> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/backup-and-storage/block-storage/how-tos/set-up-block-storage.md).
# Set Up Block Storage
How to add, configure, and provision IONOS CLOUD Block Storage volumes for servers and Cubes, including authentication, CD-ROM drives, and live vertical scaling.
Storage space can be added to your [Virtual Machine (VM)](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#virtual-machine-vm) by using storage elements in your [Virtual Data Center (VDC)](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#virtual-data-center-vdc). Storage name, availability zone, size, OS image, and start options are configurable for each element.
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
## Add storage to a server or a cube
1\. Drag the **Storage** element from the **Palette** onto a **Server** or a **Cube** in the Workspace to connect them together. The highlighted VM will expand with a storage section.
2\. Click the **Storage** to highlight the storage section. You can now see new options in the **Inspector** on the right.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** You cannot change the storage type after provisioning.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
## Configure storage
1\. **Name:** Enter a name that is unique within your VDC.
2\. **Availability Zone:** Select a zone in which you want the storage device to be maintained. When you select A (Auto), the system assigns the optimal Zone. The [Availability Zone](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#availability-zone) cannot be changed after [provisioning](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#provisioning).
3\. **Size in GB:** Specify the required storage capacity. The size can be increased after provisioning, even while the [server](#add-storage-to-a-server-or-a-cube) is running, if this is supported by its operating system. Reducing the storage size after provisioning is impossible.
4\. **Performance:** From the drop-down list, select the performance class: **Essential**, **Balanced**, or **Performance**. For information on which storage type to choose, see [Storage Performance](/cloud/backup-and-storage/block-storage/overview/storage-performance.md).
5\. ***(Optional)*** **Image:** Choose from available space.vars.ionos\_cloud offered images, space.vars.ionos\_cloud offered [Linux Images](/cloud/backup-and-storage/images-snapshots/public-images/rhel-images.md), [Microsoft Images](/cloud/backup-and-storage/images-snapshots/public-images/microsoft-sql-server-images.md), or upload your own. If you do not select an image, you can create an empty storage volume.
6\. **Boot from Device:** Select this option to designate the storage volume as the start device for the server. When enabled, choose a **Bus Type** from the drop-down list: **VirtIO** (recommended for full InfiniBand performance) or **IDE** (for troubleshooting when the operating system has no VirtIO drivers installed).
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
## Authentication
1\. **Password:** Set the root or administrator password for your server according to the guidelines. This is recommended for both operating system types.
2\. **SSH Keys:** Select an [SSH key](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#secure-shell-ssh-keys) stored in the SSH Key Manager.
3\. **Ad-hoc SSH Keys:** Copy and paste the public part of your SSH key into this field.
4\. **Storage Volume:** Select the storage volume from which the server is to start, and use the action that marks it as the start device.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
## Provision your changes
1\. ***(Optional)*** Add and configure further storage elements.
2\. ***(Optional)*** Make further changes to your data center.
3\. Provision your changes.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The storage device is now provisioned and configured according to your settings.
{% endhint %}
## Alternative mode to add a storage
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
## Add storage to a server
1\. Drag the **Dedicated Core** or **vCPU Server** element from the **Palette** into the Workspace.
2\. In the **Inspector** pane on the right, configure the **Storage**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
## Configure storage
* **VirtIO Driver:** It is recommended to always use [VirtIO](/cloud/backup-and-storage/block-storage/how-tos/install-windows-virtio-drivers.md) to benefit from the full performance of InfiniBand. **IDE** is intended for troubleshooting if, for instance, the operating system has no VirtIO drivers installed. In this case, Windows usually displays a "blue screen" when starting.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
## Add a CD-ROM drive
To assign an image and specify a startup device, you must add and configure a storage element.
1\. **CD-ROM:** Click on CD-ROM to add a CD-ROM drive so that you can use ISO images to install and configure an operating system from scratch.
2\. **Network:** Set up a network by connecting the server to other elements, such as an internet access element or other servers through their NICs.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
## Provision your changes
1\. ***(Optional)*** Make further changes to your data center.
2\. ***(Optional)*** Add and configure further storage elements.
3\. Provision your changes.
{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The storage device is now provisioned and configured according to your settings.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
## Next steps: Live vertical scaling
After provisioning, the [Live Vertical Scaling](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#live-vertical-scaling) properties of the selected image are displayed. You can make changes to these properties later, which will require a restart. You can set the properties of your uploaded images before you apply them to storage volumes in the Image Manager.
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