# Set Up Block Storage
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.
## Add Storage to a Server or a Cube
1. Drag a storage element ([HDD](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#hdd) or [SSD](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#ssd)) 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 **Unnamed HDD 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 %}
## Configure Storage
1. **Name**: Enter a name that is unique within your VDC.
2. **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**: 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. ***(Optional)*** **Image:** Choose from available IONOS Cloud offered images, IONOS Cloud offered [Linux Images](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/backup-and-storage/images-snapshots/public-images/rhel-images), [Microsoft Images](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/backup-and-storage/images-snapshots/public-images/microsoft-sql-server-images), or upload your own. If you do not select an image, you can create an empty storage volume.
## 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 by clicking on **BOOT** or **Make Boot Device**.
### Alternative mode
1. **Storage**: When adding a storage element using the Inspector, select the appropriate check box in the **Add Storage** dialog box. If you want to start from the network, set this on the server: **Server** in the Workspace > **Inspector** > **Storage**.
2. **VirtIO Driver**: It is recommended to always use [VirtIO](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/backup-and-storage/block-storage/how-tos/install-windows-virtio-drivers) 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.
3. **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.
4. ***(Optional)*** Add and configure further storage elements.
5. ***(Optional)*** Make further changes to your data center.
6. Provision your changes.
{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The storage device is now provisioned and configured according to your settings.
{% endhint %}
## 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.
3. Provision your changes.
{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The server is available according to your settings.
{% endhint %}
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