> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getgranite.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# GCP Managed Instance Groups

> Set up cloud-managed driver VMs on Google Cloud

## What is GCP MIG?

A Managed Instance Group (MIG) automatically manages a pool of identical VMs. Granite uses MIG to:

* Auto-scale based on demand
* Replace unhealthy instances
* Provide consistent VM configuration

## Setup Overview

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Installation VM">
    A temporary VM for initial setup
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure the VM">
    Install driver and required software
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Machine Image">
    Snapshot the configured VM
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create MIG">
    Auto-managed pool from the image
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Creating an Installation VM

From the dashboard:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Settings">
    Navigate to **Settings** in the sidebar
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Create Installation VM">
    In the VM section, click **Create Installation VM**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Machine Type">
    Choose Small, Medium, or Heavy based on your needs
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for Provisioning">
    Takes 5-10 minutes to create and configure
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Configuring the Installation VM

Once the VM is ready:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect via VNC">
    The dashboard shows a VNC viewer to access the VM
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install Required Software">
    Install any applications your automations need:

    * Microsoft Office
    * Custom applications
    * Browser extensions
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Settings">
    * Set screen resolution
    * Configure application defaults
    * Disable unnecessary services
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test the Driver">
    Run a test automation to verify everything works
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Finalizing the Setup

When configuration is complete:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Finalize">
    In the VM section, click **Finalize Installation**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Machine Image">
    Granite snapshots your configured VM
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create MIG">
    A managed instance group is created from the image
  </Step>

  <Step title="VMs Start">
    Instances spin up automatically
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Managing MIG Instances

After setup, manage instances from **Driver Management**:

| Action         | Description                 |
| -------------- | --------------------------- |
| **Scale Up**   | Add more instances          |
| **Scale Down** | Remove instances            |
| **Sync**       | Refresh from GCP            |
| **Suspend**    | Pause instances             |
| **Resume**     | Restart suspended instances |

## Costs

MIG instances incur GCP compute charges:

| Type   | Approx. Cost/Hour |
| ------ | ----------------- |
| Small  | \~\$0.05          |
| Medium | \~\$0.10          |
| Heavy  | \~\$0.20          |

<Tip>
  Suspend instances when not in use to reduce costs.
</Tip>

## Updating the MIG

To update software on all instances:

1. Create a new installation VM
2. Make changes
3. Finalize to create new image
4. Update MIG to use new template

Existing instances are gradually replaced.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Installation VM won't start">
    * Check GCP quota limits
    * Verify billing is enabled
    * Contact support
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="VNC won't connect">
    * Wait for VM to fully boot
    * Refresh the page
    * Check browser console for errors
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="MIG instances not appearing">
    * Click Sync to refresh from GCP
    * Check GCP console for errors
    * Verify instance template exists
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Driver Management" icon="server" href="/dashboard/driver-management">
    Monitor your VMs
  </Card>

  <Card title="Local Setup" icon="computer" href="/vm-management/local-sandbox-setup">
    Alternative: local VMs
  </Card>
</CardGroup>