How to change OS from Debian to Ubuntu?

Since changing your OS replaces your filesystem there is no way of getting around backing up and restoring your files and databases as part of this process. You should not have to destroy your droplet though. Once you have completed your backups click on your droplet in the control panel, then on the Destroy tab. Click on the Rebuild sub-tab, select your new OS from the drop-down menu and click on Rebuild From Image and your droplet will be rebuilt in place with your new OS. You can then set up your configuration and upload your backed up files.

Personally I would not destroy your current droplet just yet.

I would create a new droplet with Ubuntu, using one of the prebuilt apps if you desire. Then set your sites up on the new droplet and once you are sure they are 100% done destroy your old droplet.

Whilst this will mean you will have to change the DNS, that is preferable than having extended downtime for your sites while you setup the new environment.

Hello all,

I personally believe that the safest way to do this is to follow these steps here:

• Spin up a new Droplet with the desired OS
• Install the necessary services (webserver, sql server, etc.)
• After that using rsync for example copy over your files and migrate your databases
• Then test your website and server fully to make sure that everything is working as expected
• Finally change your DNS to point to the new Droplet

Regards, Alex