---
title: How to use boot modes on Instances
description: This page explains how to use boot modes for Scaleway Instances.
tags: boot-mode boot mode boot instance
dates:
  validation: 2025-12-18
  posted: 2021-05-26
---
import Requirements from '@macros/iam/requirements.mdx'


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

<Message type="tip">
  - You can choose to use **cloud-init** when [creating an Instance](/instances/how-to/create-an-instance/) via **Advanced settings**. This enables you to control the mode of the Instance's very first boot.
  - Your Instance must be [powered off](/instances/how-to/power-off-instance/) in order to change its boot mode.
</Message>


<Requirements />

- A Scaleway account logged into the [console](https://console.scaleway.com)
- [Owner](/iam/concepts/#owner) status or [IAM permissions](/iam/concepts/#permission) allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
- An [SSH key](/organizations-and-projects/how-to/create-ssh-key/)
- An [Instance](/instances/how-to/create-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](https://console.scaleway.com/instance/servers) 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 <Icon name="toggle" /> 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 <Icon name="toggle" /> 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](https://console.scaleway.com/instance/servers) 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 <Icon name="toggle" /> 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 <Icon name="toggle" /> 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](/instances/concepts/#boot-on-block) feature allows Instances to boot from attached [Block Storage](/instances/concepts/#block-volumes) volumes instead of local volumes. When [creating an Instance](/instances/how-to/create-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](https://console.scaleway.com/instance/servers) 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**.
    <Message type="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.
    </Message>

## How to use cloud-init

Refer to our dedicated documentation: [How to use cloud-init with Scaleway Instances](/instances/how-to/use-cloud-init).