Installing Windows 11 on Proxmox: A Step-by-Step Guide

Virtualizing Windows 11 on Proxmox brings the flexibility of open-source virtualization to your fingertips—but Windows 11 enforces TPM and Secure Boot, it demands a bit more setup compared to older versions. Here’s a easy guide to help you launch a fully functional Windows 11 VM on Proxmox.

1. Prepare Your Resources

• Windows 11 ISO: Download it from Microsoft's official site.
• VirtIO Drivers ISO: Grab the latest VirtIO ISO from the Proxmox or Fedora repositories.

Upload both ISOs to your Proxmox server under Datacenter → Node → ISO Images.

2. Create a New VM

Navigate to Create VM in the Proxmox UI:

• OS Tab:
  • Guest OS: Select Microsoft Windows
  • Version: Choose 11/2022/2025
• System Tab:
  • BIOS: Set to OVMF (UEFI)
  • Machine type: Use q35
  • Enable QEMU Agent
  • Add TPM (v2.0) and choose a storage location for TPM
• Disks:
  • Storage type: Use VirtIO SCSI
  • Disk size: Allocate at least 64 GB (80 GB or more is better if possible)
• CPU & Memory:
  • CPU: At least 2 cores (4 cores recommended)
  • RAM: Minimum 4 GB; aim for 8 GB or more.
• Network:
  • Set the network model to VirtIO (paravirtualized)

Finish VM creation, making sure “Start after creation” is unchecked — we’ve still got one important step remaining.

3. Attach VirtIO Driver ISO

Go to the VM's Hardware tab and add a CD/DVD drive, pointing it to the VirtIO driver ISO. Use IDE as the bus type.

4. Installing Windows 11

Now start the VM and open the console:

1. Proceed through the Windows installer until you reach the disk selection screen.
2. You'll probably see no disk listed. Click “Load driver” and navigate to the VirtIO ISO: browse to:vioscsi\w11\amd64
   
   • Install the VirtIO SCSI driver to expose the disk
   • Optionally, repeat and install NetKVM (network), Balloon (memory), and guest-agent drivers from the ISO in their respective folders Proxmox VE.
3. Once drivers are applied, your virtual disk will appear—select it and continue installation.

Bypassing Microsoft Account Requirement

To avoid mandatory online account setup:

On the OOBE screen, press Shift+F10, then run:start ms-cxh:localonly

This lets you proceed with a local account.

5. Setup and Driver Installation in Windows

After Windows installation:

• Finish the initial setup (region, keyboard, account).
• Once logged in, run the virtio-win-gt-x64.msi installer from the VirtIO ISO to install all remaining drivers and tools—including the QEMU guest agent Proxmox VE.

This ensures optimal VM performance, including proper mouse control, accurate reporting of RAM and IP, and seamless management via the QEMU Agent.

Since we plan to create multiple Windows virtual machines on Proxmox, it’s not practical to purchase separate license keys for each one. That’s why I’ll soon be publishing a post on how you can activate Windows for free while still receiving updates and features for a lifetime.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Network Not Detected During Install

If the setup doesn't detect network:

• Press Shift+F10 to open the command prompt.
• Run devmgmt.msc to open Device Manager, locate the missing network adapter, and manually update it using the VirtIO CD with “Include subfolders” checked Proxmox Support Forum.

7. Optional Yet Helpful Enhancements

• Nested virtualization: If you'll run VMs inside the Windows 11 VM (like WSL2), set CPU type to host and enable nested virtualization Proxmox VE.
• SPICE for audio: noVNC doesn't support audio—use SPICE if you need sound support in the VM Windows Forum.

Quick Checklist

Wrapping Up

By following this guide, you'll have a robust, feature-rich Windows 11 virtual machine running under Proxmox. You’ll benefit from enhanced performance (via VirtIO drivers), secure boot and TPM compatibility, and excellent VM management with the QEMU guest agent. Whether for testing, home lab exploration, or productivity, Windows 11 on Proxmox is entirely achievable—just be ready for a few extra steps compared to older Windows versions.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog! Your support and engagement truly mean a lot and inspire me to keep creating and sharing more valuable content. If you enjoyed this post, I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to leave a comment in the box below and join the conversation. And if you’d like to stay updated with the latest posts, tips, and insights, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter. By joining, you’ll be the first to know when new content is published, so you never miss an update.