How to enable the no-subscription repository in Proxmox VE

    Introduction

    Proxmox VE provides a No-Subscription repository for users who do not have a valid subscription. While this repository allows access to the latest updates, it may lack some stability and testing compared to the Enterprise repository. Use it with caution, especially in production environments.

    Steps to Enable the No-Subscription Repository

    1. Log in to the Node
      Access your Proxmox VE server via SSH or directly using the terminal.

    2. Edit the Repository File
      Open the repository configuration file with a text editor. Use nano (simpler) or vi (advanced):

      nano /etc/apt/sources.list

    3. Add the no-subscription repopository

      deb http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pve <codename> pve-no-subscription

      Replace <codename> with the Debian codename used by Proxmox 9.

      As of Proxmox VE 9, the base Debian version is Trixie, so the line would look like this:

      deb http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pve trixie pve-no-subscription

    4. Disable the Enterprise Repository (Optional)
      If the Enterprise repository is active and you lack a subscription, it may cause update errors. Comment out the Enterprise repository by adding a # at the beginning of the line:

      # deb https://enterprise.proxmox.com/debian/pve trixie pve-enterprise

    5. Update the Package Index
      Refresh the package index to apply the changes:

      apt update -y

    6. Install Updates (Optional)
      To install the latest updates from the No-Subscription repository:

      apt full-upgrade -y

    Debian codenames by Proxmox version

    If you’re running an older Proxmox VE release, use the same steps above — only the codename changes.

    Proxmox VE Version Debian Base Codename to Use
    Proxmox VE 9 Debian 12 / 13 trixie
    Proxmox VE 8 Debian 12 bookworm
    Proxmox VE 7 Debian 11 bullseye
    Proxmox VE 6 Debian 10 buster

    Example for Proxmox VE 8:

    deb http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pve bookworm pve-no-subscription

    Important Notes

    • Use with Caution: The No-Subscription repository receives updates faster but may include untested changes. Test updates in non-production environments when possible.
    • Restore Defaults: To switch back to the Enterprise repository, remove or comment out the No-Subscription repository and reactivate the Enterprise one.
    Published