How to Install Debian Using PXE Network Boot

When managing multiple systems or setting up headless servers, PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) network booting is an efficient way to install operating systems such as Debian. PXE booting allows a machine to boot from a network interface before accessing local storage, eliminating the need for physical media like USB drives or DVDs.

This guide will walk you through the process of setting up a PXE environment and using it to install Debian on a client machine. We’ll go step-by-step, covering everything from setting up your PXE server to completing the Debian installation on your target system.

What Is PXE Boot?

PXE (pronounced “pixie”) allows a computer to boot from its network card rather than from a local storage device. The PXE protocol relies on DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to assign an IP address and TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) to download boot files.

PXE is particularly useful in the following scenarios:

• Installing OS on multiple systems without physical media
• Automating deployments
• Booting diskless systems
• Reinstalling or repairing systems remotely

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, make sure you have the following:

Hardware

• One PXE server (can be a Debian system)
• One or more PXE client machines (with PXE support in BIOS/UEFI)
• A local network (LAN)

Software on PXE Server

• A DHCP server (e.g., isc-dhcp-server)
• A TFTP server (e.g., tftpd-hpa)
• A web server (optional, but recommended for faster file transfers)
• PXELINUX (from SYSLINUX package)
• Debian installation files (Netboot image or ISO)

Let’s get started by setting up the PXE server.

Step 1: Setting Up the PXE Server

This example assumes the PXE server is running Debian (or a Debian-based distro). Root privileges are required for setup.

Update and Install Necessary Packages

sudo apt update
sudo apt install isc-dhcp-server tftpd-hpa syslinux pxelinux syslinux-common wget apache2

Directory Setup for TFTP

Create a TFTP root directory and link PXE bootloaders:

sudo mkdir -p /srv/tftp
cd /srv/tftp
sudo cp /usr/lib/PXELINUX/pxelinux.0 .
sudo mkdir pxelinux.cfg
sudo cp /usr/lib/syslinux/modules/bios/ldlinux.c32 .

Step 2: Configure DHCP Server

The DHCP server will assign IP addresses and point clients to the PXE bootloader.

Edit the DHCP configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/dhcp/dhcpd.conf

Example configuration snippet:

option domain-name "example.local";
option domain-name-servers 8.8.8.8;

default-lease-time 600;
max-lease-time 7200;
authoritative;

subnet 192.168.1.0 netmask 255.255.255.0 {
    range 192.168.1.100 192.168.1.200;
    option routers 192.168.1.1;
    filename "pxelinux.0";
    next-server 192.168.1.10;  # IP of PXE server
}

Restart the DHCP server:

sudo systemctl restart isc-dhcp-server

Ensure it is enabled:

sudo systemctl enable isc-dhcp-server

Step 3: Configure the TFTP Server

Edit the TFTP configuration:

sudo nano /etc/default/tftpd-hpa

Set the following:

TFTP_USERNAME="tftp"
TFTP_DIRECTORY="/srv/tftp"
TFTP_ADDRESS="0.0.0.0:69"
TFTP_OPTIONS="--secure"

Restart and enable the service:

sudo systemctl restart tftpd-hpa
sudo systemctl enable tftpd-hpa

Step 4: Download Debian Netboot Files

Use the Debian netboot tarball to get kernel and initrd files.

cd /srv/tftp
sudo wget http://deb.debian.org/debian/dists/stable/main/installer-amd64/current/images/netboot/netboot.tar.gz
sudo tar -xvzf netboot.tar.gz
sudo cp -r debian-installer/amd64/* .

Your TFTP root should now contain linux, initrd.gz, and other boot files.

Step 5: Configure PXELINUX Boot Menu

Create the boot menu configuration file:

sudo nano /srv/tftp/pxelinux.cfg/default

Example PXELINUX configuration:

DEFAULT install
LABEL install
    KERNEL linux
    APPEND initrd=initrd.gz vga=normal
    TEXT HELP
        Boot and install Debian via network.
    ENDTEXT

Optional: Add an automatic preseed file URL to the APPEND line if you want unattended installation.

Step 6: (Optional) Host Debian Packages via HTTP

For faster installation, host a Debian mirror or mount ISO contents.

Mount ISO (if using full ISO image):

sudo mkdir /var/www/html/debian
sudo mount -o loop debian-12.5.0-amd64-netinst.iso /var/www/html/debian

Verify it’s accessible in a browser:
http://<PXE_SERVER_IP>/debian/

If you’re using a preseed for automation, place it in /var/www/html/preseed.cfg.

Step 7: PXE Boot the Client

Now that the PXE server is ready:

1. Start the client machine.
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI settings.
3. Enable PXE or Network Boot.
4. Set PXE as the first boot device.
5. Reboot.

The client should contact the PXE server, download pxelinux.0, display the Debian installer boot menu, and start the Debian network installation process.

Step 8: Completing the Debian Installation

Once booted, the Debian installer will:

• Ask for language and region
• Detect hardware
• Configure network via DHCP
• Let you partition the disk
• Install base system and GRUB
• Reboot into your new Debian system

If you’ve added a preseed file, some or all of these steps can be automated.

Troubleshooting PXE Boot Issues

Here are some common issues and solutions:

Automating Installation with Preseed

Preseed files allow for unattended installations. Add the following line to the APPEND in your PXELINUX config:

APPEND initrd=initrd.gz auto=true priority=critical preseed/url=http://<PXE_SERVER_IP>/preseed.cfg

Create preseed.cfg and host it under your web server directory (/var/www/html/).

Advantages of PXE Booting Debian

• No need for physical media
• Faster deployment in large environments
• Great for headless systems or data centers
• Easily customizable with preseed files
• Reusable setup for other distributions

Final Thoughts

Installing Debian using PXE network boot may seem complex at first, but it offers incredible flexibility, especially for sysadmins managing multiple machines or virtual environments. Once configured, the PXE server can be reused for many installations, saving time and reducing physical hardware dependencies.

If you plan on deploying multiple Debian systems frequently, PXE booting with optional automation via preseed files is one of the most efficient and professional methods available.