kernel upgrade (uname -r shows the running kernel).

When to contact support

If the reinstall option is not shown on your service page, the server does not come back online after a reinstall, or you need an Ubuntu version that is not listed, open a support ticket.

Frequently asked questions

Which Ubuntu version should I choose for production?

Choose the latest LTS release, such as Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04. LTS versions receive five years of security updates, while interim releases are supported for only nine months.

Does reinstalling Ubuntu delete my data?

Yes. Reinstalling the operating system wipes all disks and data on the server, so download backups of anything important before you start the reinstall.

How long does an Ubuntu install take on a Cloud2Y VPS?

OS deployment on a VPS or VDS is automated and typically completes within minutes; the whole server is ready within 30 minutes or less of confirmed payment.

Related articles

• Supported operating systems
• How to update Linux packages
• How to install Debian
• How to secure your VPS after deployment

Ready to get started? Order a VPS at Cloud2Y →