# Installing the Alpha preview of project templates

> Guide for installing a preview version of Octopus Server with project templates

:::div{.warning}
Project templates are in Alpha. The feature is incomplete and standard SLAs do not apply. Don't use it for production workloads. It is available to Enterprise customers on Cloud. Self-hosted customers can access it as an early preview via Octopus 2026.2. We're actively developing this feature and would love your feedback.
:::

## License requirements

Project templates require an Octopus Enterprise license with the project templates entitlement. Contact <sales@octopus.com> to confirm your license includes access before proceeding.

## How to install Octopus Server 2026.2

Project templates are available to Cloud customers without any additional setup. Self-hosted customers can access project templates as an early preview by installing the latest Octopus Server 2026.2.

:::div{.warning}
You should only install a preview version of Octopus Server if you are comfortable adopting a feature before it's fully complete. Any issues or bugs you encounter with preview features may take longer to fix than normal. For other features, we provide the same level of support as for LTS versions. Contact <sales@octopus.com> with any questions about whether this approach is right for you.
:::

1. Download Octopus Server 2026.2.

   - If you are running Octopus on Windows, you can [download the installer](https://download.octopusdeploy.com/octopus/Octopus.2026.2.2311-x64.msi) directly.
   - If you are running Octopus on Linux, you can pull the Docker image. The preview version is `2026.2.2311-PublicPreview` — see the [Docker Hub page](https://hub.docker.com/repository/docker/octopusdeploy/octopusdeploy/tags/2026.2.2311-PublicPreview/sha256-b81bd5d752b22f25137306086a4ea76168e9a7e17f7d573116c509c6bfa23469) for the full image details.

1. After downloading, upgrade your Octopus instance using the [upgrading guide](/docs/administration/upgrading).

1. Navigate to **Platform Hub** and select **Project Templates** to get started.

:::div{.hint}
Users must have **PlatformHubEdit** and **PlatformHubView** permissions to access Platform Hub. These permissions can only be assigned to system teams. By default, system administrators and system managers have both permissions enabled.
:::