diff --git a/docs/install/index.md b/docs/install/index.md
index f9da04d71aa..285324ed6b7 100644
--- a/docs/install/index.md
+++ b/docs/install/index.md
@@ -27,6 +27,10 @@ On Windows, we strongly recommend running OpenClaw under [WSL2](https://learn.mi
 The **installer script** is the recommended way to install OpenClaw. It handles Node detection, installation, and onboarding in one step.
 </Tip>
 
+<Warning>
+For VPS/cloud hosts, avoid third-party "1-click" marketplace images when possible. Prefer a clean base OS image (for example Ubuntu LTS), then install OpenClaw yourself with the installer script.
+</Warning>
+
 <AccordionGroup>
   <Accordion title="Installer script" icon="rocket" defaultOpen>
     Downloads the CLI, installs it globally via npm, and launches the onboarding wizard.
diff --git a/docs/platforms/digitalocean.md b/docs/platforms/digitalocean.md
index 7a92ad68844..17012388b24 100644
--- a/docs/platforms/digitalocean.md
+++ b/docs/platforms/digitalocean.md
@@ -40,6 +40,10 @@ If you want a $0/month option and don’t mind ARM + provider-specific setup, se
 
 ## 1) Create a Droplet
 
+<Warning>
+Use a clean base image (Ubuntu 24.04 LTS). Avoid third-party Marketplace 1-click images unless you have reviewed their startup scripts and firewall defaults.
+</Warning>
+
 1. Log into [DigitalOcean](https://cloud.digitalocean.com/)
 2. Click **Create → Droplets**
 3. Choose: