1. Download ISO Installation File

Details: You can download the ISO file through:

Third-party websites (e.g., System Home: [https://www.xitongzhijia.net/](https://www.xitongzhijia.net/)).

Microsoft Official Website: [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10).  

It is recommended to use the official channel to ensure file security.

Note: When downloading the ISO file, select the version that matches your intended virtual machine system.

2. Upload ISO File to Proxmox

Steps:

  1. Log in to the Proxmox Web UI.

  2. In the left navigation bar, go to Datacenter > Node > Storage > ISO Images.

  3. Click the Upload button in the top-right corner.

  4. Upload the downloaded ISO file.

Result: After successful upload, you should see the file listed under ISO Images.

3. Create a Virtual Machine

3.1 Set the Name

Note: The virtual machine name must contain only English letters, numbers, underscores, or hyphens. Avoid using Chinese characters.

3.2 Select the ISO

In the CD/DVD option, select the uploaded Windows ISO file.

3.3 Configure System Settings

Type: Choose Microsoft Windows.

Version: Select the version matching your ISO file, such as Windows 10/2016.

3.4 Configure Disk Settings

Set the disk size (at least 64GB is recommended to ensure normal operation, but this can be adjusted based on your needs).

Format: Choose `QCOW2` (recommended) or `RAW`.

3.5 Configure CPU

Allocate at least 2 cores and 1 socket.

3.6 Configure Memory

Assign a minimum of 2048MB (2GB), but it is recommended to allocate 4096MB (4GB) or more for better performance.

3.7 Configure Network

Use the default vmbr0 network bridge.

3.8 Review Configuration

Verify all configurations and click Finish.

4. Start the Virtual Machine and Install Windows

4.1 Start the Virtual Machine

Select the newly created virtual machine in the list and click the Start button.

4.2 Install Windows

1. Follow the on-screen prompts and click Next, then select Install Now.

2. Skip entering the product key for now by choosing I don’t have a product key.

3. Choose the desired edition (e.g., Professional) and accept the license agreement.

4. On the installation type screen, select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

5. On the disk selection screen, select the previously created virtual disk and click Next.

6. Wait for the installation to complete.

5. Configure Windows Settings

5.1 Initial Setup

Set a username and password, and complete the security questions (simpler questions are recommended to avoid forgetting them).

Turn off all privacy options (e.g., location, diagnostic data) and click Next.

6. Configure the Network

6.1 Troubleshooting Network Issues

After installation, you may find that no network devices are available.

Solution:

  1. In the Proxmox Web UI, right-click the virtual machine and select Hardware.

  2. Locate Network Device and change the Model to Intel E1000.

  3. Click OK to save the changes.

6.2 Configure IP Address

1. Inside the virtual machine, go to Network Settings.

2. Select Ethernet > Properties > Edit.

3. Set it to Manual mode and fill in the following information:

   IP Address: e.g., `192.168.1.100`

   Subnet Mask: e.g., `255.255.255.0`

   Default Gateway: e.g., `192.168.1.1`

   DNS Servers: e.g., `8.8.8.8` and `114.114.114.114`.

4. Save the settings.

6.3 Verify Network Connectivity

Open the Command Prompt, type `ping www.google.com`, and verify that the network is working properly.

7. Virtual Machine Optimization (Optional)

Install VirtIO Drivers:

  1. Download the [VirtIO ISO](https://fedorapeople.org/groups/virt/virtio-win/) and upload it to Proxmox.

  2. Mount the ISO in the virtual machine and install drivers for network, disk, and other devices to improve performance.

Adjust Display Mode: In Proxmox, set the display adapter to SPICE for better visual performance.

Summary

By following these steps, you can successfully create and configure a Windows virtual machine in Proxmox. For further performance optimization, consider installing tools like QEMU Guest Agent to enhance the integration between the system and the virtualization platform.