# Create Plex LXC

> Create the Debian LXC container that will run Plex Media Server on Proxmox.

# Create Plex LXC

Plex runs in a dedicated Debian LXC container. LXCs have lower overhead than full VMs, give Plex direct access to the ZFS storage via bind mounts, and make GPU passthrough easier to configure.

## Download the Debian template

In the Proxmox UI, go to:

`local (proxmox)` → `CT Templates` → `Templates`

Search for **Debian** and download the latest available template.

![Download Debian template](/assets/docs/template.png)

## Create the container

Click **Create CT** in the top right. Configure it as follows:

**General**
- Hostname: e.g. `plex`
- Password: set a secure root password
- Unprivileged container: **Yes**
- Nesting: **Yes** (required)

![General settings](/assets/docs/template1.png)

**Template**
- Select the Debian template you just downloaded

![Template selection](/assets/docs/template2.png)

**Disks**
- Storage: local-lvm (or your preferred storage)
- Disk size: **32 GB**

![Disk settings](/assets/docs/template3.png)

**CPU**
- Cores: **2–4**

![CPU settings](/assets/docs/template4.png)

**Memory**
- RAM: **2048 MB**
- Swap: **512 MB**

![Memory settings](/assets/docs/template5.png)

**Network**
- Leave as default (DHCP or set a static IP)

**DNS**
- Leave as default

Review and click **Finish**.

## Start the container

Select the new LXC in the Proxmox sidebar and click **Start**. Open the console to verify it boots correctly.

## Why not Docker for Plex?

Plex in an LXC has a few advantages over running it in the Docker VM:

- Direct bind mount to ZFS storage without going through NFS
- Simpler GPU/iGPU passthrough at the Proxmox level
- Independent restart cycle from the automation stack

The result is faster media access and simpler maintenance.

## Next step

The LXC is now running with Debian, but Plex is not installed yet. Storage is not mounted yet either. Continue to [Create Docker VM](/docs/home-server/media-automation/installation/create-docker-vm).

Plex installation happens later in [Install & Configure Plex](/docs/home-server/media-automation/installation/install-plex), after storage is set up.