
How to install Proxmox Virtualization Environment

Overview
Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) is a comprehensive open-source platform for enterprise virtualization. With the power of Debian Linux at its core, Proxmox VE is designed for ease of use and flexibility, allowing users to deploy and manage virtual machines and containers efficiently. It integrates KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) for virtual machines and LXC (Linux Containers) for container-based virtualization, providing a robust and scalable solution for managing virtual data center infrastructure.
Proxmox not only facilitates the central management of resources, virtual networks, and storage but also provides high-availability clusters, integrated backup tools, and a built-in firewall to secure your virtualized environments. Proxmox VE’s web-based management interface ensures that you can handle all administrative tasks comfortably from any location, simplifying the complex management of multiple virtual machines and containers.
Installing Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your infrastructure’s virtualization capabilities. This guide has provided a step-by-step overview, but for a deeper dive into customization options, best practices, and advanced features, feel free to check out their documentation for more information.
Minimum Requirements
To install Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE), ensure your hardware meets the following minimum requirements:
- A 64-bit processor with support for the Intel VT or AMD-V virtualization extensions.
- At least 2 GB RAM, but 4 GB or more is recommended for production systems.
- Minimum 16 GB of disk space for the OS and system data, additional space needed for VMs and containers.
- A network interface card.
Steps to Install Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE)
If you’re migrating from another virtualization platform, check out my guide on migrating from VirtualBox to Proxmox.
Download Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) ISO
Creating a Bootable USB Drive with Rufus
Before we begin, we need to create a bootable USB drive for the new system. I will be using Rufus, but feel free to utilize any alternative software.
- Once Rufus is installed go ahead and run the application.
- In the device selection, select the USB you wish to use. Please keep in mind that this process will wipe ALL data on the drive.
- In the boot selection select the Proxmox iso you just downloaded.
- Confirm the settings and click ‘Start’.
- This process may take a few minutes so be patient.

- Once completed, we can safely eject the USB and get ready to install Proxmox.
Booting from the USB Drive
- Now that we have a bootable USB, plug that into the machine and power it on.
- Access the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, Del, or Esc during startup) and configure the boot order to boot from the USB drive.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. The computer should boot from the USB and display the Proxmox VE Installer welcome screen.

Installation Process
- From the welcome screen, choose “Install Proxmox VE (Graphical)”.
- Accept the End User License Agreement (EULA).
- You should then be directed to the partition screen. Choose the appropriate target disk, review the settings to ensure they are correct, and then proceed by clicking “Next”.

- Following that, you’ll arrive at the Location and Time Zone screen. Input the necessary details here and select “Next” to move forward.

- On reaching the Administration Password and Email Address screen, enter all the required information and then click “Next” to proceed.

- Next, you’ll proceed to the Network Configuration screen. Configure the network settings as necessary, ensuring that if you’re operating an Active Directory Domain, your Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) includes the domain name. Once done, select “Next” to continue.

- Finally, you’ll arrive at a summary page that outlines all your selected installation settings. Take a moment to confirm that everything is accurate. If you’re satisfied with the configuration, click “Install” to begin the installation process. The installation will take some time, and the system will reboot once it’s finished

- Once the system has rebooted, open a web browser and navigate to the Proxmox VE management interface by entering the IP address you set up during the installation process, followed by
:8006
, which is the default port used by Proxmox. The full URL will look something likehttp://<ip_address>:8006
. - Once you access proxmox web server through a browser, you should be greeted by a proxmox login screen. Enter
root
for the username and use the password you set during the installation process.

- Once logged in, you are all set to begin creating virtual machines (VMs) using Proxmox. You can now leverage Proxmox’s powerful features to manage and scale your virtualized infrastructure efficiently.

This guide covers how to install Proxmox onto your hardware of choice. If you found this guide helpful or have feedback, comment below.
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