How-to

Restore from Proxmox Backup Server fast.

Run full, instant, and file-level restores, and validate the result so you are confident before an incident.

Steps

  1. Pick the snapshot. In PBS or Proxmox VE, choose the snapshot with the desired timestamp and notes (verify status preferred).
  2. Full VM/CT restore. In Proxmox VE: Storage > PBS > Backups, select the backup, click Restore, choose target node/storage, and start.
  3. File-level restore. Use File Restore from the PBS UI or Proxmox VE to mount the snapshot and download required files.
  4. Instant restore (if applicable). For VMs, use Restore > Start after restore to boot quickly, then migrate storage if needed.
  5. Validate the restore. Boot the VM/CT, run application checks, and confirm network + services are up.
  6. Document the result. Note time-to-restore and any fixes needed; update runbooks.

Prereqs

  • Recent verify success on the snapshot
  • Target node + storage with sufficient space
  • Network access for restored guest
  • Runbook for post-restore checks

Quick checks

  • Restore completes without chunk or fingerprint errors.
  • Guest boots and services respond (app health check).
  • File restore mount opens and files are readable.
  • Time-to-restore recorded for future planning.

If something fails

  • Check verify logs for chunk errors; re-verify snapshot.
  • Restore to an alternate node/storage with more IOPS.
  • Confirm correct bridge/VLAN and firewall rules for the guest.
  • Inspect PBS/Proxmox logs for permission or key errors.

Related guides

Official docs

Proxmox docs: Restore with PBS.

Hosted PBS at $7.95/TB.

No storage limits—$7.95/TB with compute and RAM included. We run the infrastructure; you keep control.

See pricing