Building a Proxmox Kubernetes Cluster with Talos Linux

A minimal, secure Kubernetes OS that runs like a dream in your home lab

If you haven’t heard about Talos Linux, it is a purpose-built OS for Kubernetes that’s fast, secure, and entirely API-managed. In this walkthrough, I’ll show you how to spin up a Talos-powered Kubernetes cluster on Proxmox using ISO-based installation, get kubectl talking to it, and boot your cluster in no time.

Why Talos is great for a Kubernetes cluster

Sure, you can run k3s or k0s for small-scale clusters, but they still need a host OS underneath. Talos flips the script by being both the OS and the Kubernetes platform in one. It’s a minimal Linux OS with no shell, no SSH, and a fully declarative API-driven interface.

Talos also supports bare metal and hypervisors, including Proxmox. And if you’re running Talos v1.7+ as of mid-2025, you’re getting even more stability and flexibility out of the box.

What This Guide Covers

1. Installing the talosctl CLI

2. Uploading the ISO to Proxmox

3. Creating VMs for control plane and worker nodes

4. Booting Talos and grabbing IPs

5. Generating cluster configs

6. Applying control plane and bootstrapping

7. Adding worker nodes

8. Verifying everything with kubectl

Step 1 – Install talosctl

👇 The rest of this post—including full VM setup, Talos bootstrapping, and kubectl validation is available for paid subscribers. Join below to unlock the complete guide!