# Proxmox Backup Server

> Linux distribution for backup of virtual machines, containers, and physical hosts

**Wikidata**: [Q104882439](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104882439)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxmox_Backup_Server)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/proxmox-backup-server

## Summary
Proxmox Backup Server is a free Linux distribution specifically engineered for backing up virtual machines, containers, and physical hosts. Developed by Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH, it functions as a dedicated backup software solution that is part of the broader Proxmox family of server management products. The system is built on the Linux kernel and GNU components, utilizing the Rust programming language for its core architecture.

## Key Facts
*   **Primary Function:** A Linux distribution designed for the backup of virtual machines, containers, and physical hosts.
*   **Classification:** It is categorized as free software, an operating system, a Linux distribution, and backup software.
*   **Developer:** Created and maintained by Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH.
*   **Parent Ecosystem:** It is a member of the Proxmox family of free server management products.
*   **Related Product:** It is distinct from, but related to, Proxmox Virtual Environment (a Linux distribution for server virtualization).
*   **Programming Language:** The software relies on Rust, a language that saw its inception on July 23, 2006.
*   **Latest Stable Version:** Version 4.1 was released as the preferred stable version on November 26, 2025.
*   **Major Release History:**
    *   Version 1.0 (Stable): Released November 11, 2020.
    *   Version 2.0: Released July 13, 2021.
    *   Version 2.4: Released March 29, 2023.
    *   Version 3.0: Released June 28, 2023, featuring Debian 12 "Bookworm".
    *   Version 4.0: Released August 6, 2025.
*   **Source Code:** Hosted on Gitweb at `https://git.proxmox.com/?p=proxmox-backup.git`.
*   **Official Website:** The primary domain is `https://proxmox.com/proxmox-backup-server` (available in English and German), with a dedicated wiki at `https://pbs.proxmox.com`.
*   **Copyright Status:** The software is copyrighted.
*   **Wikipedia Presence:** Articles exist in English, Croatian, Hungarian, and Chinese, with a Commons category named "Proxmox Backup Server".
*   **Image Asset:** A dashboard screenshot for version 2.0 is available on Wikimedia Commons.

## FAQs
**What is the primary purpose of Proxmox Backup Server?**
It serves as a dedicated Linux distribution for creating and managing backups for virtual machines, containers, and physical servers. Unlike general-purpose operating systems, it is optimized specifically for data protection tasks within the Proxmox ecosystem.

**Which programming language is used to build Proxmox Backup Server?**
The software is constructed using Rust, a systems programming language that originated in 2006. This choice supports the high-performance and memory-safety requirements needed for efficient backup operations.

**How does Proxmox Backup Server relate to Proxmox Virtual Environment?**
While Proxmox Virtual Environment is a Linux distribution focused on server virtualization, Proxmox Backup Server is a complementary product focused on data protection. Both are part of the broader Proxmox family of free server management products developed by the same company.

**What is the current stable version and when was it released?**
As of the latest data, version 4.1 is the preferred stable release, published on November 26, 2025. Previous major milestones include version 4.0 in August 2025 and version 3.3 in November 2024.

**Where can I access the source code for this project?**
The source code is publicly available via a Git repository hosted on Gitweb at `https://git.proxmox.com/?p=proxmox-backup.git`. This allows users to study, modify, and distribute the software in accordance with its free software license.

## Why It Matters
Proxmox Backup Server addresses the critical need for reliable, high-performance data protection in modern virtualized and containerized environments. By offering a dedicated Linux distribution for backups, it solves the complexity of managing backup infrastructure across heterogeneous systems, including physical hosts and virtual machines. Its integration into the Proxmox family ensures seamless interoperability with Proxmox Virtual Environment, streamlining the management of entire server farms. The use of Rust ensures that the software remains memory-safe and efficient, which is vital for handling large-scale data transfers without compromising system stability. As a free software solution, it democratizes access to enterprise-grade backup capabilities, allowing organizations to secure their infrastructure without prohibitive licensing costs.

## Notable For
*   **Dedicated Architecture:** It is a specialized Linux distribution built solely for backup tasks, distinguishing it from general-purpose OS installations used for backup.
*   **Rust Implementation:** It leverages the Rust programming language, known for its safety and concurrency features, to ensure robust performance.
*   **Rapid Release Cycle:** The project has demonstrated a consistent release schedule, moving from version 1.0 in late 2020 to version 4.1 by late 2025.
*   **Debian Integration:** Version 3.0 notably introduced support for Debian 12 "Bookworm," highlighting its alignment with stable Linux base systems.
*   **Feature Evolution:** Specific releases introduced distinct capabilities, such as Tape Backup support in version 1.1 and Namespace enablement in version 2.2.
*   **Open Source Transparency:** The project maintains a public Git repository, adhering to the principles of free software distribution.

## Body

### Core Identity and Classification
Proxmox Backup Server is defined as a Linux distribution specifically tailored for the backup of virtual machines, containers, and physical hosts. It falls under the classification of free software, meaning it is distributed under terms that allow users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions. Technically, it operates as an operating system that manages computer hardware resources, built upon the Linux kernel and core GNU components. It is also categorized broadly as backup software. The entity is copyrighted, ensuring legal protection while maintaining its free software status.

### Development Ecosystem and Parentage
The software is a product of Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH, a company known for its family of free server management products. Proxmox Backup Server is an integral part of this "Proxmox" family. It is closely related to Proxmox Virtual Environment, which is a separate Linux distribution focused on server virtualization and was established on April 15, 2008. While Proxmox Virtual Environment handles the virtualization layer, Proxmox Backup Server handles the data protection layer. The project's development is supported by the Rust programming language, which had its inception on July 23, 2006, and is widely recognized for its utility in systems programming.

### Version History and Release Timeline
The software has undergone a significant evolution since its initial stable release.
*   **Version 1.0:** The first stable version was released on November 11, 2020.
*   **Version 1.1:** Released on April 15, 2021, this update introduced Tape Backup capabilities.
*   **Version 2.0:** A major release on July 13, 2021, marked a significant milestone in the software's maturity.
*   **Version 2.1:** Released on November 23, 2021, continuing the rapid development cycle.
*   **Version 2.2:** Released on May 18, 2022, this version enabled Namespaces, a key feature for isolation and management.
*   **Version 2.3:** Released on November 29, 2020 (noted in source data as a stable version release date).
*   **Version 2.4:** Released on March 29, 2023, further refining the platform.
*   **Version 3.0:** Released on June 28, 2023, this version was notable for being available with Debian 12 "Bookworm".
*   **Version 3.1:** Released on November 30, 2023.
*   **Version 3.2:** Released on April 25, 2024.
*   **Version 3.3:** Released on November 28, 2024.
*   **Version 3.4:** Released on April 10, 2025.
*   **Version 4.0:** Released on August 6, 2025, marking a major version jump.
*   **Version 4.1:** Released on November 26, 2025, this is currently the preferred stable version.

### Technical Infrastructure and Resources
The source code for Proxmox Backup Server is hosted in a public repository accessible via Gitweb at `https://git.proxmox.com/?p=proxmox-backup.git`. This transparency aligns with its status as free software. The official web presence includes the primary domain `https://proxmox.com/proxmox-backup-server`, which is available in both English and German. Additionally, a dedicated wiki is hosted at `https://pbs.proxmox.com` and is available in English. Visual documentation includes a dashboard screenshot for version 2.0, which is archived on Wikimedia Commons.

### Community and Documentation Reach
The project has established a presence across multiple languages and platforms. Wikipedia articles for Proxmox Backup Server exist in English, Croatian, Hungarian, and Chinese. The project also maintains a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons titled "Proxmox Backup Server". The software has accumulated significant attention, with 58 sitelinks related to the Rust language it utilizes, 70 related to Linux distributions, 183 related to operating systems, and 120 related to free software. These metrics reflect its integration into the broader open-source community and its relevance to users of virtualization and backup technologies.

## References

1. [Proxmox Backup Server 2.0 available. 2021](https://proxmox.com/news/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-2-0-available)
2. [Proxmox Backup Server 1.1 available with Tape Backup. 2021](https://proxmox.com/news/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-1-1-available)
3. [Proxmox enables Namespaces in Proxmox Backup Server 2.2. 2022](https://www.proxmox.com/en/news/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-2-2)
4. [Proxmox Backup Server 2.1 available. 2021](https://www.proxmox.com/en/news/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-2-1-released)
5. [Proxmox Backup Server 1.0 available. 2020](https://proxmox.com/en/news/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-1-0-available)
6. [Proxmox Backup Server 2.3 available. 2020](https://www.proxmox.com/en/news/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-2-3)
7. [Proxmox Backup Server 2.4 available. 2023](https://www.proxmox.com/en/news/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-2-4)
8. [Proxmox Backup Server 3.0 with Debian 12 “Bookworm” available. 2023](https://www.proxmox.com/en/news/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-3-0)
9. [Proxmox Backup Server 3.1 released. 2023](https://www.proxmox.com/en/about/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-3-1)
10. [Proxmox Backup Server 3.2 released. 2024](https://www.proxmox.com/en/about/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-3-2)
11. [Proxmox Backup Server 3.3 released. 2024](https://www.proxmox.com/en/about/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-3-3)
12. [Proxmox Backup Server 3.4 released. 2025](https://www.proxmox.com/en/about/company-details/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-3-4)
13. [Proxmox Backup Server 4.0 available. 2025](https://www.proxmox.com/en/about/company-details/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-4-0)
14. [Proxmox Backup Server 4.1 released. 2025](https://www.proxmox.com/en/about/company-details/press-releases/proxmox-backup-server-4-1)