> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doc.engenius.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doc.engenius.ai/s11-user-guide/software-and-remote-management/installing-an-operating-system.md).

# Installing an Operating System

With the server's hardware and remote management fully configured, you are now ready to install an operating system (OS). This chapter provides a high-level guide to the recommended installation methods for a modern server environment.

## **Before you begin: Pre-installation checklist**

Before starting the OS installation, ensure you have completed the following preparation steps:

* **Configure storage (if necessary):** If you plan to use a RAID array for your OS drive, make sure you have already configured it in the server's BIOS or RAID controller utility.
* **Set the boot mode:** Ensure the server is set to **UEFI** boot mode in the BIOS for modern operating systems.
* **Prepare your installation media:** Have your OS installation file ready. For remote installation, this should be an ISO file saved on your local computer or a network share.
* **Verify remote console access:** Confirm you can log in to the BMC web interface and launch the remote console.

## **Recommended method: Installing remotely via the BMC**

The most efficient and common way to install an OS on a server is by using the BMC's remote console and virtual media features. This allows you to perform the entire installation from your own computer, without needing to be physically present at the rack.

1. **Log in to the BMC web interface** using the IP address you configured.
2. **Launch the Remote Console (KVM).** This will open a window showing the server's live video output.
3. **Mount the OS ISO file.** In the remote console window, find the **Virtual Media** or **Virtual CD/DVD** menu. Select your OS ISO file to mount it as a virtual drive. 
4. **Reboot the server** using the power controls in the BMC interface.
5. **Enter the boot menu.** As the server starts up, press the appropriate key (usually **F11** or **F12**) to open the boot device selection menu. 
6. **Select the Virtual CD/DVD** from the boot menu and press **Enter**.
7. **Follow the OS installer prompts.** The server will now boot from your ISO file, and you can proceed with the standard operating system installation.

## **Alternative method: Local installation via USB**

This method is useful if you are working directly at the rack or do not have the remote management network set up.

1. **Create a bootable USB drive** with your chosen OS installer.
2. **Plug the USB drive** into any available USB port on the server.
3. **Power on the server and press the key to enter the boot menu** (e.g., **F11**).
4. **Select the USB drive** from the list of bootable devices.
5. **Proceed with the OS installation.**

## **Installing drivers and utilities**

After the OS is installed, you must install drivers to ensure the hardware performs correctly.

### **OS and Driver Compatibility**

| **Operating System**         | **Chipset / Storage Drivers** | **BMC/IPMI Tools**     | **LAN/NIC Drivers**    | **Source Location**          |
| ---------------------------- | ----------------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| Windows Server 2025 (64-bit) | Included in OS / OEM CD       | IPMIView / Redfish CLI | Intel / Broadcom INF   | OEM Driver DVD, Support Site |
| RHEL 9.x                     | Built-in kernel support       | ipmitool / openipmi    | igb / ice / bnxt       | Red Hat Repo, OEM Repo       |
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS             | Native LTS kernel             | ipmitool / Web GUI     | Supported via netplan  | Ubuntu Repo, GitHub, OEM     |
| VMware ESXi 8.x, 9.x         | Native or VIB drivers         | Web UI via IP only     | NIC may need async VIB | VMware Compatibility Guide   |

### **Driver Installation Formats**

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="165.1640625"></th><th width="148.23046875"></th><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Operating System</strong></td><td><strong>Driver Format</strong></td><td><strong>Installation Method</strong></td><td><strong>Example File Name</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Windows Server</td><td>.exe, .inf</td><td>Run installer or use Device Manager</td><td><code>intel_chipset_setup.exe</code></td></tr><tr><td>Ubuntu</td><td>.deb</td><td><code>apt install</code> or <code>dpkg -i</code></td><td><code>ipmitool_1.8.18-9_amd64.deb</code></td></tr><tr><td>VMware ESXi</td><td>.vib, .zip</td><td><code>esxcli software vib install</code></td><td><code>net-igb-5.8.3-1OEM.vib</code></td></tr></tbody></table>

### **System Utilities**

| **Utility Name** | **Function**                             | **OS Support**          | **Command-line / GUI** |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | ---------------------- |
| IPMITool         | Manage BMC via IPMI (power, sensor, sol) | Linux, Windows          | Command-line           |
| Redfish CLI      | RESTful API control over BMC             | Cross-platform (Python) | Command-line           |
| Web BMC GUI      | Full BMC access via browser (KVM, logs)  | Any with browser        | GUI                    |
| VROC Config Tool | Configure NVMe RAID                      | Windows, RHEL, ESXi     | GUI or CLI             |
| LMSensors        | Monitor CPU temp / fan via SMBus         | Linux                   | Command-line           |

**Post-Installation Tasks**

After installing the OS and drivers, you should:

* Apply the latest OS updates and security patches.
* Verify network, storage, and remote management functionality.
* Optionally configure RAID monitoring, logging agents, or other third-party tools.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://doc.engenius.ai/s11-user-guide/software-and-remote-management/installing-an-operating-system.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.