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VNC Console Access

Access your virtual machine's graphical console directly from ProxMan with the integrated VNC viewer.

Overview

VNC console feature provides direct graphical access to your virtual machines and nodes, allowing you to interact with VMs or Nodes as if you were sitting at the physical console. Perfect for troubleshooting boot issues, or managing graphical applications.

Requirements

  • Premium Subscription: VNC console is a premium feature
  • Requirements: VM or Node must be running
  • VNC Enabled: VM must have VNC display configured (default for most VMs)
  • Network Access: Your device must reach the Proxmox server

Accessing VNC Console

Opening the Console

1. Navigate to your VM list

2. Select the VM you want to access

3. Ensure the VM is running (start it if needed)

4. Tap "Console" or "VNC" button

5. The VNC viewer will connect automatically

VNC Viewer Features

Display Controls

Zoom & Pan

  • Pinch to Zoom: Zoom in/out on the display
  • Two-Finger Pan: Move around zoomed display
  • Double Tap: Fit screen to view
  • Rotation: Supports device rotation

Screen Modes

  • Fit to Screen: Scale display to fit device
  • Native Resolution: Show actual VM resolution
  • Aspect Ratio: Maintain or stretch display
  • Full Screen: Hide UI for maximum space

Input Methods

Touch Input

  • Tap: Single click
  • Long Press: Right click
  • Two-Finger Tap: Middle click
  • Drag: Move mouse cursor
  • Scroll: Two-finger scroll gesture

Keyboard Input

  • On-Screen Keyboard: Native keyboard for text input
  • Custom Mobile Keyboard Toolbar: Floating toolbar when the soft keyboard is visible
  • External Keyboard: Full keyboard support
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Common shortcuts supported

Custom VNC Keyboard Toolbar

When the on-screen keyboard is open, a floating toolbar provides mobile-friendly keys:

  • Esc — Escape key
  • Ctrl — Sticky modifier (auto-releases after next keypress, so Ctrl+C works)
  • Tab — Tab key
  • ~ | / - — Common shell characters
  • Arrow keys — Hold-to-repeat navigation
  • Paste — Clipboard paste into the console
  • Dismiss — Hide the keyboard

The toolbar auto-hides when the keyboard is dismissed. Toggle it with the floating action button.

Control Toolbar

Access common controls:

  • Keyboard: Show/hide on-screen keyboard
  • Ctrl+Alt+Del: Send Ctrl+Alt+Delete to VM
  • Special Keys: Access Esc, Tab, Function keys
  • Mouse Mode: Switch mouse input modes
  • Zoom Controls: Quick zoom in/out
  • Disconnect: Close VNC session

Special Keys

Access special keys via toolbar:

  • Ctrl: Control key
  • Alt: Alt key
  • Esc: Escape key
  • Tab: Tab key
  • F1-F12: Function keys
  • Windows Key: Super/Windows key
  • Print Screen: Screenshot key

Common Use Cases

Operating System Installation

Install OS on a new VM:

1. Create VM in ProxMan

2. Attach ISO image

3. Start VM

4. Open VNC console

5. Follow installation wizard

6. Complete OS setup

Boot Troubleshooting

Fix boot issues:

1. Start VM

2. Open VNC console immediately

3. Watch boot process

4. Access BIOS/UEFI if needed (usually Del or F2)

5. Modify boot settings

6. Troubleshoot boot errors

BIOS/UEFI Access

Access firmware settings:

1. Start VM

2. Open VNC console quickly

3. Press Del, F2, or F12 during boot

4. Navigate BIOS/UEFI settings

5. Make changes

6. Save and exit

Graphical Applications

Use GUI applications:

1. Connect to running VM

2. Log into desktop environment

3. Use applications normally

4. Interact with GUI elements

5. Close when done

Network Configuration

Configure network without SSH:

1. Open VNC console

2. Log into VM

3. Access network settings

4. Configure IP, DNS, gateway

5. Test connectivity

6. Close console

Password Reset

Reset forgotten passwords:

1. Boot VM into recovery mode

2. Access via VNC console

3. Mount root filesystem

4. Reset user password

5. Reboot VM

6. Log in with new password

Troubleshooting

Cannot Connect to VNC

Problem: VNC console won't connect

Solutions:

1. Verify VM is Running

- Check VM status

- Start VM if stopped

- Wait for VM to fully boot

2. Check VNC Configuration

- Verify VM has VNC display

- Check display settings in VM config

- Ensure VNC is not disabled

3. Network Issues

- Test server connectivity

- Check firewall rules

- Verify VNC ports accessible

4. Proxmox Issues

- Check Proxmox web console works

- Verify VNC works in web interface

- Restart VM if needed

Display Issues

Problem: Screen appears wrong or distorted

Solutions:

1. Resolution Mismatch

- Adjust VM resolution

- Use "Fit to Screen" mode

- Try different zoom levels

- Rotate device

2. Color Problems

- Check color depth settings

- Adjust display settings in VM

- Try different encoding

- Restart VNC session

3. Refresh Issues

- Disconnect and reconnect

- Restart VM

- Check VM graphics driver

- Update VM tools

Input Problems

Problem: Keyboard or mouse not working

Solutions:

1. Keyboard Issues

- Show on-screen keyboard

- Try external keyboard

- Check keyboard layout

- Use special keys toolbar

2. Mouse Issues

- Switch mouse mode

- Try different input method

- Restart VNC session

3. Lag or Delay

- Check network latency

- Reduce quality settings

- Close other apps

- Use wired connection

Next Steps

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