---
title: "Install ISOs"
description: "Bare-metal ISO library in the Metalhost dashboard — upload or import install images, quota, and attach from console."
url: "https://metalhost.net/docs/dashboard/guides/bare-metal-isos"
---

# Install ISOs

Upload install images once, reuse across bare-metal leases. Access from *bare metal → ISO library*. Images are **shared across your org** — not per-project.

## What it's for

Proxmox, Windows Server, ESXi, or any Linux installer you can't get from the curated lease catalog. Required for **No OS — bring your own** leases; also usable on any lease via the instance *console* tab.

## Quota

Header shows ready count vs max (e.g. `2 / 5`) ready ISOs (default max **5**). `IMPORTING` and `FAILED` entries don't count toward the cap. At cap: delete an ISO before uploading another.

## Add an ISO

### Upload

**upload ISO** — file picker, `.iso` only. Progress appears in a floating card (bottom-left) if you navigate away.

### Import from URL

Paste an **HTTPS** URL and click **import**. Metalhost fetches server-side — no browser upload limit, but the URL must be reachable from the datacenter.

## ISO states

| State | UI |
| --- | --- |
| `IMPORTING` | Spinner + byte progress |
| `READY` | Size, upload date, delete button |
| `FAILED` | Error message; delete and retry |

> **delete breaks active installs**
>
> Deleting an ISO removes it from storage. A server currently installing from that image will lose the media.

## Attach from console

1. Open the lease → *console* (must be `active`).
2. **install media** → pick ISO → **attach**.
3. Wait for staging (large files can take ~1 minute).
4. **boot ISO** → run installer → **boot disk** when finished.

See [Bare metal lifecycle](https://metalhost.net/docs/dashboard/guides/bare-metal-lifecycle.md) for network settings during install.

## What's next

- [Lease bare metal](https://metalhost.net/docs/dashboard/guides/bare-metal-lease.md) — choose *No OS* for BYO path.
- [Bare metal overview](https://metalhost.net/docs/dashboard/guides/bare-metal.md)