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🖥️ Install Proxmox on a Hetzner Dedicated Server (The Right Way)

When using Hetzner dedicated servers, the default install options via their “Installimage” are limited—particularly when it comes to using ZFS as the root filesystem. Here’s how to do it properly using a Proxmox ISO and KVM console.

✅ Prerequisites

Before starting:

🪜 Step-by-Step Guide

1. Access the Robot Panel

Once your server is active:

  • Log in to Hetzner Robot
  • Navigate to your dedicated server
  • Take note of:
    • IP address
    • Server model
    • Any RAID config (you may need to disable HW RAID later)

2. Request KVM Console + USB ISO Flash

In the Robot UI:

  1. Go to “Rescue” → “Request KVM Console”
  2. In the Message box, paste the URL of the latest Proxmox ISO, for example:
https://enterprise.proxmox.com/iso/proxmox-ve_8.4-1.iso
  1. Submit the request.

What happens next:

  • Hetzner support flashes a USB stick with your ISO.
  • They attach the USB to your server.
  • They enable a KVM console (via Java applet or HTML5 noVNC).

You’ll receive an email with access credentials.

3. Boot Into KVM & Install Proxmox

  • Open the KVM console
  • On boot, press the appropriate key (usually F11 or F12) to select boot device
  • Choose the USB stick flashed by Hetzner
  • Start the Proxmox installer

4. Install Proxmox with ZFS

When prompted during install:

  • Select ZFS (RAID0 or Mirror) as root filesystem
  • Configure storage layout based on your drives
  • Set hostname, IP, and password as needed

Tip

If Hetzner preconfigured a RAID controller (e.g., H700), you might need to switch to AHCI mode in BIOS or delete existing RAID volumes for ZFS to detect disks properly.

5. Final Touches After Reboot

Once installed:

  • Remove the USB install media via Robot or KVM
  • Reboot into your fresh Proxmox install
  • Update the system:
apt update && apt full-upgrade -y
  • Add Proxmox subscription-free repo (optional):
sed -i "s|^deb https://enterprise.proxmox.com|#deb https://enterprise.proxmox.com|" /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pve-enterprise.list
echo "deb http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pve bookworm pve-no-subscription" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pve-no-subscription.list
apt update

🛠️ Tips & Troubleshooting

Issue Fix
Can’t see USB in boot menu Ensure Hetzner has attached it and it’s prioritized in BIOS
RAID controller hides disks Switch to AHCI in BIOS or remove RAID volumes
ZFS install fails Check memory—ZFS requires 8GB+ for stability
Proxmox web UI not loading Check IP config or firewall via console

🙋 FAQ

Q: Why not use Hetzner’s installimage?
A: It doesn’t support ZFS root by default and lacks full customization.

Q: Can I use software RAID with ZFS?
A: Yes, and it’s preferred. Proxmox ZFS RAID is designed for this purpose.