Back to all templates
GitHub Runner logo

GitHub Runner

Development2048MB+ RAM

Self-hosted GitHub Actions runner for CI/CD pipelines

ci-cdgithubrunneractionsdevops

Deploy GitHub Runner in 3 Steps

1

Connect Your VPS

Add your server credentials to Server Compass

2

Select GitHub Runner

Choose from our template library

3

Deploy & Configure

Fill in settings and click Deploy

No Docker knowledge required

Why Self-Host GitHub Runner?

Self-hosted GitHub Actions runners give you full control over your CI/CD compute — custom hardware, pre-installed dependencies, and access to private network resources. No more waiting in shared runner queues or worrying about GitHub's usage limits.

No GitHub Actions minutes limits — run unlimited builds
Custom hardware — use GPUs, ARM, or high-memory servers
Access private network resources during builds
Pre-installed dependencies for faster build times
Full control over the build environment and caching

GitHub Runner vs Alternatives

GitHub Runner vs GitHub-hosted runners

GitHub runners have usage limits and run on shared hardware. Self-hosted runners offer unlimited builds on your own infrastructure.

GitHub Runner vs GitLab Runner

GitLab Runner requires GitLab. GitHub Runner works with GitHub Actions, the most popular CI/CD platform.

GitHub Runner vs Jenkins

Jenkins is a full CI/CD server. GitHub Runner integrates natively with GitHub Actions without managing a separate system.

Why Deploy GitHub Runner with Server Compass?

Server Compass deploys the GitHub Actions runner container with persistent work directories. Configure your runner token and it automatically registers with your repository or organization.

Download Server Compass

After Deployment

After deploying GitHub Runner with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup

1

Configure runner token from GitHub repo/org settings

2

Verify runner appears in GitHub

3

Create workflows targeting self-hosted runner

Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.

GitHub Runner FAQ

Common questions about self-hosting GitHub Runner

How do I deploy GitHub Runner with Server Compass?

Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select GitHub Runner from the templates list. Fill in the required configuration and click Deploy. The entire process takes under 3 minutes.

What are the system requirements for GitHub Runner?

GitHub Runner requires a minimum of 2048MB RAM. We recommend a VPS with at least 4096MB RAM for optimal performance. Any modern Linux server with Docker support will work.

Can I migrate my existing GitHub Runner data?

Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard GitHub Runner backup and restore procedures.

How do I update GitHub Runner to the latest version?

Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest GitHub Runner image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.

Is GitHub Runner free to self-host?

GitHub Runner is open-source software. You only pay for your VPS hosting (typically $5-20/month) and optionally Server Compass ($29 one-time). No subscription fees or per-seat pricing.

Ready to Self-Host GitHub Runner?

Download Server Compass and deploy GitHub Runner to your VPS in under 3 minutes. No Docker expertise required.

Download Server Compass