Proxmox automated Windows setup for FlareVM

Overview

This script automates the process of creating a Windows virtual machine on Proxmox, complete with custom configurations and driver installations, making it ready for FlareVM. The script mounts a Windows ISO, customizes it with autounattend.xml for a smooth installation, and sets up necessary VirtIO drivers for optimal performance in a Proxmox environment. Following VM creation, you’ll be able to complete the FlareVM installation with the provided PowerShell script.

Requirements

• Git installed on your Proxmox node
• Internet connection – Internet access is necessary for script downloads during the FlareVM setup, and it is a fundamental requirement for FlareVM’s installation process.
• Windows 10 Official ISO in the same directory as the other repository files. You can find the iso image at https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10iso or https://os.click/.
• Patience & Coffee ☕️ – This process will take some time!

Steps

1. Clone the repository to get all necessary files. Clone the repository using the following command:

git clone https://github.com/flavioscg/proxmox-automated-flarevm.git

Navigate into the project directory:

cd Proxmox-automated-flarevm

Set the correct execution permissions for the start.sh script:

chmod +x start.sh

2. Run the script and answer the prompts:

./start.sh

The script will ask for the ISO name, VM ID, RAM, cores, and disk size. Note: At least 60 GB is required to meet FlareVM's needs.

3. Go to the created and started VM, you should be presented with the disk selection screen. You won't see any disk because you need to load the VirtIO drivers first. Click Load, then OK, and select the VirtIO drivers.

If you don't see any drivers, try clicking Rescan.

4. Choose the available disk created in the initial configuration and start the Windows installation.

5. Continue with the installation and wait for the process to complete. Once done, you will find the install-flarevm.ps1 script on the desktop.

6. Run the post-installation

• Open PowerShell as Administrator

• Move to the Desktop directory

cd Desktop

• Run the pre-FlareVM script:

.\pre-flarevm.ps1

The script will disable Antimalware and Windows Update, and then launch the FlareVM installation. Follow the on-screen instructions.

7. Final Snapshot: Create a snapshot of the VM for future restores. ⚠️

Useful links:

• FlareVM GitHub

This script provides an efficient, hands-off installation, simplifying the initial Windows and FlareVM setup process for Proxmox VMs.