What Is an Unmanaged VPS? (And What You Look After)

An unmanaged VPS is a virtual server where the provider looks after the hardware, network and virtualisation platform, and you look after everything inside the server: installing and updating the operating system, securing it, setting up software, and making backups. You get full root or Administrator access and complete freedom, in exchange for doing the system administration yourself.

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Before you start

If you are still choosing between server types, read VPS vs dedicated server first. Everything on this page applies to both.

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Who looks after what?

What a provider’s support team helps with for unmanaged servers differs between hosts. If you are unsure whether something is covered, open a ticket and ask before you rely on it.

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What does unmanaged mean in practice?

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What tools do I still get on a VPS?

Even though you manage the operating system, the VPS Control Panel gives you tools that work from outside the server, so you can fix problems yourself:

• VNC console: a screen and keyboard for your VPS when SSH or RDP don’t work.
• Rescue mode: boot a recovery system to repair files.
• Root password reset.
• Rebuild and reinstall: start again with a clean OS.
• Backups and resource monitoring.

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Is an unmanaged VPS right for me?

It is a good fit if you are comfortable with a command line or want to learn, need software a shared host doesn’t allow, or want full control over versions and settings. If you only want to run a website or a game server without touching the operating system, a web hosting or game server plan, where the platform runs the operating system for you, may suit you better.

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Frequently asked questions

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Will my server update itself?

Not unless you set it up. Ubuntu Server installs security updates automatically by default with unattended-upgrades; other systems need it switched on. See enable automatic security updates.

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What happens if I break the operating system?

Use the VNC console or rescue mode to repair it, restore a backup, or reinstall. A reinstall erases the disk.

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Do I need to be a Linux expert?

No. You need the basics: logging in, editing files and installing packages. Start with essential Linux commands.

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Is a managed VPS different hardware?

Usually not. “Managed” describes a service where the host also administers the operating system and software for you; the server itself can be the same.

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Related guides

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