Proxmox: Create Ubuntu Container and Enable SSH Access (With Root Password Login)

Overview

While setting up a new Ubuntu 22.04 container in Proxmox, I needed to enable SSH access using the root user and password. By default, LXC containers created from Ubuntu templates come with password login disabled for root via SSH. Here's how to install the container and make it SSH-accessible securely.

Step 1: Download Ubuntu Template

1. In the Proxmox web UI:
   • Navigate to your Proxmox node > local (storage) > CT Templates
   • Click Templates > select ubuntu-22.04-standard_*.tar.zst
   • Click Download

Step 2: Create the LXC Container

1. Go to Create CT
2. Fill in basic details:
   • Hostname: my-ubuntu-ct
   • Password: set a strong root password (important for later SSH access)
3. Choose the downloaded Ubuntu 22.04 template
4. Set Disk Size, CPU, Memory, and Network as needed
5. Under DNS and Options, defaults are fine
6. Click Finish to create the container

Step 3: Start and Enter the Container

Copycopy code to clipboard
1pct start 100
2pct enter 100

(Replace 100 with your container ID)

Step 4: Install and Enable SSH Server

Inside the container:

Copycopy code to clipboard
1apt update && apt install -y openssh-server

Make sure the SSH service is running:

Copycopy code to clipboard
1systemctl enable ssh
2systemctl start ssh

Step 5: Enable Root SSH Password Login

Edit SSH config:

Copycopy code to clipboard
1nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Make sure these lines are set:

Copycopy code to clipboard
1PermitRootLogin yes
2PasswordAuthentication yes

Save and restart SSH:

Copycopy code to clipboard
1systemctl restart ssh

Step 6: Exit and Test From Your Host

Exit the container:

Copycopy code to clipboard
1exit

Get container's IP:

Copycopy code to clipboard
1pct exec 100 ip a

From your Proxmox host or laptop:

Copycopy code to clipboard
1ssh root@<container-ip>

Enter the password you set during container creation.

Conclusion

Ubuntu containers on Proxmox are lightweight, fast to boot, and ideal for development and testing. But for secure SSH access, especially using root login, a few default settings must be changed. Once configured properly, it becomes a clean and scriptable environment to build on.