> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.xloud.tech/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Reboot an Instance

> Perform hard or soft reboots on Xloud Compute instances using the Dashboard or CLI. Understand the difference between reboot types and when to use each.

## Overview

Rebooting an instance restarts the guest operating system. Xloud Compute supports
two reboot types: **hard reboot** (equivalent to a power cycle) and **soft reboot**
(sends an ACPI shutdown signal and restarts). Both are available as individual and
batch operations.

<Note>
  **Prerequisites**

  * An instance in `Active` or `Shutoff` status (hard reboot) or `Active` status (soft reboot)
  * The instance must not be locked (unless you are an administrator)
</Note>

***

## Reboot Types

| Type            | Status Required       | Behavior                                                        | Use Case                                  |
| --------------- | --------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| **Hard Reboot** | `Active` or `Shutoff` | Immediate power cycle — equivalent to pressing the reset button | Unresponsive instance, frozen OS          |
| **Soft Reboot** | `Active` only         | Graceful ACPI shutdown signal followed by restart               | Routine restarts, applying config changes |

<Tip>
  Prefer **Soft Reboot** for routine restarts — it allows the OS to flush disk buffers
  and cleanly shut down services. Use **Hard Reboot** only when the instance is
  unresponsive to soft reboot.
</Tip>

<Note>
  Soft Reboot is not available for bare metal instances.
</Note>

***

## Reboot an Instance

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Dashboard" icon="gauge">
    <Steps titleSize="h3">
      <Step title="Navigate to Instances">
        Navigate to **Compute > Instances** in the sidebar.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Select the reboot type">
        Click the **More** dropdown on the instance row. Under **Instance Status**,
        select either:

        * **Reboot** — performs a hard reboot
        * **Soft Reboot** — performs a graceful reboot

        Confirm the action in the dialog.

        <Note>
          Both actions are available as batch operations. Select multiple instances
          using checkboxes and choose **Reboot** or **Soft Reboot** from the batch
          actions bar.
        </Note>
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="CLI" icon="terminal">
    ```bash title="Source credentials" theme={null}
    source openrc.sh
    ```

    <CodeGroup>
      ```bash title="Hard reboot" theme={null}
      openstack server reboot --hard <INSTANCE_ID>
      ```

      ```bash title="Soft reboot" theme={null}
      openstack server reboot --soft <INSTANCE_ID>
      ```
    </CodeGroup>

    <Check>Instance returns to `Active` status after reboot completes.</Check>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Resize an Instance" href="/services/compute/resize-instance" color="#197560">
    Change the flavor of an instance (requires reboot)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rescue an Instance" href="/services/compute/rescue-instance" color="#197560">
    Boot from a rescue image to fix a broken OS
  </Card>

  <Card title="Instance Snapshots" href="/services/compute/snapshots" color="#197560">
    Create a snapshot before performing maintenance
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" href="/services/compute/troubleshooting" color="#197560">
    Resolve unresponsive instances and failed reboots
  </Card>
</CardGroup>