Steps create a Windows Server VM on Proxmox, go to the server assigned to your class and follow the steps.

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Issues Resolved by This Article

This article resolves the following issues students frequently encounter when creating a Windows Server 2022 virtual machine:

• Not knowing the required VM configuration (q35, UEFI/OVMF, TPM, VirtIO drivers, etc.)

• Windows installer not detecting the virtual disk

• Incorrect ISO or driver selection

• Installation freezing or failing due to wrong hardware settings

• Missing network drivers after installation

• VM unable to connect to the internet

• Not knowing how to properly remove a VM when finished

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Background

Windows Server 2022 requires specific drivers and hardware settings when installed inside Proxmox.
Because Server 2022 does not include VirtIO SCSI or network drivers by default, Proxmox users must:

• Attach two ISO files (Windows Server ISO + VirtIO driver ISO)

• Configure the VM using recommended settings (q35 machine, OVMF/UEFI BIOS, TPM, SCSI disk)

• Load storage drivers during installation

• Install VirtIO network drivers after installation to enable internet access

This article provides the complete process, including visuals, to ensure proper setup.

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Solution

Follow the steps below to create a fully functional Windows Server 2022 VM in Proxmox.
Image references correspond to screenshots from the original article.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Open Proxmox and click Create VM

2. General Tab

• Leave default VM ID

• Enter a Name for your VM

• Click Next

3. OS Tab

• ISO Image: Windows_SERVER_2022.iso

• Type: Microsoft Windows

• Check Add additional drive for VirtIO drivers

• VirtIO ISO: virtio-win-0.1.285.iso

• Click Next

4. System Tab

Set the following:

• Machine: q35

• BIOS: OVMF (UEFI)

• Enable: QEMU Agent

• EFI Storage: local-lvm

• TPM Storage: local-lvm

Click Next

5. Disk Tab

• Bus/Device: SCSI

• Storage: local-lvm

• Disk size: 40 GiB

• Cache: Default (No cache)

• Check Discard

• Expand Advanced → Check SSD Emulation

• Click Next

6. CPU Tab

• Cores: 4

• Type: host

• Click Next

7. Memory Tab

• Memory (MiB): 4000

• Click Next

8. Network Tab

• Leave all defaults

• Click Next

9. Confirm Tab

Review settings → Click Finish

10. Start the VM

• Select your VM

• Open Console

• Click Start Now

11. Boot from CD

Press Enter when prompted.

If you miss it:

• Stop the VM → Start again

 

 

Windows Setup

12. Begin Installation

Click Next → Install Now

13. "I don't have a product key"

Click the option to continue.

14. Select Windows Server 2022 Version

Choose:

• Standard Evaluation (Server Core)
  or

• Standard Evaluation (Desktop Experience) (Full GUI, recommended)

Click Next

15. Accept License Terms

Click Next

16. Select Installation Type

Click:

Custom: Install Microsoft Server Operating System only (advanced)

 

Load VirtIO Disk Drivers (Critical Step)

17. Click Load Driver

18. Click OK

19. Select Driver: D:\amd64\2k22\viostor.inf

Click Next

20. Select the Speed-Optimized Driver

Click Next

21. Start Installation

Windows will now install and reboot automatically.

22. Set Administrator Password

Click Finish

 

Install VirtIO Network Drivers (Enable Internet)

23. Unlock the VM

Send CTRL + ALT + DEL, then log in.

24. Install VirtIO Network Drivers

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer

2. Open CD Drive (D:) with VirtIO ISO

3. Run virtio-win-gt-x64.exe

25. Installer Wizard

• Click Next

• Accept terms → Next

• Click Next

• Click Install

• Click Finish

26. Allow Network Discovery

Click Yes

 

VM Maintenance

28. Restart the VM Once

Required for proper driver initialization.

29. Delete VM When Finished

1. In Proxmox, click More → Remove
   
   

2. Enter your VM ID

3. Check:

   • Purge from job configurations

   • Destroy unreferenced disks owned by guest

4. Click Remove