How to install Proxmox
I’ve been using virtualization since Windows Virtual PC, and I can’t imagine doing my job without it. For many years, VMware and Hyper-V have been my go-to platforms, but I have a new lover that I’ve been keeping hidden from you — Proxmox.
Proxmox has a lot to offer, and it’s becoming increasingly popular in home labs and businesses.
I absolutely enjoy it (and use it a lot), so I decided to write a series on it, as the documentation for Proxmox isn’t always up to its game.
We’ll begin by setting it up.
Before we begin
You can take Proxmox VE here – https://www.proxmox.com/en/downloads/category/iso-images-pve
At the time of writing, the current version is 6.3-1.
Choose between a torrent or a direct download and start downloading.
Proxmox is an Open-source project that you may use for free and with full functionality. However, if you work for a corporation and have the authority to make decisions, I recommend purchasing support for Proxmox. As a result, we are assisting the project in staying alive and moving forward in the future.
Installing on bare metal (server, desktop)
You can install Promox on bare-metal, whether on a server or a desktop computer. As a result, you’ll need to “burn” the iso to a USB stick (using Rufus on Windows) and choose “boot from USB drive” from the machine’s BIOS to begin installation (few steps forward into this guide)
Installing on VM
This lab will be run on a virtual computer. I’ll be using VMware Fusion, but you could also replicate to VMware Player, Workstation, or VirtualBox…
Prerequisites
Two core CPU, 8GB RAM, 20GB disk drive and one network card are the very minimum requirements for Proxmox.
Of course, if you want to test and practice with your Proxmox installation, it isn’t enough.
I’ll build a Proxmox VM with 8 CPU cores (at least 4 for you) and 32GB of RAM (make 16 your minimum) 2 120GB hard drives (also my minimum disk space need) and 2 network interfaces (NICs).
ProxInfo1 will be the name of my Proxmox installation, and it will include the following network settings:
NIC1 : 10.0.0.90
NIC2: for this guide – empty
Create a VM
Generate a new custom VM
Choose Linux – Debian (x64) | Continue
Choose Legacy BIOS (UEFI should also work) | Continue
Create a new virtual disk | Continue
Choose “Customize Settings” before tap on “Finish”
Save and name that machine ProxInfo1
Okay, the window will close, and you will be taken to a new screen where you may access the Settings. I won’t go over everything, just the main stuff.
I instantly disconnect. Select USB to connect to my Mac, not this VM, for printers, sound card, and USB to connect to my Mac.
If you want to install Proxmox on a virtual computer, this step is critical. Virtualization software must be supported by your virtualization program (and CPU). I chose Enable hypervisor program and specified 8 CPU cores, 32GB of RAM… Also, enable IOMMU…
Two network cards and two hard drives were also connected (each 120GB in size)
I chose downloaded Proxmox ISO image in CD/DVD
Last but not least, make your CD/DVD drive the VM’s initial boot device.
This is time to launch the machine
Proxmox installation
Thus far, if you’ve followed the steps successfully, you should see this screen.
Choose Install Proxmox VE
Read license agreement… | I agree
Install Proxmox on the first accessible disk | Next
Choose your country, time zone, and keyboard layout | Next
For your Proxmox installation, enter (and remember) a password. Make sure your password is strong and memorable. Please enter your email address (it will serve for informational, warning, error messages from your Proxmox install)
Next
Set a name for your Proxmox installation – mine will be Proxinfo1.local – and IP settings of 10.0.0.90/24, gateway 10.0.0.1, and DNS 8.8.8.8
Check your settings, then click Install if everything looks good.
Wait a minute…
After the operation is completed, the machine will reboot (make sure the CD/DVD drive or USB device is removed).
This is the next screen you’ll be presented with:
Go to a client workstation on the same network and type the IP address of your Proxmox installation into the browser.
https://10.0.0.90:8006
User: root
Password is the one you defined during setup…
If you don’t have a subscription, you’ll be notified | OK
Congratulations, the Proxmox virtualization platform has been installed.
Conclusion
That was all there was to it; the new hypervisor was up and running in no time.