Hi everyone, I bought a mini PC with Windows 11. Now I would like to install HA, but I’m not sure whether to install Proxmos or not. Maybe it could be useful if I wanted to keep HA + WIN11? PS: I don’t use Plex, but Kodi. The idea is to use HA and a couple of IP cameras.
If you plan on running it headless (without keyboard, mouse and screen) I would definitely say yes to Proxmox.
Does it make sense to install HA on one side and Win11 on the other? Or do I just install HA on Proxmos? Which guide do you recommend I follow?
Why do you need windows 11? You can’t run Proxmox on win 11 (easily).
Have you run HA before? If not start with HAOS install without proxmox, learn that first. Take regular backups, and if you feel the need then install proxmox and do fresh instal of HA and restore.
If you are already running HA on some other hardware and want to expand you system then proxmox is about the easiest way to add other containers not available in HA.
I’ve been using HA on Windows and VirtualBox for a month, but only for studying. I’ve just bought a mini PC. I’d like to understand the pros of using Proxmos.
I ran HA on virtualbox without any issues for about a year, before I fully moved over to proxmox.
I now have HA sitting alongside numerous other VMs and LXCs running a host of homelab services. Its been fully stable, and its now been a couple of years since I did the transition.
Iirc, there was a super easy migration tool that I used that could convert the existing VirtualBox VM images to be compatible and importable into Proxmox.
That said, If you are just planning on using only HA, then its adding a layer you don’t need, as you can also get most of the additional services you need running as addons in Home Assistant OS.
As I wrote in my previous post, what are the advantages of using Proxmos? Thanks
No. It does not.
It makes sense to put Proxmox on it and a few self hosted containers but not a desktop os.
Prox is there to let you use virtualization for additional workloads. But they need to be similar. Desktop and server patterns are totally different…
Run it headless or don’t. Not both. Keep your client and your HA box in different places it’ll save you worlds of headache. I’m with Arh. You haven’t told us any reason yih need to complicate it. So don’t. You can switch later easily if you need. Use HAOS now. If you find you need to switch. Back it up put prox down and haos on a vm then restore yes it’s that simple.
many guides suggest installing HA with proxmos, I would like to understand the advantages.
It just lets you separate various services from each other as well as controlling the available resources.
If you aren’t planning on having multiple services / servers running, then I dont see you needing proxmox.
Proxmox is a hypervisor that’s all. It allows multiple loads tk share physical equipment. ‘IRON’
a NUC (minipc) is generally 2-5x the hardware necessary to run HA. So some people choose to make it do multiple things
Great but those multiple things need to be similar. And Proxmox os not really intended for desktop os.
So prox allows you access to untapped Hardaway basically.
But you need to learn the basics first before you overcomplicate your install. One thing at a time.
OK, now it’s clearer. Any examples of other applications that can be managed in parallel? Software for the NVR of IP cameras? Actually, I wouldn’t want to keep only HA on the mini PC either.
One “pro/advantage” of Proxmox specifically related to HAOS is that you have web access to the console of HAOS and don’t have to connect a KVM or monitor/keyboard to it should the web GUI fail to start. This can come in very handy for troubleshooting.
My proxmox server runs HAOS, pihole, openmediavault, immich and heimdall dashboard. These are just what I use.
You could run Frigate as an NVR if you want, or media servers like plex or Jellythin.
The biggest advantage when I started using proxmox was the ability to just spin something up and see what it was like.
Here is a list that makes it easy.
Do you desire to learn how to manage IT infrastructure?
If the answer to that question is YES , Proxmox or docker is probably for you.
If the answer to that question is NO, HAOS directly installed on hosting your best friend.
Or buy a home assistant green box as a start. Very low energy consumption en fully supported.
What I find most valuable about using Proxmox is creating local backups and backups on a NAS (NFS). A crashed VM with Home Assistant can be recovered in minutes.
I have multiple installations of HAOS running on Proxmox. 2 miniPCs, one on a remote server (for tests).
If you set your mind to it you can also have a VM/CT to setup a Kiosk connecting to HAOS and connect a display to your MiniPC.
Depending on your need, you can also setup a firewall (OPNsense) in a VM.
In summary, this is what I like about it:
- I can use the system for other (small) stuff;
- I can just move the VM elsewhere (I had HAOS on another proxmox system that I have repurposed);
- It’s easier to restore a VM than restoring from a HA backup, but I have both;
- You have access to the HAOS system console without attaching a physical screen, and remotely.
You need to become somewhat familiar with proxmox of course. Assigning HW resources (USB, other) may be somewhat challenging, repurposing the HDMI outputs from the miniPC was even more challenging.
But with Proxmox you can repurpose, otherwise you just have “HAOS”.
EDIT: BTW, do not keep/use Win11 on these miniPCs for security reasons.
My favorites other applications are:
Jellyfin media server
Frigate NVR
Minecraft server
Nextcloud
I actually don’t have this running on Proxmox (yet) but on a headless Debian server. Everything runs in docker containers. It works great for now but someday I want to deploy several Proxmox boxes for redundancy.