How to Install Proxmox Backup Server

This guide shows you step by step how to install Proxmox Backup Server (PBS) – either directly on hardware (bare-metal) or on an existing Debian system. PBS is a standalone backup solution developed specifically for Proxmox VE that enables incremental, deduplicated backups.

Note: Detailed subpages on backup strategies and recovery can be found in the left navigation.

Which installation method?

• Bare-metal installation (recommended): Direct installation on a dedicated server or VM via the official ISO. Cleaner and easier
• Installation on Debian: Installation on an existing Debian system. Useful if you want to run PBS alongside other services on one server

Requirements

• Processor: 64-bit CPU with 2 or more cores
• RAM: At least 2 GB, 4 GB recommended (more RAM improves backup performance)
• Storage: Sufficient storage space for backups – depending on VM size, 100 GB to several TB. SSD or HDD possible, separate backup volume recommended
• Network: Stable connection to the Proxmox VE host, at least 1 Gbit/s recommended

Installation method A: Bare-metal (recommended)

Step 1: Download the ISO file

1. Visit the official Proxmox website: proxmox.com/downloads
2. Select the Proxmox Backup Server tab
3. Download the latest PBS ISO file
4. Verify the SHA256 checksum to avoid installation errors:

   # Linux
   sha256sum proxmox-backup-server_*.iso
   
   # Windows PowerShell
   Get-FileHash proxmox-backup-server_*.iso -Algorithm SHA256

Step 2: Create a bootable USB stick

On Linux:

sudo dd if=proxmox-backup-server_*.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
sudo sync

Replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive (find it with lsblk).

On Windows:

Use the tool Rufus to write the ISO to a USB stick.

Step 3: Boot the server from the USB stick

1. Insert the USB stick and restart the server
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI during startup (F2, Del or Esc)
3. Adjust boot order: Set USB stick to first position
4. Save changes and restart

Step 4: Install PBS

1. Select "Install Proxmox Backup Server" in the boot menu
2. Accept the license terms (EULA)
3. Select target disk – recommended: use entire disk with ext4 or ZFS
4. Set country, timezone and keyboard layout
5. Set root password and enter email address
6. Configure network:
   • Select network interface
   • Assign a static IP address (recommended for servers)
   • Set hostname (e.g. pbs.your-domain.com)
   • Enter gateway and DNS server
7. Start installation – takes a few minutes
8. After completion, remove the USB stick and restart the server

Installation method B: Install on Debian

Step 1: Prepare Debian

apt update && apt upgrade -y
reboot

Make sure your hostname resolves to the IP address (in /etc/hosts):

127.0.0.1       localhost
192.168.15.78   pbs.your-domain.com pbs

Check with: hostname --ip-address

Step 2: Add PBS repository

# Import GPG key
sudo wget https://enterprise.proxmox.com/debian/proxmox-release-bookworm.gpg -O /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/proxmox-release-bookworm.gpg

# Add repository
echo "deb http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pbs bookworm pbs-no-subscription" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pbs-install-repo.list

# Update package list
sudo apt update

Step 3: Install PBS kernel

sudo apt install proxmox-backup-server-kernel -y
sudo reboot

Step 4: Install PBS packages

sudo apt install proxmox-backup-server -y

First steps after installation

1. Access the web interface

Open in your browser:

https://your-pbs-ip:8007

On first access, an SSL warning appears – this is normal (self-signed certificate). Confirm and continue.

Log in with:

• Username: root
• Password: Your set root password
• Realm: Linux PAM standard authentication

2. Disable enterprise repository (for no-subscription)

If you don't have a Proxmox subscription, a warning message appears. Remove it like this:

sudo sed -i 's/^deb/#deb/' /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pbs-enterprise.list
sudo apt update

The system will then use the already configured free no-subscription repository.

3. Set up a datastore

A datastore is the storage location for your backups. You can use a separate drive or directory for it:

1. In the web interface: Administration → Storage/Disks
2. Select a free disk or partition
3. Click Directory: Create
4. Assign a name (e.g. backup-store)
5. Select the filesystem (ext4 or xfs recommended)
6. Click Create

4. Create backup user

1. Go to Configuration → Access Control → User Management
2. Click Add
3. Set a username (e.g. backup@pbs) and a secure password
4. Click Add
5. Switch to the Permissions tab
6. Click Add → User Permission
7. Select:
   • User: Your created backup user
   • Path: /datastore/your-datastore
   • Role: DatastoreBackup
8. Click Add

5. Update the system

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y

Hardware recommendations

Quick checklist

1. Provide server or VM with at least 2 GB RAM
2. Download PBS ISO and verify checksum
3. Create bootable USB stick (dd or Rufus)
4. Boot from USB and perform installation
5. Assign static IP
6. After installation, remove USB and restart
7. Access web interface at https://your-pbs-ip:8007
8. Disable enterprise repo (if no subscription)
9. Set up datastore
10. Create backup user and integrate with Proxmox VE

Detailed guides on backup strategies, encryption and disaster recovery can be found in the articles in the left navigation.