A server node initially running an original operating system fetches an installation image of an operating system comprising a new root file system for the server node. The server node mounts the installation image into a temporary file storage. The server node changes a root file system of the server node to the new root file system and maintain the root file system as an old root file system. The server node installs new firmware for hardware components of the server node. The server node installs the operating system. The installation of the operating system includes a mount of a root drive at a directory for the installation. The installation of the operating system also includes an extraction of the new root file system into the directory. The server node boots to the operating system with a new kernel replacing the original operating system.