After purchasing a Proxmox VE subscription, you’ll receive a subscription key that unlocks access to the Enterprise Repository and official support. The key is permanently tied to the server ID of the specific host and must be uploaded via the administration interface. The full process is outlined below.
Obtain the Key
The subscription key always starts with pve… and can be found in two locations:
- Welcome Email – sent immediately after purchase confirmation.
- Client Area – under “Services → My Services” in the Proxmox online shop.
Copy the complete string, including the prefix, to the clipboard.
Upload via the Web Interface
- Log in to the Proxmox VE web GUI (default:
https://<host>:8006). - Select the Host Node in the left tree (not a container or VM).
- Open the Subscription tab.
- Click Upload Subscription Key.
- Paste the copied key into the input field and confirm.
Validation and Special Notes
After submitting, the host checks validity by establishing an HTTPS connection to https://shop.proxmox.com. The following points are important:
- Internet access is required unless an offline mirror has been configured.
- The key is bound to the server ID; transferring it to different hardware will fail.
- You can manually trigger validation using the Check button — useful after network changes.
- For air-gapped systems, Proxmox provides offline mirrors upon request; contact sales for assistance.
Common Pitfalls
- Wrong node selected: The key must be installed on the physical host, not on a VM or container.
- Typos when copying: Ensure the full string is copied without leading or trailing spaces.
- Firewall blocks outgoing HTTPS: Port 443 to
shop.proxmox.commust be open.
Next Steps
Once activation is complete, the Enterprise Repository is immediately available. In the package manager (apt update && apt dist-upgrade), you’ll now receive more stable, long-term tested packages. Additionally, you can open support tickets through the Customer Portal — the number available depends on your subscription level (Basic, Standard, Premium).
References
- Proxmox FAQ: How do I upload my Proxmox VE subscription key? </arg_value></tool_call>