Before creating VMs or containers, Proxmox needs installation media: ISO images for VMs and templates for LXC containers. Both live on a storage that allows those content types, usually local.
Before you start
- Access to the Proxmox web UI or shell.
- A storage with content types ISO image and Container template enabled (Datacenter → Storage → local → Edit).
Add a Proxmox ISO
Download from URL (recommended)
- Select the node → local → ISO Images.
- Click Download from URL, paste the official ISO link and click Query URL.
- Optionally paste the SHA256 checksum from the distribution's site to verify the file, then download.
Upload from your computer
Click Upload and choose the file. This is slower because it goes through your own internet connection.
From the shell
cd /var/lib/vz/template/iso && wget https://example.org/distro.isoDownload LXC templates
- Select local → CT Templates → Templates.
- Pick a template such as Debian or Ubuntu and click Download.
Or with the pveam tool:
pveam updatepveam available --section systempveam download local debian-12-standard_12.7-1_amd64.tar.zstUse the exact file name that pveam available shows, since versions change.
Tip: In a cluster, put ISOs on shared storage (such as an NFS share with ISO content) so every node can use them without copying.
Remove old images
Select the ISO or template and click Remove. Old releases waste space and tempt people to install outdated systems.
Troubleshooting
- No ISO Images entry: the storage does not have the ISO content type enabled.
- Upload fails on large files: use Download from URL or wget instead of the browser.
- pveam shows no templates: run
pveam updateand check outbound internet from the node.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use cloud images instead of ISOs?
Yes, cloud images with cloud-init make faster templates (cloud-init templates).
Where are ISOs stored on disk?
On local, in /var/lib/vz/template/iso.
Are Turnkey templates safe?
They are official Proxmox listings; update them after creation like any system.