How to install updates on Proxmox (free)

If you need to update your Proxmox server, use these instructions.

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Proxmox updates

On Proxmox, you can update the server to the latest version, and in this guide, you will learn how through the web interface.

Although you can install Proxmox for free, you typically need a paid subscription to receive updates. However, if you have a Proxmox server for personal use, it’s possible to change the update repository to receive updates without a subscription.

The only caveat about this approach is that the updates are from the pre-release channel of Proxmox, not the stable channel. However, updates available through the pre-release channel are stable enough, but it’s not recommended for a production environment.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to update a Proxmox server. It’s important to note that it’s always recommended to back up the server before updating, as there is always the chance of problems during and after the installation.

Update Proxmox server without subscription

To update Proxmox without a subscription to the latest version, use these steps:

  1. Open Proxmox (web).

  2. Choose the server from the left navigation pane.

  3. Under the “Updates” menu, click on Repositories.

  4. Select the “enterprise.proxmox.com/debina/pve” repository URI and click the Disable button.

    Proxmox disable enterprise repository

  5. Under the “APT Repositories” section, click the Add button.

  6. Click the OK button in the “No valid subscription” message.

  7. Choose the No-Subscription option in the “Repository” setting.

    Proxmox update No-Subcription

  8. Click the Add button.

  9. Click on Updates from the left pane.

  10. Click the Refresh button.

    Proxmox updates refresh

  11. Click the OK button again.

  12. Confirm the task completed “OK.”

    Proxmox Task Viewer

  13. Close the Task viewer with the button in the top-right corner.

  14. Click the Upgrade button to launch the upgrade process.

    Proxmox updates install

  15. Type “Y” and press Enter to update Proxmox.

    Proxmox update command

  16. Type “reboot” to restart the server.

Once you complete the steps, the Proxmox server will automatically download and install the updates.

If you have a subscription with Proxmox, you can quickly update the server from Proxmox > Updates and click the “Upgrade” button. You only have to make sure that on Proxmox > Updates > Repositories, the “enterprise.proxmox.com/debina/pve” repository URI is enabled.