Creating LXC Containers from OCI Images
Proxmox VE 9.1 introduces support for OCI (Open Container Initiative) images – a standard container distribution format. Users can now download popular OCI images directly from registries or upload them manually to use as templates for LXC containers. Depending on the type of image, these containers can function as full system containers or lightweight application containers. Application containers are an optimized solution with minimal resource consumption, ideal for running microservices. This new functionality allows administrators to quickly and seamlessly deploy standardized applications (e.g., specific databases or API services) from existing container build pipelines, both through the Proxmox VE GUI and the command-line interface.
This version adds the ability to store the virtual Trusted Platform Module (vTPM) state in the qcow2 disk image format. This allows for full virtual machine snapshots to be taken, even with an active vTPM, across various types of storage, such as NFS/CIFS. LVM-based storage with snapshots created as volume chains now allows for offline snapshots of virtual machines containing vTPM states. This enhancement increases operational flexibility for workloads requiring a high level of security, such as Windows installations dependent on vTPM.
Precise Control over Nested Virtualization
Proxmox VE now provides extended control over nested virtualization in specialized virtual machines. This feature is particularly useful for workloads involving nested hypervisors or Windows environments utilizing Virtualization-based Security (VBS). The new vCPU flag allows for convenient and precise activation of virtualization extensions for nested virtualization. This flexible option gives administrators greater control and serves as an optimized alternative to simply sharing the host’s full CPU with the guest machine.
Enhanced SDN Status Reporting
Version 9.1 includes an improved Software-Defined Networking (SDN) stack, featuring detailed monitoring and reporting in the web interface. The GUI now provides greater visibility into SDN components, displaying all machines connected to local bridges or VNets. EVPN zones additionally show learned/saved IP and MAC addresses. Fabric topologies have been integrated into the resource tree, presenting routes, neighbors, and interfaces. The updated graphical interface also provides information on key network elements, such as IP-VRF and MAC-VRF. Increased observability simplifies diagnosing network issues across the entire cluster and monitoring complex topologies—without the need to use the command line.
Availability
Proxmox Virtual Environment 9.1 is available for download immediately upon release. Users can download the complete installation environment in the form of an ISO image, which includes the full set of functionalities and allows for quick deployment on bare-metal servers using an intuitive installation wizard.
Seamless distribution updates from older versions of Proxmox Virtual Environment are possible through the standard APT package management system. Additionally, Proxmox Virtual Environment can be installed on an existing Debian installation. As Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS), it has been released under the GNU AGPLv3 license.
For business users, Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH offers professional support through a subscription. Subscription prices start at 115 EUR per year per CPU. The subscription provides access to a stable Enterprise repository with timely updates available through the web interface, as well as access to certified technical support. It is recommended for production environments.
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