Proxmox, an open-source server virtualization management platform, provides several options for storing backups of virtual machines (VMs) and containers. Understanding where these backups are stored is crucial for efficient management and recovery processes. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the various locations where Proxmox stores backups.

Default Backup Locations in Proxmox

1. Local Storage

By default, Proxmox typically stores backups on the local storage of the host machine. The specific directory for storing these backups is usually:

For VMs: /var/lib/vz/dump/
For Containers (LXC): Also utilizes the same path as VMs, /var/lib/vz/dump/

This default location can be modified based on user preference and storage requirements. It is important to ensure that the storage is adequately provisioned to accommodate backup files, which can be substantial depending on the size of the VMs or containers being backed up[^1^][^6^].

2. External Storage

Proxmox also supports backing up to external storage locations. This can include:

NFS (Network File System)
CIFS (Common Internet File System)
iSCSI targets

To access these external storage options, users must first configure the storage in the Proxmox interface, establishing connectivity to ensure reliable backup and restore operations. Backups placed in these external locations will not only alleviate local storage concerns but also provide additional redundancy and security for backup files[^2^][^4^].

3. Proxmox Backup Server

For more advanced backup management, Proxmox offers a dedicated backup solution called Proxmox Backup Server. This server provides a more structured method for backup storage, allowing for:

Efficient deduplication of data.
Incremental backups.
Advanced scheduling options.

Backups created through the Proxmox Backup Server are typically stored in dedicated directories that follow a structured path, making it easy to manage the backup files effectively.

4. Customization of Backup Locations

Users have the flexibility to customize the backup storage location according to their operational requirements. This can be configured through the Proxmox web interface or directly via configuration files. Adjustments typically involve modifying settings in the /etc/pve/storage.cfg to point to a new backup path or storage type (NAKIVO).

Verifying and Modifying Backup Settings

To verify where backups are currently being stored, you can check the configuration files mentioned above or through the Proxmox web interface under Datacenter > Storage. From there, you can view the configured storage options and validate the paths being utilized for backups.

Command Line Inspection

If you're comfortable using command-line tools, you can check the storage directories directly with commands such as:

cat /etc/pve/storage.cfg
cat /etc/proxmox-backup/datastore.cfg

These commands will confirm the storage configurations and the paths associated with Proxmox backups.

Conclusion

Proxmox provides robust options for backup storage, catering to both local and remote storage needs. By choosing the right storage method, whether it be local, external, or a dedicated Proxmox Backup Server, administrators can ensure reliable data protection and quick recovery capabilities. Regularly verifying the backup configurations and adjusting them as necessary is essential for maintaining a resilient virtualized environment.

For detailed guidance, users can refer to the Proxmox documentation available on their official website and related resources for specific commands and configuration settings.

where does proxmox store backups?