layer-plusHow to Backup and Restore Virtual Machines and Containers in Proxmox VE

Types of Proxmox Backups

Proxmox supports backups for VMs (QEMU/KVM) and Containers (LXC). These backups are always full backups (not incremental, unless you use Proxmox Backup Server).

Backup Modes

  • Snapshot (Recommended): Uses storage snapshots (if supported). VM/CT runs with minimal downtime.

  • Suspend: Pauses the VM/CT during backup and resumes after completion.

  • Stop: Shuts down the VM/CT completely for a backup. Safest, but maximum downtime.

Backup Storage Options

Backups can be stored on:

  • Local storage (local, local-lvm)

  • NFS/SMB shares

  • External drives

  • Proxmox Backup Server (PBS) for deduplication, encryption, and incremental backups


Backup via Proxmox Web GUI

Step 1: Open the Backup Panel

  • Log into the Proxmox Web GUI.

  • Select the Datacenter, then choose the node where your VM/CT runs.

  • Go to VM → Backup.

Step 2: Start a Manual Backup

  • Click Backup now.

  • Choose the storage target (e.g., local or PBS).

  • Select the mode (snapshot, suspend, stop).

  • Choose the compression method (ZSTD is recommended for speed and efficiency).

  • Click Start.

Step 3: Monitor Progress

You’ll see the backup log in real-time. Once completed, the backup file will be listed in the Backup tab.


REFERENCES

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