> 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/server-os-deployment-guide/os-installation/installing-red-hat-enterprise-linux-rhel.md).
# Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
This chapter covers the installation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), a widely used operating system in enterprise environments. The RHEL installer, known as Anaconda, features a graphical interface that allows you to configure your system from a central hub screen.
## **Installation requirements**
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
* **RHEL Installation ISO:** You need a RHEL ISO image. You can download one from the [Red Hat Customer Portal](https://access.redhat.com/downloads) if you have an active subscription.
* **Red Hat Subscription**: RHEL requires a subscription for access to packages, updates, and support. Make sure you have your account credentials ready for post-installation registration.
* **Virtual Media Mounted**: The RHEL ISO file must be mounted using the BMC's Virtual media feature, as covered in "[Initial Firmware Configuration](/server-os-deployment-guide/initial-server-setup/initial-firmware-configuration.md)".
## **Step-by-step installation guide**
From the KVM console, you will see the server boot from the mounted RHEL ISO.
1. From the boot menu, select **Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux** and press **Enter**.
2. After the installer loads, select your preferred language and click **Continue**.
### **Configure settings from the Installation Summary hub**
The **Installation Summary** screen is the main hub for configuring your system. You must resolve any items marked with a warning icon before you can proceed.
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Set the Date & Time**
* Click **Date & Time**
* Select your **region** and **city**
* Click **Done** to confirm
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Configure the Keyboard Layout**
* Click **Keyboard**
* Add or remove keyboard layouts as needed
* Click **Done**
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Select the Installation Destination**
* Click **Installation Destination**
* Under **Local Standard Disks**, select the disk for installation
* A checkmark will appear once selected
* Ensure **Automatically configure partitioning** is selected
* Click **Done**
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Configure Network & Host Name**
* Click **Network & Host Name**
* Select the appropriate **network adapter** (e.g., `Ethernet (eth0)`)
* Click the **toggle switch** in the top-right to turn it **ON**
* The system should obtain an IP address via DHCP
* (Optional) Enter a **hostname** at the bottom
* Click **Done**
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Begin the Installation**
Once all warnings are gone from the summary screen, click Begin Installation.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
### **Set user passwords during installation**
While the files are being copied, you must set up user accounts.
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Set the Root Password**
* Click **Root Password**
* Enter and confirm a **strong password** for the **root user** (system administrator)
* Click **Done**
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important Note:**\
The **root account** has unrestricted access to the system. Be sure to **store this password securely**.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Create a User Account**
* Click **User Creation**
* Enter your **full name** and desired **username**
* Check the box for **"Make this user administrator"**
* This adds the user to the **wheel group**, allowing use of `sudo`
* Set and confirm a **strong password** for the new user
* Click **Done**
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
### **Reboot and finalize**
1. Once the installation is complete, the **Reboot** button will become available. Click it to restart the server.
2. Remember to unmount the ISO file from the **Virtual Media** page in the BMC to prevent the server from booting into the installer again.
3. After the system reboots, you may be prompted to accept the End User License Agreement (EULA) on the first login.
### **Post-installation checks**
After logging in, your first steps should be to register the system and apply updates.
* **Register the System:** Open a terminal and run the following command to register your system with Red Hat, which will attach your subscription.
* **Check for Updates:** Run `sudo dnf check-update` to see available updates, and `sudo dnf upgrade` to install them.
---
# 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 by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:
```
GET https://doc.engenius.ai/server-os-deployment-guide/os-installation/installing-red-hat-enterprise-linux-rhel.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.
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.
