In the ever-evolving landscape of virtualization and server management, staying up-to-date is paramount. If you're running Proxmox version 7 and are eager to harness the latest features and improvements of Proxmox 8, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of upgrading your Proxmox server efficiently and without a hitch. With just four straightforward steps, you'll be on your way to enjoying the benefits of the latest Proxmox release while sidestepping common upgrade challenges. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Backup your VMs and config Files
The first thing you need to do is create a backup of your VMs and containers to an external storage. Ensure external storage is set up and follow the steps below.
Select your desired VM. Click "Backup" and then "Backup Now" to start the process.
- Choose your preferred storage destination. Set the "Mode" to "Snapshot" Opt for "ZSTD (fast and efficient)" as the compression method add whatever note you want and click "Backup"
- Allow the backup process to finish. Look for the "Task OK" confirmation when it's complete.
- This concludes the VM backup process. For multiple VMs, it's efficient to schedule backups at the "Datacenter" level to back them up simultaneously.
- You will need to backup some config files. You can use WinSCP to do this. WinSCP, a user-friendly file transfer tool available for download at (WinSCP), facilitates secure connections between your local computer and the Proxmox server. Once connected through WinSCP, you'll have your Proxmox server's file explorer on the right and your local computer on the left, enabling you to effortlessly locate the required files and folders on the Proxmox server and copy them to a folder on your local computer for backup.
Step 2: Upgraded to the latest version of Proxmox VE 7.4-x
- To update to the latest Proxmox version (e.g., 7.4-15), ensure your node has the correct repository configuration. Check your current version in the top left corner of the interface.
- To update you repository, navegate to the shell enter "nano /etc/apt/sources.list" and click enter. This should open your "Sources.list" file.
- Update the "prve-no-subscription" repository to "deb http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pve bullseye pve-no-subscription" as shown in the image. Don't forget to save the changes.
- Restart your node and un the following command: "apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade -y" Ensure all VMs and containers are turned off before proceeding. This command will update your repositories and initiate the update to the latest Proxmox version 7. You should now be on the latest version of Proxmox after the update and a restart.
Step 4: Run the pve7to8 checklist script
Before upgrading to Proxmox 8, consider running the Proxmox-provided checklist script for hints and warnings. There are two script versions available. Please note that you may need to update to the latest Proxmox 7 version to use this script. An error may occur if your current Proxmox version doesn't support it. Before proceeding with the upgrade, ensure all warnings and failures identified by the checklist script are addressed and resolved.
Step 4: Upgrade to Proxmox 8
Navigate to the shell and enter the command: "nano /etc/apt/sources.list" In the repository list, update all repo links to use "Bookworm" consistently. Ensure there are no mismatches in the repo type, as discrepancies can cause issues during the upgrade.
After updating your repository list, restart your computer, and then run 'apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade -y' to initiate the Proxmox 8 upgrade, keeping in mind that you'll encounter questions during the upgrade process, and your choices will vary based on your preferences, with the option to retain your old configuration files being a common selection.
Congratulations!! You should now be on Proxmox 8! That's it!
In conclusion, upgrading from Proxmox 7 to Proxmox 8 is a straightforward process, consisting of essential steps like backup, repository configuration, and system upgrade. By following these clear and simple instructions, you can seamlessly transition to Proxmox 8, taking full advantage of its new features and improvements. Remember to prioritize backup and configuration preservation, and customize the upgrade to your preferences. With these steps completed, you'll be ready to unlock the potential of Proxmox 8, ensuring the continued success of your virtualization environment.
