diff --git a/scripts/bootstrap-vps-debian12.sh b/scripts/bootstrap-vps-debian12.sh
index c7be7fc..d7fff94 100644
--- a/scripts/bootstrap-vps-debian12.sh
+++ b/scripts/bootstrap-vps-debian12.sh
@@ -50,7 +50,9 @@ cat << EOF
 
 EOF
 
-apt install -y --no-install-recommends openssh-client openssh-server sudo
+# avoid --no-install-recommends for basic programs
+#   like wget, sudo, and openssh
+apt install -y openssh-client openssh-server sudo
 err=$?
 
 if [ $err -ne 0 ]; then