1. Access the Proxmox Web Interface:

• Open a web browser and navigate to the Proxmox server’s IP address or hostname, followed by port 8006 (e.g., https://192.168.1.100:8006).
• Log in with your Proxmox credentials.

2. Select the VM/CT:

• In the left-hand menu, click on the node containing the VM/CT you want to back up.
• Click on the VM/CT’s name to open its details.

3. Initiate Backup:

• Click on the “Backup” tab.
• Click the “Backup Now” button.

4. Configure Backup Settings:

• Storage: Choose the storage destination for the backup. This could be local storage, a remote server, or a cloud service.
• Mode: Select the backup mode:
  • Snapshot: Creates a point-in-time snapshot of the VM/CT, minimizing downtime.
  • Stop: Stops the VM/CT before backing up.
  • Suspend: Suspends the VM/CT, allowing for a consistent backup without complete shutdown.
• Compression: Choose a compression level to reduce backup size.
• Encryption: Optionally enable encryption for sensitive data.

5. Start Backup:

• Click the “Start” button to initiate the backup process.
• Monitor the progress in the “Tasks” tab.

6. Verify Backup:

• Once the backup is complete, navigate to the storage destination to ensure the backup files are present.

Additional Tips:

• Schedule regular backups: Proxmox allows you to schedule backups for automation.
• Test restores: Periodically test restoring backups to ensure data integrity and recovery procedures.
• Consider Proxmox Backup Server (PBS): For advanced backup features like deduplication and replication, consider using Proxmox Backup Server.