Install Proxmox VE on a Bare Metal Server

Overview

This guide explains how to install Proxmox Virtual Environment (Proxmox VE) on a physical server. Once installed, the Proxmox server can be connected to NiralOS EDGE for centralized virtualization management and orchestration.

Prerequisites #

Before beginning the installation, ensure the following requirements are met.

Hardware Requirements

Recommendation

For production deployments, use dedicated SSD storage and a static IP address.

Step 1: Download the Proxmox VE ISO #

Download the latest Proxmox VE ISO image from the official website.

https://www.proxmox.com/en/downloads

Step 2. Create a Bootable USB Drive #

Create a bootable USB drive using your preferred imaging software.

Recommended tools:

• Windows: Rufus or balenaEtcher 
• Linux: balenaEtcher or dd 
• macOS: balenaEtcher 

Once the USB drive has been created, safely eject it.

Step 3. Boot the Server #

1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the server. 
2. Power on the server. 
3. Enter the BIOS/UEFI boot menu. 
4. Select the USB drive as the boot device. 

The Proxmox VE installer will start.

Step 4. Start the Installation #

From the installer menu, select:

Install Proxmox VE

Press Enter.

Step 5. Accept the License Agreement #

Read the End User License Agreement.

Click I Agree to continue.

Step 6. Select the Installation Disk #

Choose the disk where Proxmox VE will be installed.

If multiple disks are available, ensure the correct drive is selected.

Click Next.

Step 7. Configure Location and Time #

Select:

• Country 
• Time Zone 
• Keyboard Layout 

Click Next.

Step 8: Create the Administrator Account #

Configure the administrator account.

Click Next.

Step 9: Configure Network Settings #

Configure the management network.

Example

Click Next.

Step 10: Review Installation Summary #

Review all selected settings.

If everything is correct, click Install.

The installer copies the operating system and configures Proxmox VE.

This process typically takes several minutes.

Step 11: Reboot the Server #

When installation completes, remove the USB drive.

Click Reboot.

Step 12: Access the Proxmox Web Interface #

After the server starts, open a web browser from another computer.

Navigate to:

https://<PROXMOX_IP>:8006

Example:

https://192.168.1.100:8006

A browser security warning may appear because Proxmox uses a self-signed certificate by default.

Proceed to the login page.

Step 13: Log In #

Use the following credentials.

Click Login.

Step 14: Update the System #

Open the Proxmox shell and run:

apt update

apt full-upgrade -y

Reboot if required.

Step 15: Connect Proxmox to NiralOS EDGE #

During the NiralOS EDGE Initial Setup Wizard or from the Infrastructure → Environments page:

1. Select Add Proxmox. 
2. Enter the Proxmox IP address. 
3. Enter port 8006. 
4. Use root@pam as the username. 
5. Enter the root password. 
6. Click Check Connection. 
7. Provide an Environment Name. 
8. Click Finish. 

The Proxmox server is now ready to be managed by NiralOS EDGE.