Windows 11 on Proxmox

Complete guide with all the detailed steps to install, configure and access a Windows 11 Pro Virtual Machine (VM) running on top of Proxmox VE.

This virtualization platform enables the deployment and management of virtual machines running Windows Server/10/11 using KVM/QEMU. With advanced integration through the QEMU Guest Agent, VirtIO drivers, and even UEFI Secure Boot with TPM emulation for Windows 11.

Introduction

Let’s go step by step through how to install a virtual machine (VM) with Windows 11 on Proxmox VE, using the QEMU Guest Agent, VirtIO drivers, and enabling graphical access (during and after installation).

Prerequisites

• Proxmox VE 8.x or higher.
• Official Windows 11 ISO image (Win11_XXXX_64.iso).
• VirtIO Drivers ISO image (paravirtualized drivers):
  • Official download
  • File: virtio-win.iso
• At least 4 GB RAM, 2 vCPU, 64 GB disk.
• Network connection with DHCP available.

1. VM Creation

From the Proxmox node or through the web interface.

Creation via CLI:

qm create 400   --name vm-win11   --memory 8192   --cores 4   --cpu host   --machine q35   --bios ovmf   --efidisk0 local-lvm:1,format=raw,efitype=4m,pre-enrolled-keys=1   --tpmstate0 local-lvm:1,version=v2.0   --scsihw virtio-scsi-pci   --scsi0 local-lvm:64,format=qcow2   --net0 virtio,bridge=vmbr0   --cdrom local:iso/Win11.iso   --boot order=scsi0;ide2;net0

Add the VirtIO drivers ISO:

qm set 400 --ide2 local:iso/virtio-win.iso

2. Windows 11 Installation

Start the VM

From the Proxmox web interface or CLI:

qm start 400

Open the graphical console:

• In the Proxmox GUI -> select the VM -> Console tab.
• Or via CLI using SPICE:

qm spiceproxy 400

Note: During installation, the Proxmox console (based on noVNC or SPICE) is used for graphical access.

Load VirtIO drivers

In the Windows installation wizard:

1. At the “Where do you want to install Windows?” step, no disks will appear.
2. Click Load driver.
3. Select Browse to VirtIO CD (virtio-win.iso).
4. Path: vioscsi/w11/amd64 -> accept -> the virtual disk will appear.
5. Continue the installation normally.

Network configuration (DHCP)

During installation, if Windows doesn’t detect a network:

1. Open console (Shift+F10).

2. Run:

   drvload e:\NetKVM\w11\amd64\netkvm.inf
   

3. Close console, continue installation.

The VirtIO adapter will receive an IP via DHCP automatically.

3. Post-installation and optimization

Install VirtIO tools

Once inside the system:

1. Open the VirtIO CD in the file explorer.
2. Run virtio-win-guest-tools.exe.
3. Install all components:
   • VirtIO drivers (storage, network, balloon).
   • QEMU Guest Agent.

Restart the system.

4. Enable QEMU Guest Agent

On the Proxmox host:

qm set 400 --agent enabled=1,fstrim_cloned_disks=1

Verify from the VM (elevated PowerShell):

Get-Service QEMU-GA

If it’s not running:

Set-Service QEMU-GA -StartupType Automatic
Start-Service QEMU-GA

Now Proxmox can run:

qm guest ping 400
qm guest exec 400 -- cmd /c ipconfig

During backups you’ll see:

INFO: issuing guest-agent 'fs-freeze'
INFO: issuing guest-agent 'fs-thaw'

5. Graphical access

During installation

• Use the Proxmox Console (noVNC or SPICE).
• SPICE offers better performance and clipboard support.

Once installed (remote GUI)

Options:

a) RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)

1. Inside Windows -> Control Panel -> System -> Remote settings.
2. Enable Allow remote connections.
3. From another Windows or Linux machine:

rdesktop <DHCP-IP>
# or from Windows: mstsc /v:<IP>

b) SPICE (Proxmox GUI)

• On the VM -> Hardware -> Add -> Display device -> SPICE.
• Install Virt-Viewer on your local client:

# Linux
sudo apt install virt-viewer

# Windows: Download from https://virt-manager.org/download/

• Click Console (SPICE) from Proxmox.

Internal VNC: Proxmox provides a VNC console accessible via browser -> Console tab.

6. Complete configuration (example)

File /etc/pve/qemu-server/400.conf:

boot: order=scsi0;ide2;net0
description: Windows 11 Pro VM
efidisk0: local-lvm:vm-400-disk-1,size=4M,efitype=4m,pre-enrolled-keys=1
memory: 8192
cores: 4
cpu: host
disk: scsi0=local-lvm:vm-400-disk-0,discard=on,iothread=1,size=64G
net0: virtio=DE:AD:BE:EF:11:22,bridge=vmbr0
ide2: local:iso/virtio-win.iso,media=cdrom
cdrom: local:iso/Win11.iso
scsihw: virtio-scsi-pci
bios: ovmf
machine: q35
tpmstate0: local-lvm:vm-400-disk-2,version=v2.0
agent: enabled=1,fstrim_cloned_disks=1

7. Backup and snapshots

Windows 11 supports snapshot mode backups:

vzdump 400 --mode snapshot --compress zstd --storage vault-backup

Proxmox will run:

INFO: issuing guest-agent 'fs-freeze'
INFO: issuing guest-agent 'fs-thaw'

The VM will keep running without interruption.

8. Conclusion

Proxmox VE allows running Windows 10/11 with excellent performance, UEFI + TPM 2.0 support, and consistent backups thanks to the QEMU Guest Agent. Using VirtIO drivers is key for optimal performance.

Main advantages:

• Snapshot backups without stopping the VM.
• Full integration with guest agent (shutdown, IP, fs-freeze/thaw).
• Complete graphical access (noVNC, SPICE, RDP).
• Full compatibility with DHCP networks and modern storage.

Recommendation: Keep the VirtIO ISO images and QEMU Guest Agent tools inside Windows up to date. This improves stability and support for future Proxmox versions.