Using External LXC Templates in Proxmox

Using External LXC Templates in Proxmox

- 3 mins
proxmox lxc

Using External LXC Templates in Proxmox

Learn how to create Linux Containers (LXC) in Proxmox VE using alternative image repositories outside the default Proxmox options.

Standard Method: Proxmox Templates

By default, Proxmox allows you to create containers using official templates. The process goes like this:

Step 1: Refresh Template List

pveam update

ex

This command syncs your template list with the Proxmox servers.

Step 2: Pick Your Storage

Navigate to your preferred storage volume (e.g. local, local-lvm, etc.), then go to:

CT Templates > Templates

ex

Step 3: Download a Template

Browse the available images (Debian, Ubuntu, TurnKey, etc.) and download the one you need. This template becomes available when creating a new container.

ex

Why Use External Template Sources?

Although Proxmox provides a rich selection, it doesn’t cover everything. Some distributions like Linux Mint, Arch Linux, or Fedora might not be listed.

You can grab additional LXC templates from other sources:

These mirrors host many more distributions and variations.

Example: Using a Linux Mint Image

Let’s walk through using a Linux Mint container image hosted externally.

Step 1: Navigate the Repository

Visit the repo:

https://images.linuxcontainers.org/images/

Then choose:

Mint > [VERSION] > amd64 > default > [DATE]

Look for the file named:

rootfs.tar.xz

“default” images are for general-purpose containers. “cloud” images include cloud-init tools.

ex

Download the Template to Proxmox

  1. Copy the link to the rootfs.tar.xz file. https://images.linuxcontainers.org/images/mint/wilma/amd64/default/20250521_08%3A51/rootfs.tar.xz

  2. In the Proxmox web UI, go to:

    CT Templates > Download from URL
  3. Paste the copied link into the URL field.
  4. Hit Query URL – it will fetch the metadata.
  5. Add a description so you remember what the image is for.
  6. Click Download.

Once finished, you’ll see TASK OK.

ex

ex

Create a New Container

  1. Go to Create CT in the Proxmox dashboard.
  2. Under Template, select the external image you just downloaded.
  3. Configure your container as usual (hostname, disk, CPU, etc.)
  4. Launch the container.
  5. Login as root with the password or SSH key provided during setup.

ex

Managed vs. Unmanaged Containers

Proxmox includes optimizations for official containers – such as OS detection and startup tweaks. These don’t always apply to external templates.

To avoid conflicts:

This tells Proxmox not to try and auto-adjust the OS internals.

Summary

Using external templates in Proxmox unlocks a broader ecosystem of Linux distributions. Whether you’re looking for more flexibility, specific versions, or niche distros – this method gives you that power.

References:

Thanks for reading!

—

Guneycan Sanli

Related Posts

Guneycan Sanli

Guneycan Sanli

A person who like learning, music, travelling and sports.

comments powered by Disqus