# Create a Bootable ProxMox VE USB Flash Drive for Testing

NOTE: This is a helpful exercise to test or debug ProxMox VE but is not recommended for production use.

## Things You Will Need

- A USB flash drive, at least 8 GB https://amzn.to/3wkR5ju | https://amzn.to/3qkrJ1p | https://amzn.to/3Nhu9b9

## Installing ProxMox VE on USB Flash Drive

1. Download the Proxmox VE .iso file Download
2. Download Virtualbox and Virtualbox Extension Pack Download
3. Install Virtualbox
4. Install the Virtualbox Extension Pack
5. Plug the target USB flash drive into the host PC
6. Launch Virtualbox
7. Create a New VM by selecting Machine > New

   Name: LiveISO
   Machine Folder: C:\VMs
   Type: Linux
   Version: Debian (64-bit)
   Memory Size: 2048 MB
   Hard disk: Do not add a virtual hard disk

8. Click Create
9. Select the VM and Click Settings
10. Select Display
11. Slide the Video Memory to 128 MB
12. Select Network
13. Set the attached to dropdown to Bridged Adapter
14. Select Storage
15. Click on the CD-ROM drive
16. Select the disc dropdown to the right > Choose a virtual optical disc file...
17. Browse to and select the downloaded ProxMox VE .iso file
18. Select USB
19. Click the Add USB device icon (second icon from the top on the far right)
20. Select the target USB flash drive to attach to the VM
21. Click OK
22. Make sure the LiveISO VM is selected and click Start > Normal
23. Select Install Proxmox VE and press Enter
24. Click the I agree button to accept the EULA
25. Select the USB disk as the Target Harddisk from the dropdown > Click Next
26. Set the Country, Time zone and Keyboard Layout > Click Next
27. Enter a password and confirm, Enter an email address > Click Next
28. Give the Proxmox device a hostname, confirm the network settings > Click Next
29. Click the Install button
30. Wait for Proxmox to be installed and configured
31. After the installation succeeds, power down the VM
32. That's it, the USB flash drive is now a quick and portable ProxMox VE installation