Installing Windows on Proxmox VE (PVE)

This guide covers the process of installing Windows 11 on Proxmox Virtual Environment using VirtIO drivers for optimal performance.

Prerequisites

Required Files

1. Windows 11 ISO — download using crystalfetch
2. VirtIO Drivers ISO — https://fedorapeople.org/groups/virt/virtio-win/direct-downloads/latest-virtio/virtio-win.iso

Documentation Reference

• Official PVE Windows VirtIO Drivers guide: https://pve.proxmox.com/wiki/Windows_VirtIO_Drivers

Step 1: Download Required Files

Download Windows 11 ISO

Use crystalfetch to download the Windows 11 ISO:

# Install crystalfetch if not already installed
# Then download Windows 11 ISO
crystalfetch --windows-11

Download VirtIO Drivers

wget https://fedorapeople.org/groups/virt/virtio-win/direct-downloads/latest-virtio/virtio-win.iso

ISO Location on the Proxmox Host

Store both the Windows ISO and the VirtIO ISO on the PVE host at:

/var/lib/vz/template/iso/

If you download them directly on the Proxmox host, placing them in this directory makes them available in the default local storage as ISO images in the web UI.

Step 2: Create Virtual Machine

VM Configuration

1. Create new VM in Proxmox web interface
2. OS Type: Microsoft Windows 11/2022
3. Machine: q35
4. BIOS: OVMF (UEFI)
5. Add EFI Disk: Yes
6. TPM: Add TPM State (for Windows 11 requirements)

Hardware Configuration

• CPU: Host type recommended for best performance
• Memory: Minimum 4GB, recommended 8GB+
• Storage: VirtIO SCSI controller
• Network: VirtIO (paravirtualized)

Step 3: Attach ISOs

1. CD/DVD Drive 1: Windows 11 ISO
2. CD/DVD Drive 2: VirtIO drivers ISO (virtio-win.iso)

Step 4: Install Windows

Boot Process

1. Start VM and boot from Windows ISO
2. When Windows installer asks for drivers (disk not found):
   • Browse to VirtIO drivers ISO
   • Navigate to appropriate folder (e.g., amd64/w11 for Windows 11 x64)
   • Install storage drivers (VirtIO SCSI)

Setup Without a Microsoft Account

If Windows 11 setup forces a Microsoft account sign-in during OOBE:

1. Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt
2. Run:

start ms-cxh:localonly

3. Continue creating a local account instead of signing in with a Microsoft account

Driver Installation Order

1. Storage drivers — During Windows installation
2. Network drivers — After Windows installation
3. Balloon driver — For memory management
4. Guest agent — For VM integration

Step 5: Post-Installation Setup

Install Remaining VirtIO Drivers

D:\guest-agent\qemu-ga-x86_64.msi    # Guest agent
D:\Balloon\w11\amd64\                # Memory balloon
D:\NetKVM\w11\amd64\                 # Network adapter

Performance Optimizations

1. Enable VirtIO drivers for all devices
2. Install QEMU Guest Agent
3. Configure Windows for virtualized environment
4. Disable unnecessary Windows services

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

• No disk found during install: Load VirtIO storage drivers
• No network after install: Install VirtIO network drivers
• Poor performance: Ensure VirtIO drivers are properly installed
• TPM required error: Add TPM State to VM hardware

Driver Locations

VirtIO drivers are organized by:

• OS version: w10, w11, 2k19, 2k22
• Architecture: amd64, x86
• Component: NetKVM, viostor, vioscsi, etc.

Best Practices

1. Always use VirtIO drivers for best performance
2. Install guest agent for proper VM management
3. Use UEFI firmware for modern Windows versions
4. Enable TPM for Windows 11 compliance
5. Regular driver updates from virtio-win repository

References

• Proxmox VE Windows VirtIO Drivers
• VirtIO Drivers Download