Proxmox Virtual Environment (PVE) is a powerful open-source platform for virtualization, containerization, and software-defined storage which we are using in our Build Your Homelab series of articles here on TechDecode. After installing Proxmox, many administrators seek to streamline their system setup when we just dived straight into getting services and apps up and running. And if you are following along, I am sure you are probably very tired of this screen every time you log in:
That is where the Proxmox VE Post Install Script comes in – It is a community driven solution to automate and change some settings to make your Proxmox VE install just that little bit better.
What is the Proxmox VE Post Install Script?
The Proxmox VE Post Install Script is a collection of automated steps designed to tailor your Proxmox installation immediately after the initial setup. Rather than manually performing each tweak or update, the script bundles these actions into a single, repeatable process. It’s like having a checklist that runs on its own, ensuring your system is secure, efficient, and configured with best practices from the get-go.
A Detailed Look at Each Step
1. Repository Management
Enabling the No-Subscription Repository
- Purpose: Proxmox provides an enterprise repository by default, which is intended for users with a paid subscription. Most home labs and smaller setups don’t have this license.
- Action: The script modifies your APT sources list to enable the free “no-subscription” repository. This allows your system to pull updates and packages without the subscription check, giving you access to the latest features and security patches.
Disabling the Enterprise Repository
- Purpose: Keeping the enterprise repository enabled without a valid subscription often leads to annoying warning messages in the Proxmox web interface.
- Action: The script comments out or removes the enterprise repository lines from your configuration, ensuring that you only receive updates from the no-subscription channel and eliminating unwanted subscription warnings.
2. System Updates and Upgrades
- Purpose: Keeping your system updated is crucial for security and performance. A stale system can lead to vulnerabilities or compatibility issues.
- Action: The script runs commands like: bashCopyEdit
apt update && apt dist-upgrade -yThis ensures that all packages are current, integrating the latest fixes and improvements from the community repository.
3. Eliminating the “No Valid Subscription” Warning
- Purpose: The Proxmox GUI, by default, displays a “No Valid Subscription” warning if you haven’t purchased a subscription. While this is intended for enterprise users, it can be an eyesore for community installations.
- Action: The script patches or removes the lines in the Proxmox web interface responsible for showing this warning, giving you a cleaner, more professional dashboard.
4. Installing Essential Utilities
- Purpose: Proxmox installations often come with minimal packages to keep the base image lean. However, administrators usually need some additional tools for monitoring, editing, and overall management.
- Action: The script installs commonly used utilities such as:
- htop: For real-time system monitoring.
- vim or nano: Reliable text editors for quick file modifications.
- bash-completion: Enhances the command line experience with auto-completion for commands.
- qemu-guest-agent: Improves communication and management of virtual machines.
5. Performance and Kernel Optimization
- Purpose: To ensure that your Proxmox host runs smoothly, especially under heavy workloads, it’s essential to fine-tune system parameters.
- Action: The script may include kernel parameter adjustments and service optimizations:
- Disabling unnecessary background services to free up resources.
- Tweaking kernel settings for better I/O performance or network throughput.
6. Optional Enhancements and Additions
- Automatic Updates:
Some versions of the script can configure unattended-upgrades, ensuring your Proxmox host stays up-to-date without manual intervention. - Additional Software Installation:
Depending on your needs, the script can be modified to install tools like Docker, Cockpit, or even components for Ceph storage integration.
Why Use a Post Install Script?
Efficiency and Consistency:
Running the script ensures that every installation follows the same best practices. Whether you’re setting up one Proxmox host or managing multiple servers, the script provides a standardized configuration process.
Security and Stability:
By automating updates and applying performance optimizations, the script helps you maintain a secure and stable environment. This is especially beneficial for those who might not be as comfortable tweaking system settings manually.
Customization:
Many community versions of the post install script are open source. This means you can tailor the script to include any extra steps or configurations that suit your unique environment.
How to Run the Script
We are going to (again) recommend the script from the amazing helper-scripts.com (check them out if you haven’t already. The script we are after is the Proxmox VE Post Install Script. This script will run steps 1, 2 and 3 above and we prefer not to install any extra utilities until they are needed, so this script will be perfect. All you need to do is copy the script on the page:
This section on the page contains the script. Subject to change
Just run it in the 
of your Proxmox node. In our case, the script is
bash -c "$(wget -qLO - https://github.com/community-scripts/ProxmoxVE/raw/main/misc/post-pve-install.sh)"You will be taken through a few prompts, as shown in the below screenshots
Final Thoughts
The Proxmox VE Post Install Script is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Proxmox community. By automating essential configuration tasks, it allows administrators to focus on more strategic activities rather than repetitive maintenance. Whether you’re a home lab enthusiast or managing a production environment, this script can help you streamline your setup, enhance performance, and eliminate common headaches associated with a fresh Proxmox installation.