How to Install Amazon Linux 2023 on Proxmox VE Using QCOW2 Image

Amazon Linux 2023 has quickly become a preferred choice for developers looking for a secure, stable, and cloud-optimized operating system that performs equally well in virtualized environments. If you’re planning to install Amazon Linux 2023 on Proxmox VE using a QCOW2 image, understanding the process, requirements, and benefits can make your deployment smoother. While installation in Proxmox is fairly straightforward, many users struggle with compatibility settings, storage configuration, and proper networking. This guide provides you with essential knowledge you should understand before and after installing the OS—without diving into step-by-step instructions.

Prerequisites

• A running Proxmox VE node
• SSH access to the Proxmox host
• Internet access to download the QCOW2 image

Pre-Installation FAQs

1. What makes Amazon Linux 2023 different from earlier versions?

The Amazon Linux 2023 latest version is built on Fedora sources and provides predictable releases, improved performance, SELinux support by default, and a more secure kernel. It is optimized for cloud workloads but works perfectly in virtualized environments like Proxmox.

2. Can Amazon Linux 2023 run smoothly on Proxmox VE?

Yes. Proxmox fully supports KVM virtualization, and Amazon Linux 2023 works efficiently when deployed using a QCOW2 image. It offers fast boot times and lightweight resource consumption.

3. Do I need VirtIO drivers?

No additional drivers are required because Amazon Linux 2023 detects VirtIO devices automatically, including disk and network interfaces.

4. Is QCOW2 better than RAW for Proxmox?

QCOW2 is ideal for testing, snapshots, and flexibility. RAW is better for performance, but QCOW2 is recommended for most Amazon Linux virtual machines due to its snapshot support.

5. What are the hardware requirements?

A minimal setup requires 1 vCPU, 1–2 GB RAM, and around 8 GB storage, but production workloads usually need more.

Benefits of Using Amazon Linux 2023 as a Proxmox Virtual Machine Template

Choosing Amazon Linux 2023 as a base template in Proxmox VE offers long-term advantages for users who want a reliable, secure, and scalable environment. Once you deploy Amazon Linux 2023, it becomes extremely convenient to clone and reuse it across multiple workloads. Many administrators prefer this OS because Amazon Linux 2023 is engineered for predictable behavior, stable updates, and compatibility with modern virtualization standards. When you convert it into a Proxmox VM template, future deployments become faster and more consistent.

Another major advantage of Amazon Linux 2023 is its minimal footprint. Template-based provisioning is far more efficient when the base system is lightweight, and this distribution excels in that area. Whether you’re deploying development environments, web servers, or container workloads, Amazon Linux 2023 ensures quicker boot times and lower resource usage. This is especially useful if your Proxmox node runs multiple guests or you plan to scale your virtual infrastructure.

Security also plays a crucial role here. With SELinux enforcing by default, hardened repositories, and a predictable update model, Amazon Linux 2023 reduces security risks for every cloned VM. Using a template ensures each deployed instance inherits the same secure baseline, cutting down the time spent on manual configuration.

Finally, automation becomes smooth when Amazon Linux 2023 is used as a standardized template. Tools like cloud-init, Ansible, and Terraform integrate seamlessly, allowing instant configuration during VM deployment. This makes Amazon Linux 2023 one of the most efficient, practical, and future-ready operating systems for template-based virtualization on Proxmox VE.

Understanding the Installation Context

Before installing Amazon Linux 2023, users often want to know how the OS behaves on a local hypervisor compared to cloud platforms. It remains extremely lightweight, boots fast, and offers predictable repositories. When you deploy it on Proxmox using a QCOW2 image, the OS integrates seamlessly with the virtual hardware layer.

Another major advantage is the security posture of Amazon Linux 2023. It includes SELinux in enforcing mode, along with an updated firewall and automatic update management. If you rely on secure workloads or development environments that require frequent package maintenance, this distribution simplifies life.

Networking is another area where users have questions. Amazon Linux 2023 network configuration uses the standard NetworkManager system, making it easy to adjust IP addresses, DNS, or bridge interfaces through the terminal. This means you can attach the VM to any Proxmox bridge and configure your network with minimal effort.

The system also supports Amazon Linux 2023 automatic updates, which can be enabled or customized depending on your workload. Whether you prefer manual package control or fully automated patching, the OS offers flexibility.

Step 1: Download the Amazon Linux 2023 QCOW2 Image

Amazon provides a QCOW2 image. Get the download link to the latest AL2023 QCOW2 image from Amazon’s download page, then pull the image into your PVE storage:

wget https://cdn.amazonlinux.com/al2023/os-images/2023.9.20251117.1/kvm/al2023-kvm-2023.9.20251117.1-kernel-6.1-x86_64.xfs.gpt.qcow2

Step 2: Create new VM without disk

Use the following command to create a new Amazon Linux VM but without a disk:

qm create 152 \ 
--name "amazon-linux-2023" \ 
--memory 4096 \ 
--machine q35 \ 
--cores 2 \ 
--cpu host \ 
--net0 virtio,bridge=vmbr0 \ 
--boot c \ --bootdisk scsi0 \ 
--scsihw virtio-scsi-pci \ 
--serial0 socket \ 
--vga serial0

Step 3: Import and Attach Disk

Then import the downloaded disk to the local-lvm storage, attaching it to the VM as a SCSI drive

qm set 152 –scsi0 local-lvm:0,import-from=/path/to/al2023-kvm-2023.9.20251117.1-kernel-6.1-x86_64.xfs.gpt.qcow2

After you have imported and attached the disk, you might want to increase it’s size:

qm resize 152 scsi0 +25G

Step 4: Add a Cloud-Init Drive

Now, add a cloud-init drive for VM configuration:

qm set 152 --ide2 local-lvm:cloudinit

And set the cloud-init parameters:

qm set 152 --ciuser cloudspinx 
qm set 152 --cipassword 'your-password-here' 
qm set 152 --sshkey ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub 
## For Dyamic IP address 
qm set 152 --ipconfig0 ip=dhcp 
## For Static IP address 
qm set 152 --ipconfig0 ip=192.168.1.220/24,gw=192.168.1.1

Optional: Booting with UEFI (OVMF)

If you want to use UEFI boot instead of the default SeaBIOS, configure your VM as follows:

qm set 152 --bios ovmf 
qm set 152 --machine q35 
qm set 152 --efidisk0 local-lvm:1

Step 5: Start Amazon Linux 2023

When everything is set, start the VM:

qm start 152

Then access the console via Proxmox Web UI:

You can also access the VM via SSH since we added our SSH public key using cloud-init:

ssh cloudspinx@192.168.1.220

If you want to learn about backup process then click on the link.

Post-Installation FAQs

1. How do I enable automatic updates?

You can manage updates using dnf-automatic, which allows scheduled, manual, or fully automatic updates.

2. How do I configure networking after installation?

Use nmcli or edit connection profiles to set static IPs, bridges, or DNS entries.

3. How do I expand disk storage later?

Proxmox supports online disk resizing. After expanding the disk in the VM options, extend the Linux filesystem using standard tools.

4. Does Amazon Linux 2023 support Docker or Podman?

Yes. Podman is supported by default, and Docker can be added manually.

5. Is it suitable for production?

Absolutely. It’s built for enterprise-grade workloads and offers long-term support, security updates, and predictable versioning.