Comprehensive Guide to Installing Proxmox VE 8

Linux
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Proxmox VE (Virtualization Environment) is a powerful open-source platform that combines virtualization and containerization capabilities. It offers a web-based interface to manage virtual machines and LXC containers, along with features like Ceph SDS, SDN, and HA clustering.

With rising virtualization costs, especially after recent changes impacting VMware products, many are seeking alternatives. Proxmox VE is a strong contender, providing a feature set comparable to VMware vSphere, but without licensing fees, and is suitable for both home and business environments. An optional enterprise subscription is available for those who need it.

This guide details how to install Proxmox VE 8 on your server, covering both the graphical UI and terminal UI installation methods.

Table of Contents

  1. Booting Proxmox VE 8 from a USB Thumb Drive
  2. Installing Proxmox VE 8 using Graphical UI
  3. Installing Proxmox VE 8 using Terminal UI
  4. Accessing Proxmox VE 8 Management UI from a Web Browser
  5. Enabling Proxmox VE Community Package Repositories
  6. Keeping Proxmox VE Up-to-date
  7. Conclusion

Booting Proxmox VE 8 from a USB Thumb Drive

First, download the Proxmox VE 8 ISO image and create a bootable USB drive.

Step 1: Power off your server.

Step 2: Insert the bootable USB drive into your server.

Step 3: Boot the server from the USB drive. You may need to press a specific key (e.g., F2, Del, F12) during startup to access the boot menu and select the USB drive. If you need guidance, consult your motherboard’s documentation.

Step 4: Once booted, the Proxmox VE GRUB menu will appear.

Installing Proxmox VE 8 using Graphical UI

Step 1: Select Install Proxmox VE (Graphical) from the GRUB menu.

Step 2: Click I agree on the initial installer screen to accept the terms.

Step 3: Configure the disk for Proxmox VE.

Configuring Disk Options

The Proxmox VE installer offers several disk configuration options:

  • A single disk for both the Proxmox VE installation and storing data.
  • A smaller, dedicated disk for the Proxmox VE installation, with separate storage pools for virtual machine data.
  • A ZFS or BTRFS RAID array for both the OS and data.

Configuring with ZFS RAID

Creating a ZFS RAID array during installation provides redundancy and can improve performance. Note that the number of disks required depends on the RAID level selected.

Step 1: In the disk selection screen, click on Options.

Step 2: From the Filesystem dropdown menu, select your desired ZFS RAID type.

Step 3: In the Disk Setup tab, use the Harddisk X dropdown menus to select the disks for the RAID. Choose – do not use – for any disks you don’t want to include.

Step 4: In the Advanced Options tab, configure ZFS filesystem parameters:

*   `ashift`: Set the ZFS block size. Use `12` (4KB) for SSDs and `9` (512 bytes) for HDDs.
*   `compress`: Enable or disable ZFS compression (`on` or `off`). When compression is `on`, the `lz4` algorithm is used.
*   `checksum`: Enable or disable ZFS checksums (`on` or `off`).
*   `copies`: Set the number of redundant data copies (1-3).
*   `ARC max size`: Set the maximum memory ZFS can use for the ARC.
*   `hdsize`: Limit the disk space used for the ZFS RAID (in GB), leaving the rest free.

Step 5: Click on OK when finished.

Step 6: Click Next.

Configuring with a Dedicated OS Disk

Using a small, dedicated SSD for the Proxmox VE installation, while storing VM and container data on a different disk, is a viable option.

Step 1: Select the SSD from the Target Harddisk dropdown menu.

Step 2: Click on Options.

Step 3: Set maxvz to 0 to disable virtual machine and container storage on the SSD.

Step 4: Click OK.

Step 5: Click Next.

Configuring with a Single Disk

Using a single SSD/HDD for both the Proxmox VE installation and storing virtual machine and container data can be done, especially for testing and home labs. It is not recommended for production environments.

Step 1: Select the SSD/HDD from the Target Harddisk dropdown menu.

Step 2: Click Next.

Step 3 (Optional): To customize the filesystem or partition sizes, click Options.

*   `Filesystem`: Choose between `ext4` and `xfs`.
*   `hdsize`: Specify the disk space (in GB) for Proxmox VE to use.
*   `swapsize`: Set the swap size (in GB).
*   `maxroot`: Set the maximum disk space for the Proxmox VE LVM root volume.
*   `minfree`: Define the minimum free space in the Proxmox VE LVM volume group for snapshots.
*   `maxvz`: Set the maximum disk space for virtual machine and container data.

Step 4: Click OK when finished.

Step 5: Click Next.

Completing the Installation

Step 1: Select your country, time zone, and keyboard layout.

Step 2: Click Next.

Step 3: Enter the root password and your email address.

Step 4: Click Next.

Step 5: Select the network interface for accessing the web UI and enter the hostname (FQDN) and IP configuration.

Step 6: Click Next.

Step 7: Review the installation overview. Click Install to begin or Previous to make changes.

Step 8: Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 9: The server will automatically reboot.

Step 10: After the reboot, the Proxmox VE command-line login prompt will appear, displaying the URL for the web-based management UI.

Installing Proxmox VE 8 using Terminal UI

For systems where the graphical installer is problematic, the terminal UI provides a functional alternative. The options are similar to the graphical installer.

Step 1: From the GRUB menu, select Install Proxmox VE (Terminal UI).

Step 2: Select <I agree> and press <Enter>.

Step 3: Select the target hard disk.

Step 4: For advanced options such as ZFS RAID setup, select <Advanced options> and press <Enter>.

Step 5: Configure the disk settings as needed.

Step 6: Select <Ok> and press <Enter>.

Step 7: Select <Next> and press <Enter>.

Step 8: Choose your country, timezone and keyboard layout.

Step 9: Select <Next> and press <Enter>.

Step 10: Enter the root password and email address.

Step 11: Select <Next> and press <Enter>.

Step 12: Configure the management network interface.

Step 13: Select <Next> and press <Enter>.

Step 14: Review the configuration, select <Install> and press <Enter>.

The installation will proceed, and the server will reboot upon completion.

Accessing Proxmox VE 8 Management UI from a Web Browser

Step 1: Open a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari).

Step 2: Enter the Proxmox VE access URL (e.g., https://192.168.0.105:8006).

Step 3: Because Proxmox VE uses a self-signed SSL certificate, the browser will display a warning. Click Advanced.

Step 4: Click Accept the Risk and Continue.

Step 5: Enter the username (root) and password.

Step 6: Click Login.

Step 7: A No valid subscription warning may appear. Click OK to dismiss it.

Enabling Proxmox VE Community Package Repositories

To use Proxmox VE for free and receive updates, disable the enterprise repository and enable the community repository. Instructions on how to do this can be found online.

Keeping Proxmox VE Up-to-date

Regularly check for and install updates to maintain performance, stability, and security. Instructions on how to do this can be found online.

This guide has covered the installation of Proxmox VE using both graphical and terminal interfaces, providing detailed instructions for various disk configurations, including ZFS RAID. With Proxmox VE installed, you can start deploying and managing your virtual machines and containers.