That First Login Feeling: What Comes Next After Proxmox?
You did it. You followed some guide, maybe held your breath through the installation, and now you're staring at the Proxmox web interface from your iPad. That little victory dance? Completely warranted. I remember my first time too—the mix of excitement and "oh crap, what now?" is practically a rite of passage.
But here's the thing most tutorials don't tell you: getting Proxmox installed is just buying the toolbox. The real fun—and frustration—begins when you start building something. This guide is for that exact moment. We'll take that initial win and turn it into actual, usable projects. No prior networking or IT experience required. If you can install Proxmox, you can absolutely do this.
Understanding What You're Actually Looking At
Let's decode that web interface you just logged into. On the left, you have your server node (probably named something like "pve"). That's your physical machine. Think of it as the empty warehouse. The right panel is your workspace. Right now, it's pretty barren because you haven't created any virtual machines (VMs) or containers (LXCs).
Proxmox is a Type 1 hypervisor—fancy talk meaning it runs directly on your hardware, not on top of another operating system. This gives you better performance and control. You're not just running software; you're managing the entire virtualization platform. The web interface is your control panel for this mini data center.
And logging in via WiFi from an iPad? That's actually a great start. It means your network configuration is working at a basic level. The Proxmox web interface uses HTTPS on port 8006 by default. If you can reach it from another device on your network, you've already cleared a common early hurdle.
Your First Project: Creating a Simple Test VM
Don't aim for a perfect production server on day one. Let's create something you can break without consequences. Click "Create VM" in the top right. Name it something like "test-vm-01." The VM ID will auto-populate—just leave it.
For the OS, select "Do not use any media." We'll add it later. Give it 1-2 GB of RAM and 1-2 CPU cores. These are tiny resources that won't stress your system. For the hard disk, create a new one with 8-16 GB. Use the default storage (usually "local").
Here's where beginners often get stuck: network configuration. Leave it as the default "vmbr0" bridge for now. We'll tackle networking separately. Finish the wizard, and you'll see your new VM in the left panel. It's powered off—a blank slate.
Now, right-click it and select "Start." Nothing will happen because there's no operating system. That's fine. You've just created your first virtual machine. This is the fundamental building block of everything you'll do in Proxmox.
The Storage Puzzle: Connecting to Your NAS
You mentioned wanting to connect to your NAS tomorrow. That's an excellent next step. Proxmox needs storage for three things: ISO images (installation files), VM disks, and backups. Your local hard drive works, but NAS storage gives you more space and flexibility.
In the left panel, click your server node, then select "Storage" from the menu. Click "Add" and choose the type that matches your NAS. For most home users, it's either NFS or CIFS/SMB. You'll need your NAS's IP address and the path to a shared folder.
A pro tip? Create separate shares on your NAS for ISOs, VM disks, and templates. It keeps things organized. Name them clearly in Proxmox too—something like "nas-isos" and "nas-vm-storage." Once added, you can upload ISO files directly through the web interface. Download a lightweight Linux ISO like Alpine or Ubuntu Server first. Upload it to your new NAS storage, and suddenly you have installation media ready to go.
This is where things start coming together. Your test VM from earlier? Now you can edit it, select the "CD/DVD Drive" hardware, and point it to that ISO on your NAS. Boot the VM, and you're installing an actual operating system.
Networking Made (Somewhat) Simple
Networking terrifies most beginners. Let's demystify it. That "vmbr0" you saw earlier is a virtual network bridge. Think of it as a virtual network switch inside your Proxmox host. By default, it connects your VMs to your physical network using your server's main Ethernet port.
Your VMs will get IP addresses from your home router, just like your phone or laptop. This is the simplest setup and works for 80% of homelab projects. You can see this in action by installing that test VM with a Linux OS. Once installed, check its IP address—it should be in the same range as your other devices.
But what if you want to create an isolated network for testing? That's where things get interesting. You can create additional bridges or use Proxmox's built-in firewall to control traffic. For now, stick with vmbr0. The key insight is this: Proxmox networking isn't magic. It's virtual versions of physical networking concepts you already use every day.
If you do run into issues, 90% of the time it's firewall related. Proxmox has its own firewall, and so does your VM's operating system. Start with both disabled for testing, then enable them one by one once everything works.
Containers vs. Virtual Machines: Which Should You Use?
Proxmox offers both VMs and LXC containers. Beginners often wonder which to use. Here's the simple breakdown: VMs are complete virtual computers with their own kernel. They're heavier but more isolated. Containers share the host's kernel and are lighter and faster.
Use a VM when you need a different operating system (like running Windows on your Linux host) or maximum isolation. Use containers for lightweight Linux services—think web servers, databases, or the home automation software everyone's talking about in 2026.
My personal rule? Start with containers for everything Linux-based. They boot in seconds, use minimal resources, and are easier to backup and restore. The template system is fantastic too—you can download pre-configured container templates for dozens of applications. It's like having an app store for server software.
To create your first container, click "Create CT" (Container). The process is similar to VMs but faster. Try installing a simple web server like Nginx. Within minutes, you'll have a functioning website running in your homelab.
Backups: The Boring But Essential Step
You will break things. Everyone does. The difference between a frustrating experience and a learning opportunity is backups. Proxmox has a solid built-in backup system. Don't wait until after your first disaster to set it up.
Go to your server node, then "Backup" in the menu. Create a new backup job. Select your test VMs and containers. Choose your NAS storage as the destination (see how everything connects?). Schedule it for daily or weekly. The retention policy is important—I keep daily backups for a week, weekly for a month, and monthly for a year.
Here's what most guides don't tell you: test your restore process immediately. Create a dummy VM, back it up, then delete it and restore from backup. Knowing the restore works is more valuable than having backups that might not.
And while we're talking about safety: snapshots. These are quick point-in-time saves of a VM's state. Perfect before making big changes. They're not backups though—don't rely on them long-term. Use them like a save point in a video game, not like your game save file.
Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Overcommitting Resources
It's tempting to give every VM 8 CPUs and 16GB of RAM. Don't. Start small. You can always add more later. Overcommitting leads to sluggish performance for everything.
Ignoring Updates
Proxmox has regular updates. Create a maintenance window—Sunday mornings work for most homelabs. Update regularly but not blindly. Check the Proxmox forum for any issues with the latest update first.
No Documentation
You'll forget what you did in three months. Create a simple text file or use a note-taking app. Document IP addresses, passwords (securely!), and what each VM does. Future you will be grateful.
Security Theater
Don't just change the default password—that's basic. But also don't overcomplicate. For a home lab behind your router's firewall, the default Proxmox security is usually sufficient. Focus on securing the services you expose to the internet, not the hypervisor itself.
Where to Go From Here: Project Ideas for 2026
Now that you have the basics, what should you actually build? Here are some beginner-friendly projects that teach real skills:
First, a home media server. Install Jellyfin or Plex in an LXC container. Point it to your NAS media library. Suddenly you have your own Netflix.
Next, a home automation hub. Home Assistant has a Proxmox template that installs in minutes. Control lights, temperature, and security cameras from a single interface.
Then, a personal cloud. Nextcloud in a container gives you Dropbox-like functionality with your own storage. Sync files, calendars, and contacts across devices.
The pattern here is containerized services that solve real problems. Each one teaches you something new—web servers, databases, reverse proxies. Before you know it, you're not just following tutorials; you're architecting solutions.
Finding Your Nerd Community
You mentioned having no nerd friends who understand what you're trying to do. That's more common than you think. The homelab community is incredibly welcoming to beginners.
Start with the r/homelab and r/Proxmox subreddits. Search before you post—your question has probably been answered. The Proxmox forum is excellent too, with active developers and experienced users.
Discord servers have become the real-time help desks of the homelab world. The "Homelab" and "Self-Hosted" Discord communities are full of people at exactly your stage. Ask questions, share your successes (and failures), and learn from others' experiences.
And if you get really stuck on a specific configuration? Sometimes it's worth hiring a Proxmox expert on Fiverr for an hour of their time. They can often solve in minutes what might take you days of Googling.
Embrace the Journey
That feeling of logging into Proxmox for the first time? That's just the beginning. Every error message, every failed configuration, every successful service you get running—they're all part of the learning process.
The homelab journey in 2026 is less about having the perfect setup and more about the skills you build along the way. You're learning system administration, networking, security, and problem-solving. These are valuable skills whether you work in IT or not.
So take that win. Celebrate it. Then start creating your first VM. Break it. Fix it. Learn something new. Before long, you'll be the nerd friend explaining Proxmox to someone else. And you'll remember what it felt like to see that login screen for the very first time.
What will you build first?
