Proxmox

Proxmox VE is the open-source platform for virtualization and containers that lets companies run their own private cloud, without licensing costs and without vendor lock-in. We run Proxmox clusters in production for customers, from single node to HA cluster. On these pages we explain how Proxmox works, how to set it up cleanly and what really matters in operations.

Basics

What is Proxmox?

Proxmox VE is the open-source platform for virtualization (KVM) and containers (LXC). We explain its architecture, components and when Proxmox beats VMware.

LXC vs KVM

LXC vs KVM in Proxmox: containers share the host kernel and are lightweight, KVM VMs run their own kernel and Windows too. With a decision table.

Proxmox vs Docker

Proxmox vs. Docker: Proxmox is a hypervisor for VMs and LXC, Docker an application-container runtime. They complement each other; Docker runs best inside a VM.

Storage: ZFS, Ceph & LVM

ZFS, Ceph, LVM-thin or NFS: which storage to use in Proxmox VE? Properties, RAM needs, cluster suitability and honest recommendations with a comparison table.

Cost & comparison

How much does Proxmox cost?

Proxmox VE is open source and free. We break down the optional subscription prices per CPU socket for 2026, what is genuinely free, and the honest total cost.

Proxmox vs VMware

Proxmox vs VMware: Proxmox VE replaces vSphere for most organizations, with no per-core fees. An honest comparison of technology, Broadcom cost and migration.

Migrate from VMware to Proxmox

Comprehensive guide to migrating from VMware vSphere to Proxmox VE: reasons for switching, component comparison, step-by-step instructions, and practical tips.

Drawbacks & suitability

Proxmox VE drawbacks: young DRS equivalent, smaller partner ecosystem, more self-service, vendor support only via subscription - and when it still fits.

Setup & operations

Install Proxmox

Install Proxmox VE 9.2 step by step: write the ISO to USB, bare-metal setup, filesystem (ext4 or ZFS), network and the web UI on port 8006 in minutes.

Set up Proxmox on Hetzner

Install Proxmox VE on Hetzner as a single node with ZFS RAID1 (Mirror) in just a few minutes – automated via script including IPv4/IPv6 & Bridge.

Hardware & sizing

Size Proxmox hardware right: CPU with VT-x/AMD-V, RAM rules of thumb incl. ZFS, SSD/NVMe over hardware RAID, networking for clusters. Homelab vs production.

Upgrade Proxmox VE 8 to 9

Proxmox VE 8 to 9 upgrade: step-by-step guide for enterprises - incl. Ceph, PBS, HA migration and cluster strategy. PVE 8 reaches EoL in August 2026.

Remove the subscription notice

Remove the Proxmox subscription warning: switch to the free no-subscription repository and patch the No-valid-subscription nag in the web interface for good.

Proxmox troubleshooting

Coming soon

High availability & networking

Build an HA cluster with Proxmox

Build a highly available Proxmox cluster: quorum, Corosync, storage with Ceph or ZFS replication, the HA manager and fencing - explained step by step.

Cluster networking on Hetzner (vSwitch)

Segment Proxmox on Hetzner properly: Private Networks, vSwitch and Corosync separation plus reference architectures for single node, cluster and hybrid setups.

Cluster networking on OVH (vRack)

How to properly segment Proxmox on OVH: vRack for private Layer-2, Corosync separation and reference architectures for single node, cluster and hybrid setups.

Cluster networking on IONOS (VLAN)

Segment Proxmox on IONOS with VLAN (802.1Q): private backend, separate Corosync network and reference architectures for single node and cluster setups.

Backup

What is Proxmox Backup Server?

Proxmox Backup Server (PBS) backs up VMs, containers and Linux hosts incrementally, deduplicated and encrypted. Features, license and pricing explained.

Proxmox Backup Server offsite (pull architecture)

Proxmox Backup Server offsite: how the pull architecture makes backups ransomware-safe, how asymmetric retention works, and which hosting options hold up.

Encrypted backups with Hetzner Storage Box

Encrypted Proxmox backups on a Hetzner Storage Box: step-by-step with gocryptfs and CIFS - a secure, low-cost offsite backup target for your VMs.

Modules & hosting

What is Datacenter Manager?

Proxmox Datacenter Manager (PDM) reached stable 1.0 in December 2025. We explain what PDM does, how it differs from a Proxmox cluster, and who benefits from it.

What is Mail Gateway?

Proxmox Mail Gateway (PMG) is a mail proxy filtering spam, viruses and phishing in front of your mail server. Features, architecture, license, pricing and 9.1.

Rent a server & hosting

Rent a Proxmox server: Hetzner, IONOS, OVHcloud and netcup compared by location, GDPR, network and install. Plus self-managed vs. managed Proxmox.

WZ-IT runs Proxmox in production for companies – setup, operations and maintenance from one team.

Managed Proxmox →

Let's Talk About Your Idea

Whether a specific IT challenge or just an idea - we look forward to the exchange. In a brief conversation, we'll evaluate together if and how your project fits with WZ-IT.

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