---
title: "How to use the KVM console to access a VPS"
description: "Learn how to use the KVM console to access your VPS."
url: https://docs.us.ovhcloud.com/en/bare-metal-cloud/vps/using-kvm-for-vps
lang: en
---
> For AI agents: the complete documentation index is available at https://docs.us.ovhcloud.com/en/llms.txt, the full documentation bundle is available at https://docs.us.ovhcloud.com/en/llms-full.txt.

# How to use the KVM console to access a VPS

**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:**

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](https://docs.us.ovhcloud.com/en/bare-metal-cloud/dedicated-servers/replacing-user-password.md) in that case.

 

## Requirements

- A [Virtual Private Server](https://us.ovhcloud.com/vps/) in your OVHcloud account
- Access to the [OVHcloud Control Panel](https://manager.us.ovhcloud.com/)

 

## Instructions

### How to open the KVM console via the OVHcloud Control Panel

From the [OVHcloud Control Panel](https://manager.us.ovhcloud.com/), 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](https://docs.us.ovhcloud.com/en/manage-and-operate/api/first-steps.md).
To retrieve the KVM access URL, open this endpoint:

[POST /vps/{serviceName}/getConsoleUrl](https://api.us.ovhcloud.com/console/?section=/vps&branch=v1#post-/vps/-serviceName-/getConsoleUrl)

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

**Note:** 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_layout#Conventional_Latin-script_keyboard_layouts).

You can enable your preferred keyboard configuration to make using the console more convenient. Enter the following command:
```bash
sudo dpkg-reconfigure keyboard-configuration
```
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:
```bash
sudo systemctl restart keyboard-setup
```

**Note:** This change will not persist if the server is rebooted.

 

## Go further

Browse all the [Virtual Private Servers guides](https://docs.us.ovhcloud.com/en/bare-metal-cloud/vps/landing-page-vps.md).

Browse the rest of the [OVHcloud US documentation](https://docs.us.ovhcloud.com/en/index.md) for guides on our other products and services.

Learn more about [VPS](https://us.ovhcloud.com/vps/) on the OVHcloud US website.