# Clustering

A Proxmox cluster groups multiple Proxmox nodes together, enabling centralized management, live migration (moving VMs between nodes), and high availability. When second node is connected to a cluster, it will assume primary cluster roles and authentication.

Pre Requisites:

- All nodes must be running the same or compatible version of Proxmox VE
- All nodes must be able to communicate over the network (low latency preferred)
- Odd number of nodes recommended (3+) for quorum
- Shared storage is recommended (but not required for basic clustering) for High Availability

<span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">Note</span>: Creating a cluster on an existing node will reset some configurations. Set up clustering before deploying production VMs.

#### Creating the Cluster on Primary Node

1. On the primary node, go to **Datacenter** &gt; **Cluster**
2. Click **Create Cluster**
3. Enter a **Cluster Name** (e.g., homelab-cluster)
4. Set the **Cluster Network** (the network ring used for cluster communication)
5. Click **Create**
6. Click **Join Information** and copy the join token

#### Adding Additional Nodes

1. Log into the second Proxmox node's web console
2. Go to **Datacenter** &gt; **Cluster**
3. Click **Join Cluster**
4. Paste the join information from the first node
5. Enter the root password of the first node when prompted
6. Click **Join** — the node joins the cluster

Afterr joining, all nodes appear in the left panel of any node's web console. You can manage all VMs and containers across all nodes from a single interface.

#### Live Migration

1. Right-click a VM on any node
2. Select Migrate
3. Choose the target node
4. Click Migrate — the VM moves to the other node (live, with minimal interruption if using shared storage)