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

# Boot Modes and TPM in VPS

> Learn the differences between BIOS and UEFI boot modes and when to enable virtual TPM (vTPM) for your VPS.

## 🧩 Boot Mode and TPM Overview

<Info>
  Your VPS can run in different boot modes and optionally use a virtual TPM. These settings mainly affect how the operating system starts and what features are available.
</Info>

The available options include:

* BIOS (legacy boot mode)
* UEFI (modern boot mode)
* vTPM (virtual Trusted Platform Module)

These settings are especially relevant when working with newer operating systems.

***

## ⚖️ BIOS vs UEFI

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="BIOS (Default)">
    <ul>
      <li>Legacy boot method</li>
      <li>Works with all supported operating systems</li>
      <li>Best choice for compatibility</li>
      <li>Commonly used for Linux servers</li>
    </ul>

    Default configuration for all VPS
  </Card>

  <Card title="UEFI">
    <ul>
      <li>Modern boot standard</li>
      <li>Required by some newer operating systems</li>
      <li>Supports features like Secure Boot</li>
    </ul>

    Typically required for newer Windows versions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## 🔐 What is vTPM?

vTPM (Virtual Trusted Platform Module) is a software-based security feature that acts like a physical TPM chip.

It is mainly required for:

* Installing Windows 11
* Using features like disk encryption (e.g. BitLocker)
* Enforcing secure boot chains

### ⚙️ Available options

* Disabled (default)
* Software TPM enabled

<Callout type="info">
  Only enable vTPM if your operating system or workload specifically requires it.
</Callout>

***

## 🧱 Default Settings

To keep things compatible across different environments, the default configuration is:

* Boot mode: BIOS
* TPM: Disabled

This setup works for most use cases without any additional changes.

***

## 🤖 Automatic Configuration

If you deploy your VPS using an automated installer:

* Boot mode is selected automatically
* TPM is enabled only if needed

<Callout type="info">
  In automated setups, manual settings are overridden to ensure the system installs correctly.
</Callout>

***

## 🛠️ When Manual Configuration Is Needed

You usually only need to change these settings in more advanced scenarios.

### 🧪 Custom images

When using your own images:

* You can keep the current VPS configuration
* Or manually adjust boot mode and TPM as needed

***

### 💿 ISO-based installations

When installing from an ISO:

* The system will follow your current configuration settings

If changes are required:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Update configuration">
    Adjust Boot Mode or TPM in the System Configuration panel
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart the VPS">
    Apply changes by performing a full power cycle
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start installation">
    Boot the VPS using your selected ISO
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## ⚠️ Important Notes

### 🧬 Operating system compatibility

* Not all operating systems support UEFI
* Switching from BIOS to UEFI on an existing system usually results in a boot failure

***

### 🔁 Changing boot mode

* The selected boot mode must match how the OS was installed
* Changing it afterward may require reinstalling the system or performing manual recovery steps

***

### 🔎 TPM usage

* Not required for most Linux environments
* Should only be enabled when necessary
* Enabling it without a need adds unnecessary complexity

***

## 🎯 Recommendations

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="BIOS + TPM disabled">
    <ul>
      <li>Linux servers</li>
      <li>General-purpose workloads</li>
      <li>Maximum compatibility</li>
    </ul>
  </Card>

  <Card title="UEFI + TPM enabled">
    <ul>
      <li>Windows 11</li>
      <li>Modern Windows deployments</li>
      <li>Security-focused setups</li>
    </ul>
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## 📌 Summary

| Setting   | Default  | When to change             |
| --------- | -------- | -------------------------- |
| Boot Mode | BIOS     | Only if required by the OS |
| TPM       | Disabled | Only if required by the OS |

<Callout type="info">
  If you are unsure, using the automated installer is the safest option. It will apply the correct configuration automatically.
</Callout>