Proxmox Backup Server 4: First Boot Setup Guide

Overview

This guide provides manual steps to configure Proxmox Backup Server (PBS) 4.0.11 after installation. These steps are based on the community post-install helper script but written out manually for better understanding and documentation.

Step 1: Verify PBS Version

First, verify you're running PBS and check the Debian codename:

cat /etc/os-release | grep VERSION_CODENAME

Expected output for PBS 4.x: VERSION_CODENAME=trixie

Note: If it shows bookworm, you're on PBS 3.x and need different instructions.

Step 2: Check Existing Debian Sources

PBS 4.0.11 comes with properly configured Debian sources. Verify they exist:

cat /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian.sources

If this file exists and includes main contrib non-free-firmware components, keep it as-is - it's already properly configured.

Step 3: Configure PBS Enterprise Repository (Disable)

The enterprise repository requires a paid subscription. Check if it exists and disable it:

cat /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pbs-enterprise.sources

Add the disable flag:

echo "Enabled: false" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pbs-enterprise.sources

Note: The Enabled: false line keeps this repository inactive. Only change to Enabled: true if you have a valid subscription.

Step 4: Add PBS No-Subscription Repository

This is the free repository that provides stable updates without requiring a subscription:

cat <<EOF > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/proxmox.sources
Types: deb
URIs: http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pbs
Suites: trixie
Components: pbs-no-subscription
Signed-By: /usr/share/keyrings/proxmox-archive-keyring.gpg
EOF

This repository provides:

Stable PBS updates
Bug fixes and security patches
New stable features
No subscription required

Step 5: Add PBS Test Repository (Disabled)

The test repository contains beta and testing packages. Add it but keep it disabled:

cat <<EOF > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pbs-test.sources
Types: deb
URIs: http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pbs
Suites: trixie
Components: pbs-test
Signed-By: /usr/share/keyrings/proxmox-archive-keyring.gpg
Enabled: false
EOF

Warning: Only enable this repository if you want to test beta features. Change Enabled: false to Enabled: true to activate.

Step 6: Update Package Lists

After configuring repositories, update the package lists:

apt update

Verify you see:

Fetching from http://deb.debian.org/debian
Fetching from http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pbs trixie/pbs-no-subscription
No errors about missing subscriptions

Step 7: Disable Subscription Nag (Optional)

If you want to remove the subscription reminder from the web interface:

Create the Auto-Patch Script

This creates a post-install hook that automatically patches the web UI:

cat > /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/no-nag-script <<'EOF'
DPkg::Post-Invoke { "if [ -s /usr/share/javascript/proxmox-widget-toolkit/proxmoxlib.js ] && ! grep -q -F 'NoMoreNagging' /usr/share/javascript/proxmox-widget-toolkit/proxmoxlib.js; then echo 'Removing subscription nag from UI...'; sed -i '/data\.status/{s/\!//;s/active/NoMoreNagging/}' /usr/share/javascript/proxmox-widget-toolkit/proxmoxlib.js; fi"; };
EOF

Apply to Current Installation

Reinstall the widget toolkit to apply the change immediately:

apt --reinstall install proxmox-widget-toolkit

Ethical Note: Consider supporting Proxmox development by purchasing a subscription if you use PBS in production or commercial environments.

Step 8: Update the System

Perform a full system upgrade to ensure all packages are current:

apt -y dist-upgrade

This ensures:

All packages are updated to the latest stable versions
Security patches are applied
Any held-back packages are upgraded

Step 9: Clear Browser Cache

After completing these steps, you must clear your browser cache to avoid UI display issues:

Chrome/Edge/Firefox: Press Ctrl+Shift+R (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+R (Mac)
Alternative: Clear browser cache through browser settings
Best Practice: Use incognito/private browsing to test changes

Step 10: Reboot the System

Finally, reboot your PBS server to ensure all changes take effect properly:

reboot

The system will restart and apply all configuration changes.

Additional Resources

Last Updated: November 2025 PBS Version: 4.0.11 Debian Base: Trixie