> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # What Is an Unmanaged VPS? (And What You Look After) > What is an unmanaged VPS: the provider runs the hardware, network and virtualisation; you install, update, secure and back up the operating system and software. 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. | Difficulty | Time to read | Applies to | You need | | - | - | - | - | | Beginner | 5 minutes | Unmanaged VPS and dedicated servers, Linux and Windows | Willingness to learn basic administration | ## Before you start If you are still choosing between server types, read [VPS vs dedicated server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-vs-dedicated-server-differences.md) first. Everything on this page applies to both. ## Who looks after what? | Area | Provider (infrastructure) | You (inside the server) | | - | - | - | | Physical hardware, power, cooling | Yes | | | Data-centre network and uplinks | Yes | | | Hypervisor and VPS Control Panel | Yes | | | Operating system install | Provides the images and reinstall tools | Choose, install, reinstall | | OS and software updates | | Yes | | Firewall and SSH / RDP security | | Yes | | Web server, database, game server, apps | | Yes | | Users, passwords, SSH keys | | Yes | | Backups of your data | Panel backup tools on a VPS | Configure, schedule and test them | | Monitoring your services | | Yes | 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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and ask before you rely on it. ## What does unmanaged mean in practice? **1. You get a clean operating system** Your VPS starts with the operating system you picked, for example Ubuntu 24.04 or Windows Server 2022, and nothing else installed. You [set it up](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-set-up-your-new-vps.md) and log in over [SSH](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-a-linux-server-with-ssh.md) or [Remote Desktop](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md). **2. You secure it** You install updates, add SSH keys, turn on a firewall and disable password logins. Follow [the first 10 things to do on a new Linux VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-10-things-to-do-on-a-new-linux-vps.md) or [first steps on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-steps-on-a-new-windows-server-vps.md). **3. You install what you need** A web server, database, Docker, a game server, a VPN: you choose the software and configure it. The guides in this section walk you through the common ones. **4. You keep it running** You apply updates, watch disk space and memory, read logs when something breaks, and keep [backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-schedule-and-restore-backups.md) you have tested. ## What tools do I still get on a VPS? Even though you manage the operating system, the [VPS Control Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/vps-control-panel-dashboard-overview.md) gives you tools that work from outside the server, so you can fix problems yourself: * [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md): a screen and keyboard for your VPS when SSH or RDP don't work. * [Rescue mode](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-use-rescue-mode.md): boot a recovery system to repair files. * [Root password reset](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-reset-your-vps-root-password.md). * [Rebuild and reinstall](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-rebuild-and-reinstall-your-vps.md): start again with a clean OS. * [Backups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-schedule-and-restore-backups.md) and [resource monitoring](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-monitor-vps-resource-usage.md). ## 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. > [!WARNING] > > Every server on the internet receives automated login attempts from bots. Secure it on day one: updates, SSH keys or a strong Administrator password, a firewall and backups. ## Frequently asked questions ### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-enable-automatic-security-updates.md). ### What happens if I break the operating system? Use the [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md) or [rescue mode](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-use-rescue-mode.md) to repair it, restore a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-schedule-and-restore-backups.md), or [reinstall](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-rebuild-and-reinstall-your-vps.md). A reinstall erases the disk. ### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/essential-linux-commands-for-server-beginners.md). ### 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. ## Related guides > [card] [VPS and dedicated server guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-and-dedicated-server-guides.md) > > Every guide in this section. > [card] [First 10 things on a Linux VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-10-things-to-do-on-a-new-linux-vps.md) > > Secure a new Linux server. > [card] [First steps on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-steps-on-a-new-windows-server-vps.md) > > Secure a new Windows server. > [card] [VPS vs dedicated server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-vs-dedicated-server-differences.md) > > Which one fits. > [card] [Back up a Linux server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-back-up-a-linux-server.md) > > Your data, your responsibility. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Checked against the official [Ubuntu Server documentation on automatic updates](https://ubuntu.com/server/docs/how-to/software/automatic-updates/)** on 4 November 2026. > [!NOTE] > > ### Need Extra Help? > > If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist: > > * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website. > * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) > * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting) > * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com) > [!TIP] > > ### Save on Your Hosting > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** November 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.