> 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/compute-services/compute-engine/confidential-computing-vm/how-tos/start-confidential-vm-dcd.md).

# Start a Confidential VM

Start a stopped Confidential VM using the IONOS CLOUD DCD. Starting the VM runs the full hardware-enforced boot sequence and generates a new memory encryption key.

Starting a Confidential VM powers on the instance and runs the full AMD SEV-SNP hardware-enforced startup sequence. A new memory encryption key is generated by the CPU on each start. If attestation is configured, the `initrd` contacts the attestation service during startup to obtain the disk-unlock key.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Starting a Confidential VM takes slightly longer than a standard server start due to the hardware-enforced attestation flow.
{% endhint %}

To start a Confidential VM, follow these steps:

1\. In the **DCD**, go to **Menu** > **Virtual Data Centers**.

2\. Select the data center where the Confidential VM is configured.

3\. Select the respective Confidential VM in the Workspace.

4\. In the Inspector pane, select **Power** > **Start**. Optionally, you can also right-click on the VM and choose **Power** > **Start**.

![Start a Confidential VM from the Workspace or the Inspector Pane](https://1737632334-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MifAzdGvKLDTtvJP8sm%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8d1d7ff9d9d1524116d2df3c0a9017fc4d564637%2Fstart-confidential-vm.png?alt=media)

5\. Select **Apply START** in the **Power State** dialog.

6\. Select **PROVISION CHANGES**.

7\. In the **Provision Data Center** dialog, select **Confirm**.

8\. In the **Confirm Starting and Stopping of Servers** dialog, enter your **Password**, and select **OK**. The password prompt may not appear if you have already specified your password and selected the check box to not ask the password for the next 60 minutes.

9\. Select **Provision Now**.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The DCD displays a **Provisioning Complete** notification once the Confidential VM powers on. Memory encryption is active from startup. If you enabled a public IP address, the system assigns the address and resumes billing.
{% endhint %}


---

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