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

# Order a virtual server

> Order a Gcore virtual server, review server statuses, and manage renewal after selecting a plan and completing payment.

[Gcore Hosting](https://hosting.gcore.com/billmgr) provides Virtual Private Servers across more than 30 data centers; after selecting a plan and completing payment, the server activates within 3 hours.

## Server order

The ordering flow has two stages: select a plan and data center, then configure the server and complete payment.

**1. Open the plan catalog**

In the left sidebar, navigate to **Products/Services** > **Virtual private servers**, then click **Order** in the toolbar.

![Virtual private servers list with the Order button highlighted in the toolbar](https://mintcdn.com/gcore/bP_M3iNvkCNJWoX1/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/order-a-virtual-server/order-a-virtual-server-image1.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=bP_M3iNvkCNJWoX1\&q=85\&s=67480e5032bfb8c4d129175bf0289b19)

**2. Select a data center and plan**

Use the **Data center** filter to select a location. Optionally, use the **Payment period** filter to narrow the list.

Each plan card shows hardware specs, included IPv4 and IPv6, bandwidth, and monthly price — the [plan overview](/hosting/virtual-servers/before-purchase/choose-a-virtual-server-for-your-needs) compares all configurations in detail. Click **Order** on the plan.

![Plan selection page showing plan cards with specs, price, and Order buttons](https://mintcdn.com/gcore/bP_M3iNvkCNJWoX1/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/order-a-virtual-server/order-a-virtual-server-image2.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=bP_M3iNvkCNJWoX1\&q=85\&s=fa2f846e4ff7550404413ee7f1ac5790)

**3. Configure the server**

On the configuration page, fill in the fields:

| Field | Description |
| - | - |
| **Domain name** | Enter a domain registered with a third-party provider — at least a second-level domain, max 63 characters per label, 255 characters total. Defaults to `example.com` when left blank; update it after ordering. |
| **Operating system** | Select an OS. Debian, FreeBSD, Ubuntu, and AlmaLinux are available on all plans at no extra cost. Windows Server is available on select plans at an additional charge. |
| **Public IPv4-address, pcs** | Use the slider to set the number of IPv4 addresses. The range depends on the plan (typically 1 to 3 or 1 to 10). |
| **IPv6 network** | Included at no extra cost and enabled by default. Uncheck to disable. |
| **Number of services available for order** | Set to more than one to order multiple identically configured servers in a single transaction. |
| **Payment period** (right column) | Select a billing period. A note shows the minimum order period and the equivalent daily charge. |

The included public IPv4 address is dedicated to the server — it is not shared with other customers and is not behind NAT or CGNAT. Inbound connections reach the server when the service is running and the firewall allows them.

![Order configuration form showing OS selection, IPv4 slider, IPv6 checkbox, payment period, and Pay button](https://mintcdn.com/gcore/bP_M3iNvkCNJWoX1/images/docs/hosting/virtual-servers/order-a-virtual-server/order-a-virtual-server-image3.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=bP_M3iNvkCNJWoX1\&q=85\&s=77feeb5c090415c22782c68df6526cb3)

**4. Complete the order**

Click **Pay** to proceed to payment immediately, or **To cart** to save the order and pay later from the cart.

After payment, the server status changes to **Activation in progress**. Activation takes between 15 minutes and 3 hours. Once complete, the status changes to **Active** and the server is ready to use.

## Server statuses

A newly ordered server can have the following statuses:

| Status | Meaning |
| - | - |
| Ordered | Payment is pending — add funds to the account balance and complete payment to proceed. |
| Activation in progress | Payment received. Provisioning is underway. |
| Active | The server is ready to use. |

If the server remains in **Activation in progress** for more than 3 hours, contact support via **Support** > **Support tickets** in the left sidebar.

## Renewal

After the initial paid period ends, the server switches to [daily billing](/hosting/payments/renew-your-server). The daily charge equals the monthly plan price divided by the number of days in that month.