> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.verge.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.verge.io/learn-the-platform/module-3-installation/03-installation.md).

# Overview

Bare-metal preparation, VergeOS installation walkthrough, and post-install verification for production deployments.

## Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

* **Prepare bare-metal hardware** for VergeOS installation (BIOS settings, disk controllers, networking)
* **Perform a complete 2-node VergeOS installation** from USB boot media
* **Complete the post-installation verification checklist** to confirm a healthy system
* **Troubleshoot common installation issues** and know when to escalate

## Prerequisites

* Completion of [Module 1: Architecture Fundamentals](/learn-the-platform/module-1-architecture-fundamentals/01-architecture.md) -- understanding of node roles, core fabric, and cluster concepts
* Completion of [Module 2: Sizing & Design](/learn-the-platform/module-2-sizing-and-design/02-sizing-design.md) -- hardware has been selected and scoped

## Estimated Time

**2.5 hours** (1 hour reading + 1.5 hours lab)

## Topics

* [**Pre-Installation Checklist**](/learn-the-platform/module-3-installation/01-pre-installation.md) — BIOS configuration, disk controller modes, network interface identification, and boot media preparation.
* [**Controller Installation**](/learn-the-platform/module-3-installation/02-controller-installation.md) — Step-by-step installation of Node 1 (controller) and Node 2 (controller), including network configuration and cluster formation.
* [**Adding Nodes**](/learn-the-platform/module-3-installation/03-adding-nodes.md) — Scale-out nodes, storage-only nodes, and compute-only nodes. Expanding your cluster beyond the initial 2-node deployment.
* [**Post-Install Verification**](/learn-the-platform/module-3-installation/04-post-install-verification.md) — Dashboard health checks, vSAN verification, network connectivity, initial configuration, and final deployment testing.
* [**Lab: 2-Node Installation**](/learn-the-platform/module-3-installation/lab.md) — Perform a complete VergeOS installation on a 2-node cluster using the Terraform playground or physical hardware.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.verge.io/learn-the-platform/module-3-installation/03-installation.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.