discussion Guide Linux Proxmox How to Install QEMU Guest Agent on Proxmox VMs (Debian/Ubuntu)

[CL4Y]

How to Install QEMU Guest Agent on Proxmox VMs (Debian/Ubuntu)​

If you are running virtual machines on Proxmox VE, one of the most important utilities you can install is the qemu-guest-agent.
This small service creates a vital communication link between the Proxmox host (hypervisor) and the guest VM (your operating system). Without it, Proxmox is "blind" to what's happening inside the VM.

By installing the agent, you unlock several key features:

• Accurate Resource Monitoring: Proxmox's "Summary" tab will correctly display the VM's memory usage and IP addresses.
• Graceful Shutdowns: When you click "Shutdown" in the Proxmox UI, it will send a proper shutdown command to the VM's OS, just like pressing the power button, preventing data corruption.
• Live Snapshots: It allows for cleaner, more consistent live snapshots.

Here is the straightforward process for installing it on any Debian or Ubuntu-based VM.

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1. 🖥️ Step 1: Install the Agent (Inside the VM)​

First, log in to your VM using SSH or the Proxmox console.

It's always a good idea to ensure your package lists are up to date before installing new software.

sudo apt update

Now, install the agent package. The -y flag automatically confirms the installation, saving you a step.

sudo apt -y install qemu-guest-agent

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2. 🚀 Step 2: Start and Enable the Agent Service​

In most modern systems, the service should start automatically after installation, but it's best to be certain. We will use systemctl to manually start it and, more importantly, enable it. Enabling ensures the agent starts automatically every time your VM reboots.

sudo systemctl start qemu-guest-agent

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3. ✅ Step 3: Verify the Service is Running​

You can confirm that the agent is running correctly by checking its status.

sudo systemctl status qemu-guest-agent

You should see a green active (running) message. This confirms the agent is operational inside the VM. If it's not running, try a full reboot of the VM.

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4. 🖱️ Step 4: Enable the Agent in Proxmox​

Installing the software is only half the job. You must now tell Proxmox to actually use this agent for the VM.

1. Log in to your Proxmox Web UI.
2. Select the virtual machine you just installed the agent on.
3. Go to the Options tab for that VM.
4. Find "QEMU Guest Agent" in the list and double-click it.
5. A pop-up window will appear. Check the box labeled "Use QEMU Guest Agent" (it may be "Enabled").
6. Click OK.

You may need to reboot the VM one last time. Once it's back online, go to the VM's Summary tab. You should now see the VM's IP addresses and detailed memory information populated correctly. Your setup is complete.

 

[CL4Y]

You can create a support thread for any issue;
https://www.jetto.net/forums/operating-system-errors.2/

 

[nerf]

Thanks for the nice post.