Proxmox VE is a server virtualization platform from Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH in Austria. It installs as its own operating system, based on Debian, and runs KVM virtual machines and LXC containers side by side, managed from a web interface at port 8006. Its code is licensed under the GNU AGPL, version 3. Version 9.2 was released on May 21, 2026, and the first ARM64 build followed on August 5, 2026.
When to use Proxmox VE
- You have a spare PC or server and want to run several VMs and containers on it.
- You want clustering, live migration, high availability, ZFS or Ceph without paying for feature editions. Proxmox says all features are available at every subscription level.
- You are building a home lab to learn virtualization.
When not to use it
- On your everyday desktop. The installer erases the drives you select and replaces the operating system. To try VMs on a desktop, a desktop hypervisor such as VirtualBox is simpler.
- On a Raspberry Pi. Proxmox says device-tree-only boards such as the Raspberry Pi are not supported.
- From the 9.2 ISO on some RAID servers. Proxmox lists a known issue with the 9.2 installer kernel, megaraid_sas controllers and certain NVMe drives in JBOD mode. It recommends installing 9.1 and upgrading.
Is it free?
Yes. Subscriptions, from €120 to €1,100 per CPU socket per year, buy access to the Enterprise Repository and, from Basic up, support tickets. Without one, use the no-subscription repository, which Proxmox recommends for testing and non-production use. See is Proxmox free?
Verify your download
Download from proxmox.com. The files come from enterprise.proxmox.com/iso/. Compare the SHA-256 below using sha256sum, shasum -a 256 or Get-FileHash. Write the ISO to USB with dd, balenaEtcher, or Rufus in DD mode. Proxmox says not to use UNetbootin. Our download and install guide covers each step.
Questions
What is the latest version?
Proxmox VE 9.2 (ISO 9.2-1), released May 21, 2026.
Are community helper scripts part of Proxmox VE?
No. They are a separate community project. Read our helper scripts guide before running one.