Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) has seen phenomenal adoption and development since version 8.1 two years ago. It continues to consistently evolve to meet and surpass the needs of virtualization enthusiasts and professionals.
From version 8.1 to the milestone release of 9.0 and then 9.1, Proxmox VE has introduced a range of features, fixes, and enhancements that have improved and solidified its position as a leading open-source virtualization platform and viable alternative to others like VMWare vSPhere.
Need expert help with Proxmox VE or Proxmox Backup Server? Get in touch here to explore tailored support and services.
Here’s a look at the journey since version 8.1:
Proxmox VE 9.1 (November 2025)
- Based on Debian 13 “Trixie” with Linux kernel 6.12
- Updated virtualization stack: QEMU 10.2, LXC 6.0.5, OpenZFS 2.3.4, Ceph Squid 19.2.1
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN): fabrics further stabilized, improved IPAM and DNS plugin support
- Improved snapshot handling for block storage with vendor-agnostic snapshot chains
- ZFS enhancements: RAID-Z expansion improvements and bug fixes
- Installer refinements with better support for encrypted ZFS setups
- Web interface (GUI): usability improvements, updated translations, and enhanced resource pool views
- Cluster management: new monitoring tools and improved health checks
- Backup and restore: tighter integration with Proxmox Backup Server and performance optimizations
- Security hardening: updated defaults and refined access control policies
- Numerous bug fixes, general improvements, and performance optimizations
(Detailed release notes for Proxmox VE 9.1)
Proxmox VE 9.0 (August 2025)
- Based on Debian 13 “Trixie” with default Linux kernel 6.14.8-2
- Updated virtualization stack: QEMU 10.0.2, LXC 6.0.4, OpenZFS 2.3.3, Ceph Squid 19.2
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN): new fabrics for complex routed topologies (e.g., spine–leaf architectures)
- Vendor-agnostic snapshot chains for block storage (including iSCSI and Fibre Channel)
- ZFS 2.3 introduces RAID-Z expansion
- Improved installer with support for ZFS native encryption during installation
- Enhanced GUI and API usability, updated translations
- Cluster management: new health checks and improved status reporting
- Backup and restore: performance optimizations and better integration with Proxmox Backup Server
- Numerous bug fixes, performance improvements, and general enhancements
(Detailed release notes for Proxmox VE 9.0)
Proxmox VE 8.4 (April 2025)
- Based on Debian 12.8 “Bookworm” with Linux kernel 6.11
- Updated virtualization stack: QEMU 9.0.2, LXC 5.0.4, OpenZFS 2.2.4, Ceph Reef 18.2.5
- Improved installer with support for ZFS native encryption during installation
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN): further stabilization, IPAM and DNS plugins enhanced
- Cluster management: new health checks and improved status reporting
- Backup and restore: performance optimizations and better integration with Proxmox Backup Server
- Web interface (GUI): usability improvements, updated translations, and refined resource pool views
- Enhanced notifications system with more granular filters and endpoint options
- Security hardening: updated defaults and improved access control policies
- Numerous bug fixes, general improvements, and performance optimizations
(Detailed release notes for Proxmox VE 8.4)
Proxmox VE 8.3 (November 2024)
- Based on Debian 12.7 “Bookworm” with Linux kernel 6.9
- Updated virtualization stack: QEMU 8.2.6, LXC 5.0.3, OpenZFS 2.2.3, Ceph Reef 18.2.4
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN): IP address management (IPAM) and DNS plugins improved (tech-preview)
- Enhanced web interface (GUI) with usability and translation updates
- Improved container (LXC) handling and stability
- General improvements for virtual guests, including better metrics and error reporting
- Cluster management enhancements for scalability and reliability
- Backup/restore improvements, including performance optimizations and bug fixes
- Storage and Ceph integration updates for smoother upgrades and operations
- Access control refinements and security hardening
- Installation ISO updated with latest packages and fixes
- Numerous bug fixes and general performance improvements
(Detailed release notes for Proxmox VE 8.3)
Proxmox VE 8.2 (May 2024)
- Based on Debian 12.5 “Bookworm” with Linux kernel 6.8
- Updated virtualization stack: QEMU 8.2.4, LXC 5.0.3, OpenZFS 2.2.2, Ceph Reef 18.2.2
- Automated/unattended installation support for streamlined deployments
- Improved resource pools: better visual representation of nested hierarchies in the web UI
- Cluster-wide bulk management for virtual guests, enhancing scalability in large setups
- Cluster update and status control center for easier maintenance
- Ceph upgrades assisted with semi-automated restarts of services and OSDs
- Enhanced notifications system with multiple endpoints and separate filters
- Numerous general improvements, bug fixes, and performance optimizations
(Detailed release notes for Proxmox VE 8.2)
Proxmox VE 8.1 (November 2023)
- Based on Debian 12.2 “Bookworm” with Linux kernel 6.5
- Latest virtualization stack: QEMU 8.1.2, LXC 5.0.2, OpenZFS 2.2.0, Ceph Reef 18.2.0
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN) stack polished and stabilized, moving out of tech-preview
- Support for Secure Boot, enhancing system security
- New flexible notification system with matcher-based approach and multiple endpoints
- Resource pools: nested pools with inherited permissions, bulk actions, and simple resource limits
- VM wizard improvements: option to add VirtIO driver ISO for Windows guests
- New text-based installer interface, suitable for serial consoles
- Numerous general improvements, bug fixes, and performance optimizations
(Detailed release notes for Proxmox VE 8.1)
Each version of Proxmox VE has brought significant improvements, responding to user feedback and advancing the platform’s capabilities. From enhanced backup management to cutting-edge SDN features, Proxmox VE continues to provide users with robust and flexible virtualization tools.
Questions?
To speak with a Nextcloud specialist and get an assessment of your needs, Contact us.