Install Proxmox VE from Scratch | Official Step-by-Step Guide

August 10, 2026 by dinesh

This complete guide shows how to install Proxmox VE from scratch on bare metal hardware. Follow each step below with the official Proxmox installer screens.

What You Need Before Starting

64-bit server with Intel VT-x or AMD-V enabled
8 GB+ RAM (16 GB+ recommended)
Proxmox VE ISO from proxmox.com/downloads
USB flash drive (8 GB+) — create boot media with Rufus or balenaEtcher
Network cable connected to your management LAN

Prepare Bootable USB Media

Download the latest Proxmox VE ISO, flash it to USB, and boot your server from the USB drive. Enable USB boot in BIOS/UEFI if needed.

# Linux example
sudo dd if=proxmox-ve_*.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=1M status=progress

Step 1: Boot from USB and Select Graphical Install

Insert your Proxmox VE USB installer and boot the server. Select Install Proxmox VE (Graphical) from the boot menu.

Proxmox VE boot menu - Install Proxmox VE Graphical — Step 1: Proxmox VE boot menu

Step 2: Accept EULA and Select Target Disk

Read the EULA, then choose the target hard disk. Use Options to pick ext4, XFS, or ZFS. All data on the selected disk will be erased.

Proxmox installer select target disk and filesystem — Step 2: Select target disk and filesystem

Step 3: Set Country, Timezone, and Keyboard

Configure your location, timezone, and keyboard layout. The installer usually auto-detects these settings.

Proxmox installer country timezone keyboard settings — Step 3: Country, timezone, and keyboard

Step 4: Set Root Password and Email

Create a strong root password (minimum 8 characters; 12+ recommended). Enter an admin email for system notifications and alerts.

Proxmox installer root password and email — Step 4: Root password and admin email

Step 5: Configure Management Network

Select the network interface for Proxmox management. Set a static IPv4 address, gateway, and DNS. Note: only IPv4 OR IPv6 during install.

Proxmox installer network configuration management interface — Step 5: Network configuration

Step 6: Review Summary

Verify disk, network, password, and timezone settings on the summary screen. Click Previous to change any setting.

Proxmox installer configuration summary before install — Step 6: Review installation summary

Step 7: Install Proxmox VE

Click Install. The installer formats disks and copies packages. Remove the USB drive when prompted and reboot.

Proxmox VE installation in progress copying packages — Step 7: Installation in progress

Step 8: Access the Proxmox Web Interface

Open https://YOUR-SERVER-IP:8006 in your browser. Log in with username root (realm PAM) and your password.

Proxmox VE web interface login window port 8006 — Step 8: First login to Proxmox web interface

Post-Installation Checklist

Run updates: apt update && apt dist-upgrade
Verify version: pveversion -v
Configure storage and upload ISO images
Create your first VM or LXC container
Set up backup jobs to NAS or Proxmox Backup Server

Troubleshooting

Installer does not start (black screen)

Try Install Proxmox VE (Terminal UI) or add the nomodeset kernel parameter from the boot menu.

Installation failed

Press Ctrl + Alt + F2 during install to view error logs on the second TTY.

Conclusion

You have successfully learned how to install Proxmox VE from scratch on bare metal. Your server is ready for virtual machines, LXC containers, and cluster expansion.

Image credits: Installer and GUI screenshots are from the official

Proxmox VE documentation (Proxmox GmbH), used for educational purposes in this tutorial.