Linux VPS

Install Proxmox VE on a dedicated server

Install Proxmox VE step by step: download the ISO, choose ZFS or LVM storage, set networking, log in to the web UI on port 8006, configure repositories and create your first VM.

IntermediateDedicated servers3 min read

Proxmox VE is a free, open-source virtualization platform based on Debian. It combines KVM virtual machines and LXC containers with a web interface, clustering, backups and storage management. This guide shows how to install Proxmox VE on a dedicated server or home lab machine.

Before you start

  • A 64-bit server with Intel VT-x or AMD-V enabled in firmware.
  • At least 8 GB RAM (more if you use ZFS), and ideally two disks for a mirror.
  • IPMI, KVM-over-IP or physical access to boot an ISO. Some dedicated server providers offer a Proxmox template instead.
  • A static IP, gateway and DNS details for the host.

Download and boot the installer

  1. Download the latest Proxmox VE ISO from the official Proxmox website and verify its checksum.
  2. Mount it through IPMI virtual media, or write it to a USB stick with a tool such as Rufus or dd.
  3. Boot the server from it and choose Install Proxmox VE (Graphical).

Install Proxmox VE

  1. Accept the licence and select the target disk. Click Options to choose the filesystem:
    • ext4/xfs on LVM-thin: simple and light on RAM.
    • ZFS RAID1: mirrors two disks with checksums and snapshots; plan roughly 1 GB of RAM per TB of storage plus a base amount.
  2. Set country, timezone and keyboard.
  3. Enter a strong root password and an admin email for alerts.
  4. Configure networking: management interface, an FQDN hostname such as pve1.example.com, the IP in CIDR form, gateway and DNS. The installer creates the bridge vmbr0 for VMs.
  5. Review the summary and install. Remove the media and reboot.

Log in to the web interface

Open https://your-server-ip:8006, accept the self-signed certificate, and log in as root with realm Linux PAM.

Set up repositories and update

Without a subscription, switch to the no-subscription repository: go to Datacenter → your node → Updates → Repositories, disable the enterprise repositories and add No-Subscription. Then update from the shell:

apt update && apt full-upgrade -y

Secure the host

  • Enable two-factor authentication under Datacenter → Permissions → Two Factor.
  • Restrict port 8006 and SSH to your IPs with the Proxmox firewall (Datacenter → Firewall) or an upstream firewall.
  • Use SSH keys; see the SSH lockdown checklist.

Create your first VM

  1. Upload an ISO under local → ISO Images → Upload.
  2. Click Create VM, give it a name, choose the ISO, then set disk (VirtIO SCSI), CPU type and memory.
  3. Under Network pick bridge vmbr0 and model VirtIO.
  4. Start the VM and open Console to install the OS.

Troubleshooting

  • "No support for KVM virtualization detected": enable VT-x/AMD-V in firmware.
  • Web UI unreachable: check /etc/network/interfaces and that pveproxy is running with systemctl status pveproxy.
  • apt update 401 error: the enterprise repo is still enabled without a subscription.

Frequently asked questions

Is Proxmox VE free?

Yes. Paid subscriptions add the enterprise repository and support, but all features work without one.

Can I install Proxmox on top of Debian?

Yes, Proxmox documents installing on an existing Debian release, useful when the provider does not offer ISO boot.

VMs or LXC containers in Proxmox?

Use VMs for Windows, custom kernels and isolation; LXC for lightweight Linux services. See containers vs VMs.

Next steps

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