Perfect for Lab, Testing, or Learning Environments

If you don't have a physical server but want to explore Proxmox VE for learning or lab purposes, this guide walks you through installing it using Oracle VirtualBox on a Windows system. After successful installation of Proxmox, we will create a VM inside it.

🧰 Prerequisites

• Oracle VirtualBox installed on your system
• Proxmox VE 8.4 ISO file

📥 Step 1: Download Required Software

• Oracle VirtualBox: Download Link
• Proxmox VE 8.4 ISO: Download Link

⚙️ Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

Configure the VM with the following settings:

• Name: ProxmoxVE
• Type: Linux
• Version: Debian (64-bit)
• Memory: At least 4 GB (Recommended: 8 GB)
• Processors: Minimum 2 CPUs
• Storage: At least 40 GB
• ✅ Enable EFI (Settings → System → Motherboard)

🧠 Step 3: Enable Virtualization Features

Go to Settings → System → Processor:

• ✅ Check Enable PAE/NX
• ✅ Check Enable Nested VT-x/AMD-V

🌐 Step 4: Configure Networking

• Adapter 1: Bridged Adapter
• Promiscuous Mode: Allow All

▶️ Step 5: Start Installation

Start the VM, and when the Proxmox installer loads:

• Select Install Proxmox VE (Graphical)
• Accept the license agreement
• Select the default target disk
• Set country, time zone, keyboard layout
• Create root password and email
• Input FQDN like: proxmox.local
• Set IP address: DHCP or Static
• Review and click Install

🌍 Step 6: Access the Proxmox Web Interface

Once installation completes, access Proxmox via:

http://your-IP:8006

Login Credentials:

• Username: root
• Password: (the one you created)

🎉 Congratulations!

You’ve successfully installed Proxmox VE in VirtualBox without needing a physical machine. You're now ready to:

• Create virtual machines (VMs)
• Deploy LXC containers
• Practice backups, clustering, and snapshots

Prepared by - Walid Al Habib