Boot your machines over the network

PXE Tools helps IT teams and homelab enthusiasts set up network boot from a central server.

Install PXE ToolsExplore the project
  • Open-source project
  • APT or Docker Compose
  • Distribution in preparation
Illustrative preview of the administration console

From discovery to installation

Set up PXE Tools and get your machines ready to boot over the network.

  1. Install the server

    Set up PXE Tools on a Linux machine connected to your network.

  2. Prepare boot files

    Choose the boot files and prepare them from the web console.

  3. Boot your clients

    Start your computers over the network and follow the installer.

How network boot works

PXE Tools runs alongside your DHCP server. It tells machines what to load, then serves them verified boot files.

  1. The machine asks for an address

    When it starts, it queries the network. Your DHCP server assigns its IP address as usual: PXE Tools never assigns one.

  2. PXE Tools tells it what to load

    Proxy DHCP supplies the boot information without replacing your DHCP server. You can also configure your DHCP server to provide it.

  3. Boot files are served

    The machine downloads the files prepared and verified in the console over TFTP or HTTP, then starts the installer.

A clear view of your network boot environment

PXE Tools brings together the pieces needed to prepare and run network boot in one place.

A web console

Configure your instance, prepare boot files and check the state of its services.

Services you control

Choose the network interface and explicitly enable PXE services when you are ready.

Built around your network

Use proxy DHCP alongside an existing DHCP server, or configure your DHCP server to provide PXE boot information.

Install the way that suits you

Choose a native installation or run the services with Docker Compose. Explore the prerequisites and steps for each route.

In preparation

Native installationAPT

Install the Debian package and manage the services directly on your Linux host.

Explore APT installation
In preparation

Container installationDocker Compose

Run the services with Docker Compose, keeping the application data in a separate volume.

Explore Docker installation

Verified commands and release artifacts will be added to these guides when the product is released.

Before you start

The current development version prepares the Debian 13 amd64 installer, which you run manually. No platform is yet advertised as supported. PXE services affect the network: choose the correct interface and check for existing PXE services before enabling them.

Explore the project

PXE Tools is an open-source project for teams and people who manage their own machines.

View the project on GitHubInstall PXE Tools