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Creating Your First VM on Proxmox - Part 1

Step-by-step guide to create your first virtual machine on Proxmox using Ubuntu 24.04 Server. Covers downloading the ISO, uploading to Proxmox, VM creation, and basic Ubuntu installation with SSH enabled.

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By Calabi Yau
8 min read
Creating Your First VM on Proxmox - Part 1

Creating Your First VM on Proxmox - Part 1

Overview

Now that you have Proxmox installed and configured, it’s time to create your first virtual machine (VM). This guide will walk you through creating a Ubuntu 24.04 Server VM using the Proxmox web interface. We’ll keep things simple and use mostly default settings to get you started.

This is Part 1 of a series - we’ll create the VM and install Ubuntu Server with SSH enabled, then in Part 2 we’ll install applications like speedtest-tracker.

Step-by-Step VM Creation

Step 1: Download Ubuntu 24.04 Server ISO

First, download the Ubuntu Server ISO to your local computer:

  1. Visit the Ubuntu Server download page: https://ubuntu.com/download/server
  2. Download Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Server: Click “Download Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS”
  3. Save the file: The ISO will be named something like ubuntu-24.04-live-server-amd64.iso
  4. Note the file location: Remember where you saved it (usually Downloads folder)

Note: The download is about 2.5GB, so it may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.

Step 2: Understanding the Proxmox Interface

Before we upload the ISO, let’s get familiar with the Proxmox web interface so you know what you’re looking at:

First Login Orientation:

  1. Open Proxmox web interface: Go to https://192.168.1.121:8006 (or your Proxmox IP)
  2. Log in with your root credentials

Understanding the Interface Layout:

The Proxmox interface has four main regions:

Resource Tree (Left Side):

  • This is your main navigation area
  • Shows the Server View by default, which displays:
    • Datacenter: Contains cluster-wide settings
    • Your Node: This is your Proxmox server (named whatever you chose during installation, e.g., “sv-proxmox”)
    • Storage: Data storage locations under your node
    • Guest: VMs and containers (will appear here after we create them)

Content Panel (Center Area):

  • Changes based on what you select in the Resource Tree
  • Shows tabs and options relevant to your selection
  • This is where you’ll find tabs like “Summary”, “ISO Images”, “Content”, etc.

Main Display (Right Side):

  • Shows detailed information based on what you click in the Content Panel
  • This is where file lists, settings, and detailed views appear

Navigation Flow for Beginners: The key to understanding Proxmox navigation: Resource Tree → Content Panel → Main Display

When you click something in the Resource Tree (left), the Content Panel (center) changes to show relevant options. When you click a tab in the Content Panel, the Main Display (right) shows that content.

Practice Navigation:

  1. Click “Datacenter” in Resource Tree → Content Panel shows datacenter options
  2. Click your node name (e.g., “sv-proxmox”) in Resource Tree → Content Panel shows node options
  3. Expand your node by clicking the arrow next to it → Shows storage and other items underneath
  4. Click “local (your-node-name)” → Content Panel shows storage-related tabs including “ISO Images”

Now you understand how to navigate to upload the ISO!

Step 3: Upload ISO to Proxmox

Now we need to upload the ISO from your Linux Mint laptop to your Proxmox server:

Important: Understanding the Upload Process

  • You downloaded the ISO to your Linux Mint laptop (probably in Downloads folder)
  • The Proxmox web interface is running in your browser on that same laptop
  • When you click “Select File…”, you’re browsing YOUR laptop’s files
  • The “Upload” button transfers the file from your laptop TO the Proxmox server over your network

Upload Steps:

  1. Navigate to ISO storage:
    • In the left panel, click on “local (sv-proxmox)” (your local storage)
    • In the right panel, click on the “ISO Images” tab
  2. Start the upload:
    • Click the “Upload” button (should be near the top of the right panel)
    • A dialog box will appear
  3. Select your local ISO file:
    • Click “Select File…“
    • This opens YOUR Linux Mint file browser (not the Proxmox server)
    • Navigate to your Downloads folder: /home/yourusername/Downloads/
    • Select ubuntu-24.04-live-server-amd64.iso
    • Click “Open”
  4. Upload the file:
    • Back in the Proxmox upload dialog, click “Upload”
    • Progress bar will show: The file is being transferred from your laptop to Proxmox
    • Wait patiently: This takes 3-10 minutes depending on your network speed
    • Don’t close your browser during the upload
  5. Verify upload completed:
    • When finished, you’ll see the ISO listed in the “ISO Images” tab
    • The file is now stored on your Proxmox server, ready to use

Tip: The upload transfers the entire 2.5GB file over your home network. If it seems slow, that’s normal - just be patient and don’t interrupt it.

Step 4: Create the Virtual Machine

Now we’ll create the actual VM:

  1. Start VM creation:
    • Click “Create VM” button (top right)
    • The “Create: Virtual Machine” wizard will open
  2. General tab:
    • Node: Leave as default (your Proxmox server)
    • VM ID: Leave as default (usually 100 for first VM)
    • Name: Enter a name like ubuntu-server-01
    • Click “Next”
  3. OS tab:
    • Use CD/DVD disc image file (iso): Select this option
    • Storage: local
    • ISO image: Select your uploaded ubuntu-24.04-live-server-amd64.iso
    • Guest OS:
      • Type: Linux
      • Version: 6.x - 2.6 Kernel
    • Click “Next”
  4. System tab:
    • Graphics card: Default (VGA)
    • Machine: Leave as default (q35)
    • BIOS: Leave as default (SeaBIOS)
    • SCSI Controller: Leave as default (VirtIO SCSI single)
    • Qemu Agent: ✓ Check this box (enables better VM management)
    • Click “Next”
  5. Disks tab:
    • Storage: local-lvm
    • Disk size (GiB): 32 (good starting size for Ubuntu Server)
    • Format: Raw
    • Cache: Default (No cache)
    • Leave other settings as default
    • Click “Next”
  6. CPU tab:
    • Sockets: 1
    • Cores: 2 (good starting point)
    • Type: Default (kvm64)
    • Click “Next”
  7. Memory tab:
    • Memory (MiB): 2048 (2GB RAM - good starting point)
    • Minimum memory: Leave empty
    • Ballooning Device: ✓ Checked
    • Click “Next”
  8. Network tab:
    • Bridge: vmbr0 (default)
    • Model: VirtIO (paravirtualized)
    • MAC address: Leave as auto-generated
    • Firewall: ✓ Checked
    • Click “Next”
  9. Confirm tab:
    • Review your settings
    • Start after created: ✓ Check this box
    • Click “Finish”

Step 5: Install Ubuntu Server

Your VM will automatically start after creation. Now we’ll install Ubuntu:

  1. Access the VM console:
    • In the left panel, click on your VM (e.g., “100 (ubuntu-server-01)”)
    • Click “Console” tab
    • You should see the Ubuntu installer loading

  2. Ubuntu Installation Process:

    Language Selection:

    • Select “English” (or your preferred language)
    • Press Enter

    Keyboard Configuration:

    • Leave as “English (US)” or select your keyboard layout
    • Press Enter to continue

    Network Connections:

    • ✅ IMPORTANT: Note the IP address shown (e.g., 192.168.1.xxx/24)
    • Write this IP address down - you’ll need it for SSH later
    • Leave network settings as default (DHCP)
    • Press Enter to continue

    Configure Proxy:

    • Leave blank unless you use a proxy
    • Press Enter to continue

    Configure Ubuntu Archive Mirror:

    • Leave as default
    • Press Enter to continue

    Guided Storage Configuration:

    • Select “Use an entire disk”
    • Select your virtual disk (should be the only option)
    • Press Enter to continue

    Storage Configuration:

    • Review the disk layout (should use full 32GB)
    • Select “Done”
    • Confirm destructive action: Select “Continue”

    Profile Setup (✅ Important):

    • Your name: Enter your real name (e.g., “John Smith”)
    • Your server’s name: Enter a hostname (e.g., “ubuntu-vm”)
    • Pick a username: Choose a username (e.g., “admin” or your preferred name)
    • Choose a password: Create a strong password
    • Confirm your password: Re-enter the same password
    • ✅ Write down these credentials - you’ll need them!
    • Press Enter to continue

    SSH Setup (✅ Critical):

    • Install OpenSSH server: ✓ CHECK THIS BOX
    • Import SSH identity: Leave as “No” unless you have SSH keys
    • Press Enter to continue

    Featured Server Snaps:

    • Leave all unchecked for now (we’ll install what we need later)
    • Press Enter to continue
  3. Wait for Installation:
    • Ubuntu will now install (takes 5-10 minutes)
    • You’ll see package installation progress
    • Do not close the console window
  4. Installation Complete:
    • When you see “Install complete!”
    • Select “Reboot Now”
    • The VM will reboot

Step 6: First Boot and SSH Access

After reboot, you’ll have a running Ubuntu Server:

  1. Wait for boot to complete:
    • You’ll see the Ubuntu login prompt in the console
    • Login with the username/password you created
  2. Check the IP address:
    • Run: ip addr show
    • Note the IP address (should be the same as during installation)
    • Example output: inet 192.168.1.150/24
  3. Test SSH from your main computer:
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    ssh admin@192.168.1.150
# Replace 'admin' with your username and use the correct IP
# Enter your password when prompted

Step 7: Post-Installation Updates

Once logged in via SSH, perform essential updates:

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# Update package lists
sudo apt update

# Upgrade all packages
sudo apt upgrade -y

# Install common useful packages
sudo apt install -y curl wget htop tree

# Reboot if kernel was updated
sudo reboot

After reboot, SSH back in to confirm everything is working.

What You’ve Accomplished

Congratulations! You now have:

  • ✅ A fully functional Ubuntu 24.04 Server VM running on Proxmox
  • ✅ SSH access enabled for remote administration
  • ✅ System fully updated with latest packages
  • ✅ Basic useful tools installed
  • ✅ Network connectivity working

Next Steps

In Part 2, we’ll install Docker and set up speedtest-tracker to monitor your internet connection speeds.

Quick Reference

VM Details Created:

  • Name: ubuntu-server-01
  • OS: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Server
  • RAM: 2GB
  • CPU: 2 cores
  • Disk: 32GB
  • Network: Bridged to your home network

Important Credentials to Save:

  • Proxmox Web: https://192.168.1.121:8006 (root + password)
  • VM SSH: ssh username@VM_IP_ADDRESS
  • VM Console: Available through Proxmox web interface

Troubleshooting

IssueSolution
Can’t SSH to VMCheck IP address with ip addr show, ensure SSH was enabled during install
VM won’t startCheck Proxmox logs, ensure adequate RAM/storage available
Console is blackTry pressing Enter or clicking in console window
Network not workingCheck VM network settings match your home network setup
Forgot VM passwordReset through VM console, create new user with sudo access

Additional Resources

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.