Proxmox VE 8.4: Live Migration, vGPU, and Backup API Power-Up

Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH has officially released Proxmox VE 8.4, bringing significant enhancements to virtualization infrastructure. This update is not just incremental—it’s strategic. With powerful features like live migration, support for mediated devices (NVIDIA vGPU), extended third-party backup integrations, and a modernized API power-up, Proxmox VE 8.4 cements its position as a premier open-source virtualization platform.

Let’s break down what makes Proxmox VE 8.4 a game-changer for sysadmins, developers, and enterprise IT teams.

Proxmox VE 8.4: Live Migration, vGPU, and Backup API Power-Up

• Live migration for mediated devices (e.g., NVIDIA vGPU)
• API for third-party backup integration
• Virtiofs directory passthrough for efficient host/guest file sharing
• Support for AMD SEV-SNP for secure guest memory isolation
• Updated stack: Debian 12.10, Linux Kernel 6.8.12, QEMU 9.2, LXC 6.0, Ceph Squid 19.2.1
• Enhanced SDN, ISO installer improvements, and backup system upgrades

Let’s dive into these one by one.

Live Migration with Mediated Devices (vGPU Support)

Proxmox VE 8.4 introduces full support for live migrating VMs that utilize mediated passthrough devices, such as NVIDIA virtual GPUs (vGPU). This is a major dive forward for performance-focused and GPU-accelerated workloads.

What’s New?

• Live migration across cluster nodes is now possible, as both the source and destination nodes have identical hardware and driver support.
• Proxmox now includes the pve-nvidia-vgpu-helper tool for simplified NVIDIA vGPU driver setup.

This feature unlocks flexibility for GPU-intensive applications in AI/ML, 3D rendering, and simulation—without VM downtime.

API Integration for Third-Party Backup Providers

Version 8.4 introduces a powerful backup plugin API, enabling seamless integration of external backup tools directly into the Proxmox ecosystem. It’s beneficial in:

• Full web interface integration for third-party backup tools (e.g., Veeam, Rubrik).
• Support for custom plugins that can manage backup and restore workflows end-to-end.
• Access to advanced Proxmox features like scheduled backups, fleecing, and data replication.

This makes Proxmox VE a more open and flexible choice for enterprises looking to align virtualization with their existing backup infrastructure.

Virtiofs: Zero-Overhead Host/Guest File Sharing

Proxmox VE 8.4 now supports virtiofs, allowing direct file and directory sharing between the host and its VMs, without relying on traditional network file systems.

Why It Matters:

• Zero network overhead improves performance significantly.
• Out-of-the-box support for modern Linux guests.
• Windows guest support is possible with additional drivers.

Updated Stack with Debian 12.10 and Modern Kernel Support

Proxmox VE 8.4 is based on Debian 12.10 “Bookworm” and ships with two kernel options:

• Linux Kernel 6.8.12 (default, stable)
• Linux Kernel 6.14 (opt-in for newer hardware support)

Updated Open-Source Stack:

• QEMU 9.2.0 – faster VM emulation with upcoming QEMU 10 support
• LXC 6.0.0 – more robust container management
• ZFS 2.2.7 – with patches for Kernel 6.14
• Ceph Squid 19.2.1 – stable storage backend (Ceph Quincy is now EOL)

These updates ensure cutting-edge compatibility, better performance, and long-term stability.

Backup & Storage Enhancements, AMD SEV-SNP Support

In addition to API improvements, Proxmox VE 8.4 includes key updates to storage and backup systems:

• Better handling of “fleecing” images for consistent backups
• Enhanced replication robustness and RBD improvements
• Security fixes during OVA import processes
• Btrfs, ZFS, and other file system compatibility optimizations

Security-conscious organizations will appreciate native support for AMD SEV-SNP, enabling guest memory encryption and isolation on compatible AMD EPYC systems.

ISO Installer & Deployment Experience

Proxmox has fine-tuned its installation experience for both bare-metal and scripted deployments:

• Minimum root password now requires 8 characters (security-first)
• Enhanced automated install feedback
• Support for snake_case and kebab-case in answer files
• ZFS ARC size tuning for low-memory systems
• Improved EFI fallback and Btrfs bootloader handling

These changes make installing Proxmox smoother and safer—whether manually or through automation. Now let’s talk about its availability and installation.

{If you’re interested in learning more about Proxmox VE 8.1, please find below the other blog post of this series:

Installing Proxmox VE 8.1 on VMware Workstation 17}

Proxmox VE 8.4 Availability & Installation

Proxmox VE 8.4 is available now as a free and open-source ISO image. Installation options include:

• Clean installation on bare metal
• In-place upgrade from older versions via apt
• Installation on top of Debian 12.1

You can download Proxmox VE 8.4 from the official download page here:

https://www.proxmox.com/en/downloads

Enterprise Support & Subscription Plans

Proxmox offers enterprise-grade support subscriptions starting at €115 per CPU per year. This includes:

• Access to the Enterprise Repository
• Regular, tested software updates
• Direct technical support

Ideal for mission-critical environments where uptime, stability, and expert help are non-negotiable.

Notable Notes

• Ceph Quincy (17.2) is now End-of-Life. Users must upgrade to Ceph Squid 19.2.1.
• PXE boot via OVMF now requires VirtIO RNG support for improved security.
• Manual configuration may be required for TLS verification with external IPAM/DNS services.

Final Thoughts

Proxmox VE 8.4 isn’t just a version bump—it’s a robust, security-focused, and performance-driven release tailored for modern IT environments. Whether you’re running a lab, a mid-sized virtualized network, or a full-blown enterprise data center, this release offers the tools, integrations, and reliability to scale confidently.

Stay ahead—download Proxmox VE 8.4, explore the new features, and streamline your virtualization strategy.

FAQ

Can I upgrade latest Proxmox VE 7 to 8 using apt?

A: Yes, to upgrade follow the instructions: Upgrade from 7 to 8

Q: Can I upgrade from 8.0 to 8.4 via apt?

A: Use the GUI or apt.

Q: What is Proxmox?

A: Proxmox Virtual Environment (Proxmox VE) is the leading open-source platform for all-inclusive enterprise virtualization. With the central web interface, you can easily run VMs and containers, manage software-defined storage and networking functionality, high-availability clustering, and multiple integrated out-of-the-box tools like backup/restore, live migration, replication, and the firewall.

Q: Can I install Proxmox VE 8.4 on top of Debian 12 “Bookworm”?

A: Yes, follow the link Install on Debian 12

Q: Can I upgrade from Ceph Reef to Ceph Squid?

A: Yes, Ceph Reef to Squid Upgrade