Proxmox VE is a powerful open-source virtualization platform widely used for home labs, testing environments, and enterprise workloads. Running Windows 11 as a virtual machine on Proxmox VE is a common requirement for:

• 🧪 Lab testing

• 🖥️ Remote Desktop environments

• 🧩 Application compatibility testing

• 🏢 Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to install Windows 11 on Proxmox VE using the graphical interface (GUI), including proper TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot configuration required by Windows 11.

📌 Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:

• ✅ A working Proxmox VE server

• ✅ Windows 11 ISO file

• ✅ VirtIO drivers ISO

• ✅ Access to the Proxmox Web Interface

• ✅ Basic understanding of virtual machines

🚀 Step 1: Upload Windows 11 ISO

Log in to the Proxmox Web Interface.

Upload the Windows 11 ISO file to your ISO storage.
This ISO will be used to boot the virtual machine during installation.

💡 Tip: Upload the VirtIO ISO at the same time to simplify the installation process.

🖥️ Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

Create a new virtual machine in Proxmox VE and configure:

• OS Type: Microsoft Windows

• Version: Windows 11

• BIOS: OVMF (UEFI)

• Machine Type: q35 (recommended)

• CPU & RAM: Allocate based on your available system resources

Using OVMF and q35 ensures compatibility with modern Windows 11 requirements.

🔐 Step 3: Enable TPM and Secure Boot

Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to pass hardware checks.

Configure the following:

• Add TPM State device (TPM 2.0)

• Enable EFI Disk

• Use Secure Boot with Microsoft keys

These settings ensure the Windows 11 installation meets official hardware requirements.

💽 Step 4: Configure Disk and Network

For optimal performance, configure:

• Disk Controller: VirtIO SCSI

• Network Adapter: VirtIO

During installation, Windows 11 will require VirtIO drivers to detect the virtual disk.

Using VirtIO improves disk performance and network throughput compared to default emulated hardware.

🏗️ Step 5: Install Windows 11

Start the virtual machine.

Follow the Windows 11 installation wizard.

When prompted to select a disk:

1. Click Load Driver

2. Browse to the VirtIO ISO

3. Select the appropriate storage driver

4. Continue installation

Once the virtual disk becomes visible, proceed with the standard Windows 11 installation process.

⚙️ Step 6: Install VirtIO Drivers and Guest Agent

After Windows 11 installation is complete:

• Install all VirtIO drivers

• Install QEMU Guest Agent for better integration and performance

This ensures optimal system performance and proper communication between the virtual machine and Proxmox VE.

🔧 Best Practices After Installation

After deployment, follow these recommended steps:

• 🔄 Run Windows Update

• 🖥️ Enable Remote Desktop (if needed)

• 🖼️ Configure display resolution

• 💾 Create a backup job in Proxmox VE

• 📸 Take a clean snapshot

These practices help maintain stability, recoverability, and long-term reliability.

🎯 Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 on Proxmox VE is straightforward when TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and VirtIO drivers are correctly configured.

This setup is ideal for:

• Lab environments

• Testing and development

• Virtual desktop use cases

• Application compatibility scenarios

This is Part 5 (P5) of the Proxmox VE series, focusing on deploying Windows 11 using GUI with modern security requirements.