How to Create a Windows Server VM on Proxmox for a Smooth Experience?

What Simple Steps Help Avoid Headaches When Installing Windows Server on Proxmox?

Setting up a Windows Server virtual machine in Proxmox VE can feel overwhelming, but it’s manageable when you break it down. I’ll walk you through each step, using simple language, so you can get your Windows Server running smoothly. This guide covers everything from preparing files to finishing your setup.

Preparation

• Download the VirtIO drivers ISO (virtio-win.iso). You’ll need this for Windows to work well in Proxmox.
• Download the Windows Server ISO (for example, Windows Server 2025).
• Log in to Proxmox using your web browser. Go to “ISO images,” click “Upload,” and add both ISOs to your storage.
• Proxmox keeps these files in /var/lib/vz/templates/iso by default.

Creating the Virtual Machine

Step 1: Start the VM Creation

1. Right-click your Proxmox host and pick “Create VM.”
2. On the General tab, type a name and pick an ID. You can use the last part of the VM’s planned IP address for the ID.

Step 2: Choose the Operating System

On the OS tab, pick the right Windows version and select your Windows Server ISO.

Step 3: Set Up the System

1. Firmware: Pick OVMF (UEFI) for new Windows. Use SeaBIOS only for older systems.
2. Add EFI Disk: Turn this on and select your storage. Keep the disk type as qcow2.
3. Pre-Enroll keys: Enable this to add Microsoft Secure Boot keys.
4. Disk Controller: Choose VirtIO SCSI single.
5. Qemu Agent: Enable this for better communication.
6. TPM: Check this if you need TPM 2.0 (needed for Windows 11).

Step 4: Configure the Disk

1. Add a SCSI disk, not IDE. SCSI is faster.
2. Set the disk size to at least 40 GB.
3. Disk format: qcow2 is default and works well.
4. Enable Discard to save space.
5. Set cache to Write Back for speed, or Write Through for safer reads.

Step 5: Set CPU Options

1. Give at least 2 cores.
2. Add more sockets and turn on NUMA for better performance if needed.
3. Use “host” CPU type for best compatibility and features.

Step 6: Set Memory

1. Give at least 4096 MB (4 GB) of RAM.
2. You can reserve memory or use Ballooning to let Proxmox manage unused RAM.

Step 7: Network Settings

1. Pick the VirtIO network card.
2. Choose your network bridge (like vmbr0).
3. Turn off the Proxmox firewall for the VM if you use Windows Defender inside the VM.

Step 8: Finish and Add Drivers

1. Review your settings and click Finish.
2. After the VM appears, add a CD/DVD drive and mount the VirtIO drivers ISO.

Installing Windows Server

Step 9: Start the VM

1. Go to the Console tab and start the VM.
2. Press any key to boot from the Windows ISO.

Step 10: Windows Setup

1. Follow the steps to pick your language and edition.
2. When asked where to install Windows, you might not see any disks. This is normal.

Step 11: Load Drivers

1. Click “Load Driver.”
2. Browse to the VirtIO ISO (for example, d:\vioscsi\2k25\amd64) and install the SCSI driver.
3. Now the disk should show up. Pick it and continue.

Step 12: Complete Installation

1. Let Windows install.
2. Log in using the Proxmox console.
3. Use “Show Extra Keys” to send Ctrl + Alt + Del if needed.

Step 13: Install Missing Drivers

1. Open Device Manager. Some devices will need drivers.
2. Run virtio-win-gt-x64.msi from the VirtIO ISO to install all drivers.
3. If the network card doesn’t work, load the driver manually from \NetKVM\w2k5\amd64.

Step 14: Install QEMU Guest Agent

1. Run virtio-win-guest-tools.exe from the VirtIO ISO.
2. Check the service in Windows with Get-Service QEMU-GA.

Step 15: Check Integration

1. The Proxmox console should now show the VM’s IP address.
2. You can check the agent from Proxmox with qm agent <vmid> ping.

Step 16: Clean Up

Remove the VirtIO ISO from the VM’s hardware.

Final Steps

1. Set your computer name.
2. Assign a static IP if needed.
3. Set the correct time zone.
4. Enable Remote Desktop (RDP).
5. Run Windows Updates.
6. Add any needed roles or features.

Tips for a Positive Experience

• Always use VirtIO drivers for best speed and compatibility.
• Allocate enough RAM and CPU for smooth performance.
• Use qcow2 for snapshots and flexibility.
• Keep your ISOs and drivers up to date.

Following these steps, you can set up a Windows Server VM in Proxmox without stress. Each part, from uploading files to installing drivers, helps your server work better. Take your time, check each step, and you’ll have a reliable Windows Server running on Proxmox.