Windows VM on Proxmox: the right settings, or ready-made for you
Windows runs well on Proxmox VE, if the virtual machine is set up the way Proxmox recommends. Here are the settings, the drivers and the steps, or skip them and get Windows machines ready to log in.
Winservers.NET is an independent service provider and is not affiliated with Proxmox. Updated 2026-10-24.
You do
- Pick a server from the live list
- Tell us which virtual machines you need
- Pay by card or crypto and log in
We do everything else
- Install Proxmox VE on the server
- Create Windows Server 2022 machines with the recommended settings
- Install the VirtIO drivers and the QEMU guest agent
- Set up Remote Desktop and send you the login
- Include the machines in scheduled backups (storage paid separately)
Recommended VM settings
Proxmox publishes best practices for Windows Server 2022 guests (checked 2026-10-24). The main settings when you create the virtual machine:
| Setting | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Guest OS type | Microsoft Windows 11/2022/2025 | Proxmox applies the right defaults for Windows |
| QEMU agent | Enabled | Clean shutdowns, correct status, consistent backups |
| Disk bus and controller | SCSI, VirtIO SCSI single | Best disk performance |
| Disk options | IO thread on, discard on; write back cache optional | Speed and freeing unused space (TRIM); the default no cache is safer but slower |
| Network card | VirtIO (paravirtualized) | Best network performance |
| Drivers | VirtIO driver ISO in a second CD drive | Windows does not include the VirtIO drivers |
Installing Windows with VirtIO drivers
The Windows installer does not see a VirtIO disk on its own. Following Proxmox's guide:
- Mount the Windows Server ISO and the VirtIO driver ISO, then start the VM and open the console.
- Choose the custom installation, then Load driver.
- Load the disk driver from the
vioscsifolder for your Windows version. The disk appears. - Repeat for the network driver (
NetKVM) and the memory balloon driver (Balloon). - Select the disk and finish the installation.
After installation
- Guest tools. Run the VirtIO guest tools installer from the driver CD; it installs the remaining drivers and services. Then the memory use and IP address show correctly in Proxmox.
- QEMU guest agent. Installed from the driver CD as well. Without it, the mouse pointer may be off in the console and backups cannot freeze the file system.
- Check Device Manager for unknown devices and point them to the driver CD.
- Nested virtualization (for WSL, for example) needs the CPU type set to host.
Remote Desktop and security
For daily work you connect with Remote Desktop, not through the Proxmox console. A Windows machine with Remote Desktop open to the internet sees password guessing attempts all the time, so use a strong password, keep Windows updated and limit access where you can. Keep the Proxmox web interface itself protected as well, with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Backups of Windows machines
Proxmox can back up a running Windows machine in snapshot mode. With the guest agent running, it freezes the file system briefly for a consistent copy. Proxmox notes that if you also run other backup software inside Windows, the guest agent needs extra configuration. More in Proxmox backups.
Ready-made from us
With our Proxmox setup you skip every step above. We create your Windows Server 2022 machines with the recommended settings, install the VirtIO drivers and the guest agent, set up Remote Desktop, include the machines in the backups and send you the logins. Running MetaTrader? See Proxmox VPS for MetaTrader.
FAQ
Can Proxmox run Windows virtual machines?
Yes. Proxmox VE runs Windows as a full virtual machine with KVM. Proxmox publishes best-practice guides for Windows Server 2016 to 2022 and for Windows 10 and 11.
What are VirtIO drivers and why do I need them?
VirtIO is the paravirtualized disk and network hardware that gives virtual machines good performance. Windows does not include the drivers, so you load them from the VirtIO driver ISO during installation, otherwise the installer does not see the disk.
Which disk and network settings are best for Windows on Proxmox?
Proxmox recommends a SCSI disk with the VirtIO SCSI single controller, IO thread, discard (TRIM) and optionally write back cache, and a VirtIO network card. Select the Windows guest type and enable the QEMU guest agent.
What is the QEMU guest agent for?
It lets Proxmox talk to Windows inside the VM: show the IP address and memory use correctly, shut the machine down cleanly, and freeze the file system briefly during backups for consistent copies.
Which Windows do you install?
Windows Server 2022 (Evaluation edition) with VirtIO drivers, the guest agent and Remote Desktop set up. For long-term use a Windows license is required; ask us if you have questions.
Can I connect with Remote Desktop?
Yes. We set up Remote Desktop in every Windows machine and send you the login. The Proxmox console in the web interface is there as a fallback.
Can I install Windows 10 or 11 in a VM?
Proxmox itself supports them. Whether the Windows license allows your use, for example remote access on a rented server, is a question of Microsoft's license terms. For servers we install Windows Server.
Can I get a refund?
No. Payments and setup fees are not refundable. The minimum payment is 1 month. Mandatory consumer rights under the law remain unchanged.
Proxmox is a trademark of Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH. Winservers.NET is an independent service provider and is not affiliated with Proxmox. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft.
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