> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.i3d.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.i3d.net/compute/flexvm/creating-and-deleting-a-vm.md).

# Creating and Deleting a VM

## Create a VM via the API

Use the `POST /v3/flexVM/clouds/{cloudUuid}/vms` endpoint with a JSON body.

**Example request:**

```http
POST /v3/flexVM/clouds/{cloudUuid}/vms
Host: api.i3d.net
PRIVATE-TOKEN: YOUR_API_KEY
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "description": "DB1 VM",
  "image_name": "ubuntu-2404-server-amd64",
  "instance_type_name": "vm.gpu.1rtx4000.30c.240g",
  "name": "development.ubuntu-2404",
  "ssh_keys": [
    "ecdsa-sha2-nistp256 AAAAE2VjZHNhLXNoYTItbmlzdHAyNTuRa6Gtysdg2EF+SIXheVFVpHJrKYs4kWfNoHQg8ZG6PH4= ecdsa-key-20240131"
  ],
  "tags": [
    "project:odyssey",
    "env:build"
  ]
}
```

{% hint style="info" %}
Response (201 Created) returns the VM object, including its `vmUuid` and initial status (`provisioning`). The VM transitions through `provisioning` → `starting` → `running`. You can monitor its status using the GET VM endpoint.
{% endhint %}

## Configuring access and first boot

The example above uses `ssh_keys`, which is the shortest path to a reachable Linux VM: FlexVM installs the keys on the default user for you.

Instead of `ssh_keys` you can pass a `user_data` object, which is processed by cloud-init on the VM's first boot. Use it to create your own users, install packages, write files, or run a provisioning script — on Linux as well as Windows. `ssh_keys` and `user_data` cannot be combined, and providing `user_data` makes you responsible for configuring access. See [Cloud-init user-data](/compute/flexvm/cloud-init-user-data.md).

## Create a VM with Terraform

You can also create a VM with the i3D.net Terraform provider — see [Using Terraform](/compute/flexvm/using-terraform.md).

## Deleting a VM

Use the `DELETE /v3/flexVM/clouds/{cloudUuid}/vms/{vmUuid}` endpoint. No request body is required.

**Example request:**

```http
DELETE /v3/flexVM/clouds/{cloudUuid}/vms/{vmUuid}
Host: api.i3d.net
PRIVATE-TOKEN: YOUR_API_KEY
```

{% hint style="danger" %}
The VM's local LVM disk and NVMe passthrough disk are immediately wiped.
{% endhint %}


---

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