How to Set Up Proxmox Node and Cluster Backups with Acronis

Proxmox VE is a powerful open-source virtualisation platform used for managing virtual machines and containers. To ensure business continuity, it’s essential to back up Proxmox workloads with a reliable and secure solution. Acronis Backup Solution provides enterprise-grade protection with cloud and local storage options, making it an excellent choice for Proxmox environments.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of configuring Proxmox backup on Acronis Backup Solution.

Before starting, ensure the following:

• Proxmox VE server is installed and accessible.
• Acronis Backup Agent is installed on the Proxmox host.
• Acronis Management Console or Acronis Cyber Protect account credentials are available.
• Sufficient storage space in Acronis Backup Cloud or local repository.

Step 1: Install Acronis Backup Agent on Proxmox Host.

• Log in to the Acronis Backup Management Console.
• Navigate to add Device button.
• Select Proxmox VE.
• Download the Acronis Agent for Linux from your Acronis account.

#chmod +x CyberProtect_AgentForLinux_x86_64.bin
#./CyberProtect_AgentForLinux_x86_64.bin

 

• Select Agent for Linux and Agent for Proxmox.
• Register the agent with your Acronis Account.

Step 2: Connect Proxmox Host to Acronis Backup Console.

 

• Navigate to Devices → All Devices.
• Confirm that your Proxmox host is listed under registered devices.

 

• Assign a backup plan to the Proxmox server.
• Stagger Backup Schedules Avoid running all VM backups simultaneously. Instead, group VMs by priority and assign different start times with at least 20–30 minutes between jobs to evenly distribute I/O load.

 

 

Best Practices for Proxmox Backup with Acronis.

• Always test restore after initial setup.
• Enable incremental backups to save storage.
• Regularly update the Acronis Agent for compatibility.
• Monitor host I/O during backup windows.

FAQs

Q1: Does Acronis support Proxmox cluster backup?

Yes, you can install Acronis Agent on each node in a Proxmox cluster and manage backups centrally.

Q2: Can I restore a VM to a new Proxmox server?

Yes, you can restore the VM as a new machine on the same or another Proxmox host.

Q3: Which backup method is better – host-based or agent-based?

• Host-based: Best for disaster recovery and fast full VM restores.
• Agent-based: Best for application-aware backups and granular recovery (databases, mailboxes, etc.).

Q4: My Proxmox host is on a private network. Can I back up to Acronis?

Yes. Your host needs a way to connect to the internet, either through a VPN, secure tunnel, or a proxy server. Use incremental backups to save bandwidth, schedule them during off-peak hours, and make sure firewall rules allow the connection.

Conclusion

Configuring Proxmox Node and Cluster Backup using Acronis Backup Solution ensures that your virtual infrastructure is safe, reliable, and ready for disaster recovery. With centralised management, flexible storage options, and automated scheduling, Acronis makes Proxmox backup simple and efficient.

For support with Acronis Backup or any related queries, please get in touch with us at +91 960 700 1170.