Proxmox Docker Bootstrap is a small open-source toolkit that takes the repetitive work out of creating a Debian LXC container on Proxmox VE and preparing it for Docker. It guides you through the setup, configures networking, and can install Docker Engine and Docker Compose as part of the same workflow.
If you regularly create containers for self-hosted apps, testing, or home-lab services, this project turns a long checklist into a straightforward, repeatable process.
Get Proxmox Docker Bootstrap on GitHub →
What does it do?
The project provides an interactive setup wizard for Proxmox VE. Rather than editing a large script every time, you answer a few prompts and the tool creates a Debian container using the options you choose.
- Choose the container ID, hostname, CPU, memory, and disk size.
- Detect available storage, network bridges, and Debian templates on the Proxmox host.
- Scan a configured network range for an available IP address, or enter one manually.
- Create either a plain Debian container or a Docker-ready one.
- Set up SSH-key or generated-password access and optionally create a sudo-enabled admin user.
- Install Docker Engine and Docker Compose from Docker’s official repository.
- Run unattended through environment variables when you need automation.
Why use a dedicated bootstrap tool?
Creating a container is easy. Creating the same kind of container reliably, with the right network settings, storage, nesting configuration, secure access, and Docker setup every time is where small inconsistencies creep in. Proxmox Docker Bootstrap keeps those decisions visible and repeatable without tying the project to one specific home network.
It is deliberately focused. Version 1 creates and configures a Debian CT, then optionally installs Docker. It does not try to become a full platform installer packed with unrelated services.
Get the project
The source code, installation guide, configuration reference, and MIT licence are available on GitHub:
github.com/inpulseone-lab/proxmox-docker-bootstrap
To download it directly on your Proxmox host:
git clone https://github.com/inpulseone-lab/proxmox-docker-bootstrap.git
cd proxmox-docker-bootstrap
sudo ./install.shThe installer copies the toolkit to /opt/proxmox-tools and makes the create-ct-container command available. Before creating your first container, copy the example configuration and set the defaults for your own network:
cp /opt/proxmox-tools/config.conf.example /opt/proxmox-tools/config.conf
nano /opt/proxmox-tools/config.conf
sudo create-ct-containerIf you would rather run the project straight from the cloned folder, copy config.conf.example to config.conf, edit it, and run sudo ./create-ct.sh.
Security and access
The project supports SSH keys and can create a sudo-enabled administrator account. SSH-key authentication is the recommended route. Where no key is supplied, the tool generates a password and displays it once at the end of the run instead of storing it in the project.
For normal day-to-day access, use the administrator account over SSH and use sudo when needed. Root access remains available from the Proxmox host with pct enter <container-id>.
Who is it for?
Proxmox Docker Bootstrap is a good fit for home-lab builders, self-hosters, and anyone who wants a clean, reusable starting point for Docker workloads in Debian LXC containers. It also works well as a foundation for repeatable lab or test environments.
Start building
Whether you are deploying a single service or standardising how you create every new container, start with the project, adjust the configuration for your network, and let the wizard handle the boring parts.