How to Use Template_cloudinit_config in Proxmox VE for Faster VM Setup

Learn how to use Template_cloudinit_config in Proxmox VE to automate VM configuration from the first boot with a clear, practical guide. Our Proxmox Support Team is always here to help you.

How to Use Template_cloudinit_config in Proxmox VE for Faster VM Setup

Getting a new virtual machine ready in Proxmox VE doesn’t need to be a slow, repetitive task. repetitive task. The Template_cloudinit_config feature lets you set everything up so that your VM boots with the right hostname, user accounts, SSH keys, and more, without extra manual steps. This means quicker deployments and fewer errors. Here’s exactly how to use it.

Prepare a Cloud-Init Configuration File

Start by creating a cloud-init configuration file (or a cloud-init user data script) in YAML or JSON format. This file tells the VM what to configure on the first boot. You can define things like the hostname, users, SSH keys, network settings, and package installations.

For example, a simple YAML configuration can look like this:

#cloud-config

hostname: my-vm

users:

- name: myuser

ssh_authorized_keys:

- ssh-rsa AAAAB3NzaC1yc2EAAAADAQABAAAB...

Keep this file handy, you’ll be using it in the next stage.

Copy the Configuration File to Your Proxmox Server

Once your configuration file is ready, copy it to the Proxmox host. You can use SCP (Secure Copy) or another method you prefer. For example:

scp my-cloudinit-config.yaml root@proxmox-server:/root/

This places your file directly in the /root/ directory of the Proxmox host.

Create or Clone a VM with Template_cloudinit_config

Now, in the Proxmox web interface, either create a new VM or clone one from a template. While setting it up, open the Options tab and look for the Cloud-init or Cloud-Init Options section.

Here’s where you provide the Template_cloudinit_config parameter. Reference the path to your configuration file on the Proxmox host.

For example:

template_cloudinit_config: local:/root/my-cloudinit-config.yaml

Make sure the path matches exactly where you placed the file.

Finish the VM Creation or Clone Process

Continue with the rest of your VM settings: choose storage, CPU, memory, and networking. The cloud-init setup will work alongside these regular configurations.

Boot the VM and Let Cloud-Init Work

Once you power on the VM, Template_cloudinit_config takes over. Cloud-init will read the configuration file you specified and apply everything, hostname, users, keys, and more, automatically during the first boot.

This approach is especially useful if you deploy multiple VMs that need identical base setups. Instead of configuring each VM manually, your Template_cloudinit_config ensures every one of them starts exactly how you want.

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Conclusion

In Proxmox VE, Template_cloudinit_config is more than just a parameter, it’s a direct path to faster, more consistent VM deployments. By preparing a solid cloud-init file, placing it on the Proxmox server, linking it during VM creation, and letting it run at boot, you take the busywork out of virtual machine setup and keep your infrastructure deployment-ready at all times.