How to migrate Proxmox servers from one provider to another using Cloud-PBS

Migrating Proxmox VE servers between hosting providers can be complex. Cloud-PBS simplifies the process by acting as a bridge: back up from the old provider, restore on the new one.

Overview

The migration process with Cloud-PBS:

1. Back up your VMs from the source Proxmox VE to Cloud-PBS
2. Set up the new Proxmox VE server at the destination provider
3. Connect the new server to your Cloud-PBS instance
4. Restore your VMs on the new server

Step-by-step guide

1. Prepare your Cloud-PBS instance

If you don’t have one already, create a Cloud-PBS account. Make sure you have enough storage for all VMs you want to migrate.

2. Back up from the source

On your source Proxmox VE server:

1. Add your Cloud-PBS instance as a remote storage
2. Run a full backup of all VMs and containers you want to migrate
3. Verify the backups completed successfully in the Cloud-PBS dashboard

3. Set up the destination

On your new Proxmox VE server:

1. Complete the basic Proxmox VE installation
2. Add the same Cloud-PBS instance as a remote storage
3. You should see all your backup snapshots

4. Restore at the destination

1. Navigate to your Cloud-PBS storage in the Proxmox VE web interface
2. Select the backup snapshot you want to restore
3. Click “Restore” and configure the target storage and network settings
4. Start the restored VM and verify everything works

5. Cleanup

After verifying the migration:

1. Update DNS records if needed
2. Remove the Cloud-PBS storage from the source server
3. Decommission the source server

Tips for a smooth migration

• Test with a non-critical VM first before migrating production
• Enable encryption if you’re backing up sensitive data
• Schedule the migration during a maintenance window
• Keep the source running until you’ve fully verified the destination

Advantages of using Cloud-PBS for migration

• No direct connectivity needed between source and destination
• Incremental backups minimize transfer time
• Encryption protects data during transit
• Persistent storage — take your time with the migration
• Works across providers — any provider supporting Proxmox VE

Start your free trial and try a migration today.