Proxmox VE

How to Use Proxmox Backup Server (PBS) - Complete Guide

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How to Use Proxmox Backup Server (PBS) - Complete Guide

Question: How do I set up and use Proxmox Backup Server?

Answer: Follow these steps

What is PBS?

Proxmox Backup Server provides:

  • Deduplication: Saves storage by not duplicating data
  • Encryption: Client-side encryption for security
  • Incremental: Only backs up changes
  • Verification: Data integrity checks

How to Install PBS

Option 1: Fresh Install

Step 1: Download PBS ISO

  • Go to proxmox.com/downloads
  • Download PBS ISO

Step 2: Install

  • Boot from ISO
  • Follow installation wizard

Step 3: Access Web UI

Option 2: Install on Proxmox

# Add PBS repository
echo "deb http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pbs bullseye pve-no-subscription" > \
  /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pbs.list
 
# Update and install
apt update && apt install proxmox-backup-server -y
 
# Or on Proxmox VE
apt install proxmox-backup-client -y

How to Configure PBS in Proxmox VE

Step 1: Get PBS Fingerprint

In PBS web UI:

  • Configuration → Certificates
  • Copy fingerprint

Step 2: Add PBS Storage

Web UI Method:

  1. Datacenter → Storage → Add → Proxmox Backup
  2. Fill in:
    • Server: 192.168.1.200
    • Datastore: main
    • Username: admin@pam
    • Fingerprint: (paste)

CLI Method:

pvesm add proxmox-backup-server pbs01 \
  --server 192.168.1.200 \
  --datastore main \
  --fingerprint YOUR-FINGERPRINT \
  --backup-username admin@pam

How to Use PBS for Backup

Select PBS Storage

  1. Datacenter → Backup → Add
  2. Choose PBS storage in target dropdown

Configure as usual

  • Normal backup settings apply

How to Check PBS Status

# Check PBS
systemctl status proxmox-backup-server
 
# Check storage
pvesm status pbs01

Keywords

pbs proxmox-backup-server how-to deduplication encryption

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