How to use boot modes on Instances

Reviewed on December 18, 2025

You can boot your Instances using local boot or a rescue image. This page explains how to use each of these boot modes.

Before you start

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Scaleway account logged into the console
• Owner status or IAM permissions allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
• An SSH key
• An Instance

How to use local boot

Local boot allows you to start your Instance with a local configuration and a specific kernel version. This is the default option. You only need to follow these instructions to revert to local boot after using a different boot mode.

1. Click CPU & GPU Instances in the Compute section of the side menu. The Instances page displays.

2. Select the Availability Zone (AZ) from the drop-down menu (e.g., PAR1) to view resources in the selected AZ.

3. Click the Instance you wish to start with a local boot.

4. Use the toggle toggle icon in the top right corner of the screen to power off your Instance.

5. Click the Advanced settings tab.

6. In the Boot mode section, select Use local boot.

7. Click Save.

8. Use the toggle toggle icon in the top right corner of the screen to power on your Instance.

   Your Instance starts using local boot.

How to use rescue mode

Rescue mode restarts your Instance via the network on a minimal operating system. You can use rescue mode to debug your Instance and recover your system data.

1. Click CPU & GPU Instances in the Compute section of the side menu. The Instances page displays.

2. Select the Availability Zone (AZ) from the drop-down menu (e.g., PAR1) to view resources in the selected AZ.

3. Click the Instance you wish to boot into rescue mode.

4. Use the toggle toggle icon in the top right corner of the screen to power off your Instance.

5. Click the Advanced settings tab.

6. In the Boot mode section, select Use rescue image.

7. Click Save.

8. Use the toggle toggle icon in the top right corner of the screen to power on your Instance.

   Your Instance starts in rescue mode.

How to change the boot volume

The boot-on-block feature allows Instances to boot from attached Block Storage volumes instead of local volumes. When creating an Instance, you can select Block Storage as a boot volume.

Once the Instance is created, you can select a different volume to boot from.

1. Click CPU & GPU Instances in the Compute section of the side menu. The Instances page displays.
2. Select the Availability Zone (AZ) from the drop-down menu (e.g., PAR1) to view resources in the selected AZ.
3. Click the Instance you wish to change the boot volume for.
4. Click the Advanced settings tab.
5. Go to the Boot volume section.
6. Select a volume in the drop-down.
7. Click Save and reboot now to reboot instantly. Alternatively, click Save and reboot later.
   Important

   If you have two or more volumes with identical operating systems, or a volume with no operating system, choosing one of these as your boot volume may cause unpredictable boot behavior.

How to use cloud-init

Please refer to our dedicated documentation: How to use cloud-init with Scaleway Instances.