Learn how to use the KVM console to access your VPS.
The KVM console for VPS available in your OVHcloud Control Panel allows you to open a connection to your VPS in your web browser, independent of additional connection software. KVM in this context stands for "keyboard, video, and mouse," referring to the emulated input/output method of the remote connection.
Note that the KVM console is not a workaround solution if you have lost access to the operating system of your VPS. You will need to use the VPS rescue mode to recover server access in that case.
Requirements
- A Virtual Private Server in your OVHcloud account
- Access to the OVHcloud Control Panel
Instructions
How to open the KVM console via the OVHcloud Control Panel
From the OVHcloud Control Panel, navigate to the Virtual private servers section via the Bare
Metal Cloud menu and select your VPS.
On the next screen, in the Your VPS panel, select the more options ... button to the right of "Name" and choose KVM.
How to open the KVM console via the OVHcloud API
If you are not familiar with the API, consult our guide on the basics of using the OVHcloud API.
To retrieve the KVM access URL, open this endpoint:
Enter the internal name of your VPS (vps-x11x11xyy.vps.ovh.us) in the field serviceName.
Click the button EXECUTE.
The access URL will be displayed in the section RESPONSE.
Using the KVM console
If you access the KVM from the OVHcloud Control Panel, it will open in a pop-up window. To use it in full-screen, click on the Open in a new window link in the bottom-right corner.
The KVM screen displayed depends on the operating system and the individual state of the VPS. If prompted, log in with the credentials of an active user account.
Alternatively, you can use a third-party software client to connect.
How to change the keyboard layout
The keyboard of the KVM console may have a different layout from your own. Before entering a password, type some characters to verify the layout, for example, with the help of this page.
You can enable your preferred keyboard configuration to make using the console more convenient. Enter the following command:
A graphical menu will open in which you can select a keyboard model.
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the option that comes closest to your hardware, then press press Enter.
In the next menu, choose your country.
In the third menu, you can specify your actual keyboard layout.
Depending on your selections, there may be further options showing up after the third menu.
Back at the command line, enter the following command to apply the changes:
This change will not persist if the server is rebooted.
Go further
For more information and tutorials, please see our other VPS support guides or explore the guides for other OVHcloud products and services.