Install Proxmox

This task turns the old PC into a Proxmox server you can manage from a browser. Installing Proxmox erases the selected drive.

Make the installer

1. Download the current Proxmox VE 9 ISO Installer from Proxmox Downloads.
2. Install balenaEtcher on your everyday computer.
3. Insert the USB stick and open Etcher.
4. Choose Flash from file, select the Proxmox ISO, choose the USB stick, then select Flash.
5. When validation finishes, eject the USB stick and put it in the server.

Install Proxmox

Boot the server from the USB stick and choose Install Proxmox VE (Graphical). Follow the installer:

1. Accept the license and select the drive to erase.
2. Set your country, time zone, and keyboard layout.
3. Set a strong root password and enter your email address.
4. On Management Network Configuration, select the wired network interface and enter:
   • Hostname: pve.home.arpa
   • IP Address: an unused address on your home network, such as 192.168.1.100/24
   • Gateway: your router’s address, often 192.168.1.1
   • DNS Server: your router’s address
5. Review the summary, install, remove the USB stick, and reboot.

Choose an address outside your router’s automatic DHCP range, or reserve it in the router first. This keeps the Proxmox address from changing.

USB does not boot

Open the PC’s BIOS or boot menu with F2, F12, or Del, enable USB boot and Intel VT-x or AMD-V virtualization, then try again.

Log in and update

On your everyday computer, open https://YOUR-PROXMOX-IP:8006. Accept the browser’s warning for the server’s self-signed certificate, then sign in as root with realm Linux PAM standard authentication.

Switch to the community repository:

1. Select the Proxmox node, then Updates → Repositories.
2. Select the enterprise repository and choose Disable.
3. Choose Add, select No-Subscription, and confirm.
4. Open Updates, choose Refresh, then Upgrade.
5. Follow the prompts in the upgrade window and reboot if requested.

You now have an updated Proxmox server.