Based on Debian 12.10 and Linux Kernel 6.8, the latest release enhances snapshot control, tape backup speed, and client compatibility for hybrid Linux infrastructures.
Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH has officially released Proxmox Backup Server 3.4, delivering a series of powerful enhancements to performance, flexibility, and usability for enterprise and open-source users alike. This latest version is based on Debian 12.10 “Bookworm” and ships with Linux kernel 6.8.12-9 by default, with kernel 6.14 available as an opt-in choice. ZFS 2.2.7 is also included with kernel compatibility patches.
Proxmox Backup Server is designed to provide secure, efficient, and scalable backup and restore functionalities for virtual machines (VMs), containers (CTs), and host systems across Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) deployments and beyond.
🔍 Key Enhancements in Proxmox Backup Server 3.4
- Optimized Garbage Collection (GC): Performance of the GC process has been significantly improved, ensuring faster cleanup of outdated backup chunks and enhanced system responsiveness.
- Granular Snapshot Selection for Sync Jobs: Administrators can now define more precise synchronization policies, choosing exactly which snapshots to sync across remote backup servers.
- New Static Build of CLI Client: A statically linked client binary makes it easier to back up arbitrary Linux hosts, simplifying deployment across diverse environments with minimal dependencies.
- Improved Tape Backup Throughput: Enhancements in tape handling translate to faster write/read speeds, making long-term archival on tape more practical for high-volume environments.
- Countless UI and System Improvements: The release includes numerous minor enhancements and bug fixes, focused on improving user experience and overall system stability.
🧩 Integration with Proxmox VE 8.4
Proxmox Backup Server 3.4 is fully compatible with Proxmox VE 8.4, enabling seamless integration for cluster-wide backup solutions. Users can easily add PBS as a datastore in the VE web interface, taking advantage of advanced backup features such as deduplication, encryption, and incremental backups.
💻 Compatibility and Upgrade Information
- Upgrade Path: Users running PBS 2.x can upgrade directly to version 3.4 using
apt. Upgrade instructions are available in the official documentation. - Legacy Support: Compatibility with older Proxmox VE clients is maintained on a best-effort basis. Full support is guaranteed for currently supported major versions.
- Client Deployment: The PBS client can be installed independently on any Debian or Ubuntu system via the client-only repository.
⚙️ Hardware Recommendations
To maximize backup performance, Proxmox recommends using enterprise-grade hardware with fast local SSD or NVMe storage. Rotating disks are discouraged due to their impact on access and backup speeds.
📚 Resources & Documentation
✅ Why This Release Matters
Proxmox Backup Server 3.4 is more than a routine update—it’s a strategic release that aligns with the evolving needs of IT teams looking to consolidate backup workflows, ensure data resilience, and future-proof hybrid infrastructure setups. With enhanced snapshot handling, streamlined Linux host backup, and faster tape throughput, this version marks another step forward in delivering robust, open-source backup solutions for the modern data center.
Want to explore what’s new? Visit the Proxmox Backup Server 3.4 forum thread and join the community discussion.
