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OPNSense Installation

Installation Steps

Step 1: Access the Installer

When your VM boots from the ISO, you'll see the login prompt:

OPNsense ISO Console Login Screen

Log in with the default credentials:

  • Username: installer
  • Password: opnsense

Step 2: Select System Settings

You'll be presented with the FreeBSD keymap selection:

FreeBSD Keymap Selection

TIP

The default keymap is usually fine for most installations. Press Enter to continue if you're using a standard US keyboard.

Step 3: Choose Filesystem

Important Note

Your filesystem choice should complement your Proxmox storage configuration:

  • If your Proxmox datastore uses ZFS → Consider using UFS for OPNSense
  • If your Proxmox uses another filesystem → ZFS is a good default choice for OPNSense

Select your preferred filesystem option:

OPNsense Installer - Choose a task

Step 4: Select Installation Disk

Choose the virtual disk you created during VM setup:

OPNsense Installer - Select a disk to continue

Step 5: Installation Process

The system will now install OPNSense to your virtual disk. This process typically takes a few minutes:

OPNsense Installer Installation Progress

Step 6: Set Root Password

Security Note

Choose a strong password! This will be your primary administrative access credential.

When prompted, set your root password:

OPNsense Final Configuration Prompt

Step 7: Complete Installation

  1. Click "Complete Install" when all steps are finished:

OPNsense "Complete Install" button"

  1. Choose "Reboot now" to start your new firewall:

OPNsense Installation Complete - "Reboot now" or "Halt Now"

  1. The system will initiate the reboot sequence:

OPNsense console "rebooting in 5 seconds"

Next Steps

After the system reboots:

  1. The firewall will start with default settings
  2. Proceed to the Initial Configuration guide to set up your network interfaces
  3. Configure your WAN and LAN settings