Connect PBS to Proxmox VE
This guide adds your HostMyServers managed PBS datastore as a storage in Proxmox VE, then configures backup jobs.
Native PBS integration is available from Proxmox VE 6.3 onwards.
1. Retrieve connection details
From the HostMyServers client portal, Connection (or Authentication) tab:
| Information | Example |
|---|---|
| PBS server URL | https://pbs1.hostmyservers.fr:8007 |
| Datastore name | backup-hms |
| Username | user@pbs or an API token user@pbs!token-name |
| Secret / password | provided in the client portal |
Prefer an API token over a user account for automated connections. A token can be revoked independently without affecting other access.
2. Add the storage in Proxmox VE (web interface)
In the Proxmox VE interface:
Datacenter → Storage → Add → Proxmox Backup Server
Fill in the fields:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | Local storage name (e.g. pbs-hms) |
| Server | PBS server URL (without https:// or port) |
| Username | PBS username or token |
| Password / Secret | Secret provided in the client portal |
| Datastore | Datastore name (e.g. backup-hms) |
| Namespace | (optional) target namespace if used |
The HostMyServers PBS service uses a certificate signed by a recognized CA. You do not need to enter a fingerprint.
Click Add.
3. Add the storage via CLI (optional)
From a Proxmox VE node:
pvesm add pbs pbs-hms \
--server pbs1.hostmyservers.fr \
--datastore backup-hms \
--username user@pbs!token-name \
--password <secret>
Check status:
pvesm status --storage pbs-hms
4. Configure a backup job
Once the storage is added:
Datacenter → Backup → Add
Recommended settings:
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Storage | pbs-hms |
| Schedule | 02:00 (nightly backup) |
| Selection | VMs / CTs to include |
| Mode | Snapshot (no VM downtime) |
| Compression | zstd |
| Retention | Configure via PBS prune policy (see Configuration, retention and verification) |
| Namespace | Optional — useful in multi-cluster setups |
Run the first job manually to verify connectivity and confirm snapshot creation on the PBS side.
5. Verify reception in PBS
From the HostMyServers client portal, Content tab:
- The snapshot should appear under
vm/<vmid>/<timestamp> - The deduplication ratio updates after the first GC run
Best practices
- Create one token per Proxmox VE cluster — revocation remains independent
- Restrict token permissions to the strict minimum on the datastore
- Schedule backup jobs outside production hours to limit network and I/O impact
- Test a restore after setup — an untested backup is not a guarantee
Run a restore test right after setup, then regularly (monthly is recommended). A snapshot that has never been verified may contain silent corruption.