Getting Started is Easy
Configure your first array in less than 15 minutes.
Next, install Unraid
- An assembled server that's connected to ethernet and is capable of booting from a USB device. Unraid works with most hardware.
- An attached monitor and keyboard for the initial configuration, and for altering configuration settings in your BIOS.
- A high-quality, named-brand USB flash device that is at least 4 GB in size with a unique GUID (Globally Unique Identifier).
Unraid is extremely hardware agnostic. For hardware or system build advice, see our docs.
- Insert your USB flash device into your Mac or PC.
- Download the USB Flash Creator for Mac or PC and use it to install Unraid OS onto your USB flash device (recommended). Or, you can use the manual install method.
- Remove the flash device from your PC and plug it into your server.
- Boot into your server's BIOS settings and make the following changes:
- Configure the system to boot from the USB flash device.
- Enable hardware virtualization-specific features (including IOMMU), if applicable.You can find more details on BIOS configuration in the Advanced BIOS configuration guide.
- Save your BIOS configuration changes and exit to boot Unraid OS.
Once Unraid OS has booted, open the WebGUI (our browser-based management utility), and complete your system configuration.
- Open a web browser from your Mac or PC and navigate to http://tower.local.
- When prompted, set a strong root password.
- Register and install your free Trial license key, or enter your activation code.
For more details, see our quick install guide documentation.
Now you’re ready to assign devices for Unraid to manage.
- Assign devices in the “Main” tab of the Unraid WebGUI. On this page, you’ll see a list of Array device and Pool device assignments, as well as any unassigned devices and the boot device.
- Use the dropdowns to select disks for your array (parity and non-parity drives) and pool devices. Learn more about storage management.
- Once you have assigned all your devices, select the “Start” button under “Array Operation.” This will mount your devices and start the array.
- Once you have started the array, plan and create shares to simplify how you store data across multiple disks. Learn more about shares.
For more details and recommendations for assigning disks, see our product documentation.
Now that you’ve completed basic installation and set-up for your Unraid server, it’s time for the fun part: customizing everything to your needs.
We recommend exploring the following steps:
- Install the Community Apps plugin, so you can run popular applications like AdGuard, Pi-hole, Home Assistant, and Plex right from your Unraid server.
- Install the Unraid Connect plugin for remote access and flash backup.
- Install virtual machines to run other operating systems like Windows or Linux.
- Join the discussion on our forums, where you can find answers to most of your troubleshooting questions.
- Get Multi-lingual support: download, install, and use the Unraid OS in Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, Polish, and Spanish.
- Sign up for our newsletter to get monthly product updates.
Join Thousands of Happy Customers
I knew of Unraid only from name recognition but never researched it because it had a cost. I saw there was a 30-day trial available with 2x 15-day extensions so I figured “what do I have to lose”. I’m glad I took the plunge. Once it booted, it took about 5-10 minutes to setup an array with zero experience and testing a few app installations were practically one-click and they were up and running. The amount of time in saved labour alone will be worth the cost of the license.
A testament to quality software systems: I have been running Unraid OS 5.0.4 on my home NAS for the past 9 years without having to do anything other than replace the occasional failing drive. And the array itself was created in 2008!
PL
Migrating to unRAID was the best thing I ever didI started my homelab life with a Node 804 case and slowly grew the number of drives inside of it. I used Ubuntu as the OS and implemented MergerFS and Snapraid but was always spending more time messing around with the system admin then I was actually using the server. A year ago I picked up a Supermicro 846...
Migrating to unRAID was the best thing I ever didI started my homelab life with a Node 804 case and slowly grew the number of drives inside of it. I used Ubuntu as the OS and implemented MergerFS and Snapraid but was always spending more time messing around with the system admin then I was actually using the server.
A year ago I picked up a Supermicro 846 case and decided it was time to upgrade my OS. I'd read a lot about unRAID but was always uncertain about making the jump. The rest, as they say, is history.
It has been beautifully dull running an unRAID server.
Everything, just, works.
The best purchase I have made in 30 years of computing. Nothing even comes close in terms of use/value for money.....
GR
I bought my first license (and server) in 2009, I believe. The first server I ordered was directly from Lime Technology in the US, and I had to explain to the customs office in Germany what the hell that thing was. 😀 A big thank you to the UNRAID team, the OS is one of the few products I've been using daily for many, many years. There have been hardly any...
I bought my first license (and server) in 2009, I believe. The first server I ordered was directly from Lime Technology in the US, and I had to explain to the customs office in Germany what the hell that thing was. 😀
A big thank you to the UNRAID team, the OS is one of the few products I've been using daily for many, many years. There have been hardly any problems, and the utility is fantastic.
MA
In a nutshell, our CUI network showcases a secure, scalable setup with UNRAID playing a key role in ensuring data integrity and operational efficiency. As we move forward, leveraging UNRAID's capabilities will support our mission and growth.
Well, its taken me 13 years to learn about Unraid and I had no idea this product was that stable or I would have moved to it sooner. Over the past year, I've purchased my first "home lab" rack mounted server with 14 drive bays available for the sole purpose of moving to Unraid and its awesome! My wife is not annoyed by how much I love Unraid ... it just...
Well, its taken me 13 years to learn about Unraid and I had no idea this product was that stable or I would have moved to it sooner.
Over the past year, I've purchased my first "home lab" rack mounted server with 14 drive bays available for the sole purpose of moving to Unraid and its awesome!
My wife is not annoyed by how much I love Unraid ... it just works!
XI
I've always wanted to have my own media library for my home theater and a gaming PC that both a friend and I could use at the same time. I now run a modest Plex server and multiple other Dockers and recently just built a "2 Gamers, 1 CPU" style rig for gaming. Unraid has made it possible for me to achieve both of these goals. Thank you!!
MJ
Happy Unraid user of about 3 years or so, and I'm on my second build now (with build #3 in the next 12 months). Unraid allowed me to consolidate a bunch of separate machines with separate storage into a single more easily managed system. It also lowered the barrier to entry to technologies like virtualisation, docker and just linux in general.
TJ
Let me say it's been so easy and painless to use. For me at least, this is a huge improvement over running the latest Ubuntu server and apt-get'ing packages I use as compared to VM's, Docker and unraid updates.
I would tell anyone on the fence about spending $ for unraid to just do it! You won't regret it.
I've gotta say, unRAID has been one of the best purchases I've ever made. The level of support, the community, the expanding capabilities, the attention to detail - for something I bought almost a decade ago is really stunning.
I recommend it to everyone who'll listen.
RO
Have been a paid user for almost 9 years (2010).
The best thing I like about unRAID is that I forget it is there 😊 although I like tinkering I only need to when I want and have time and not when the server asks for help - which it doesn't !!!
Keep up the wonderful work.
TH
Thank you UnRaid for keeping the memories of my Family. You give me peace of mind as my backup server. Thank you for a lifetime purchase so that I can take you anywhere! Thank you for being my families' entertainment hub! Thank you for being a Nerd's happy place on a cloudy day! Keep it up! Live long and Prosper!! May the odds be ever in your favour! May...
Thank you UnRaid for keeping the memories of my Family. You give me peace of mind as my backup server. Thank you for a lifetime purchase so that I can take you anywhere! Thank you for being my families' entertainment hub! Thank you for being a Nerd's happy place on a cloudy day! Keep it up!
Live long and Prosper!! May the odds be ever in your favour! May the Force be with you!
AP
I put a trial of unRAID on a USB, install was overly easy, and...And now I totally get it. It's so much easier. Whatever money I have to spend for a license is obviously offset by how little time I have to spend setting everything up. OMV always takes several evenings to get everything configured. unRAID took an hour and I've never used it before. This is...
I put a trial of unRAID on a USB, install was overly easy, and...And now I totally get it. It's so much easier. Whatever money I have to spend for a license is obviously offset by how little time I have to spend setting everything up. OMV always takes several evenings to get everything configured. unRAID took an hour and I've never used it before.
This is not OMV hate. OMV is amazing. But unRAID is amazing and so very simple from the start. I am converted.
Been using you 5 years and this has taught me more than my actual dead end IT infrastructure job. Highlight was getting a replacement key when my USB broke, within the year window, in no less than 5 mins on a saturday.. I mean cmon that's proper customer service, at work we pay thousands for 4 work hour fixes and you top it all and pull this out of the...
Been using you 5 years and this has taught me more than my actual dead end IT infrastructure job.
Highlight was getting a replacement key when my USB broke, within the year window, in no less than 5 mins on a saturday.. I mean cmon that's proper customer service, at work we pay thousands for 4 work hour fixes and you top it all and pull this out of the bag.. the mind boggles.
Love your product and a badge of honor would be fantastic and well appreciated.
HE
I've been using Unraid for about three years now, ever since I decided that it was unnecessary to have two computers running 24/7. I used to have a small server with a few VMs and my gaming PC. But then I heard of Unraid and thought: why waste the money and energy on keeping two machines up to date, when I could use all that money and save energy while...
I've been using Unraid for about three years now, ever since I decided that it was unnecessary to have two computers running 24/7. I used to have a small server with a few VMs and my gaming PC. But then I heard of Unraid and thought: why waste the money and energy on keeping two machines up to date, when I could use all that money and save energy while getting a single better than both solution. Now I'm happily gaming on a VM while running everything else a lot simpler and safer than before. I have been a victim of 2 drive fail RAID5 before and at the time I did not realizing the importance of a good backup. Nowadays i feel safer than ever before. And the community around Unraid is just the best!
TA
I've been using Unraid for a few years now. I absolutely love it. My girlfriend suggests I love Unraid more than her... she might be right. What I enjoy most is discovering new things I can run on my server, setting them up, then watch as they work flawlessly from then on. It just works.
GD
Wow, what is not to like? Reliability, flexibility, and amazing support. My unRAID server has been one of the best things I have ever built for my home.
Great OS. The flexibility and ease of expansion made Unraid the choice for me. I have converted 3 people at my work so far this year. Couldn't ask for a more supportive community!
GR
The biggest problem with unRAID is that I didn't discover it years before I started using it.
Just installed unraid and now I understand why so many ppl love it.
DM
Unraid has been an absolute lifesaver when it comes to managing my home tech infrastructure. I’ve consolidated so much into one system it’s not even funny. And the support you guys give to your users is unreal.
RH
I went around different operating systems for years trying to make the perfect home server. Windows was a bust. Ubuntu didnt have the right stuff i wanted. Unraid with parity and docker containers and VMs is perfect. I have used Unraid for just over a year and im super impressed with its flexability. There is no better OS
AL
I have loved using unraid for the last three years... No issues, great support, fantastic product. Keep up the good work!
TH
A testament to quality software systems: I have been running Unraid OS 5.0.4 on my home NAS for the past 9 years without having to do anything other than replace the occasional failing drive. And the array itself was created in 2008!
PL
I bought my first license (and server) in 2009, I believe. The first server I ordered was directly from Lime Technology in the US, and I had to explain to the customs office in Germany what the hell that thing was. 😀 A big thank you to the UNRAID team, the OS is one of the few products I've been using daily for many, many years. There have been hardly any...
I bought my first license (and server) in 2009, I believe. The first server I ordered was directly from Lime Technology in the US, and I had to explain to the customs office in Germany what the hell that thing was. 😀
A big thank you to the UNRAID team, the OS is one of the few products I've been using daily for many, many years. There have been hardly any problems, and the utility is fantastic.
MA
I've always wanted to have my own media library for my home theater and a gaming PC that both a friend and I could use at the same time. I now run a modest Plex server and multiple other Dockers and recently just built a "2 Gamers, 1 CPU" style rig for gaming. Unraid has made it possible for me to achieve both of these goals. Thank you!!
MJ
I've gotta say, unRAID has been one of the best purchases I've ever made. The level of support, the community, the expanding capabilities, the attention to detail - for something I bought almost a decade ago is really stunning.
I recommend it to everyone who'll listen.
RO
I put a trial of unRAID on a USB, install was overly easy, and...And now I totally get it. It's so much easier. Whatever money I have to spend for a license is obviously offset by how little time I have to spend setting everything up. OMV always takes several evenings to get everything configured. unRAID took an hour and I've never used it before. This is...
I put a trial of unRAID on a USB, install was overly easy, and...And now I totally get it. It's so much easier. Whatever money I have to spend for a license is obviously offset by how little time I have to spend setting everything up. OMV always takes several evenings to get everything configured. unRAID took an hour and I've never used it before.
This is not OMV hate. OMV is amazing. But unRAID is amazing and so very simple from the start. I am converted.
I've been using Unraid for a few years now. I absolutely love it. My girlfriend suggests I love Unraid more than her... she might be right. What I enjoy most is discovering new things I can run on my server, setting them up, then watch as they work flawlessly from then on. It just works.
GD
The biggest problem with unRAID is that I didn't discover it years before I started using it.
I went around different operating systems for years trying to make the perfect home server. Windows was a bust. Ubuntu didnt have the right stuff i wanted. Unraid with parity and docker containers and VMs is perfect. I have used Unraid for just over a year and im super impressed with its flexability. There is no better OS
AL
I have loved using unraid for the last three years... No issues, great support, fantastic product. Keep up the good work!
TH
Just installed unraid and now I understand why so many ppl love it.
DM
Wow, what is not to like? Reliability, flexibility, and amazing support. My unRAID server has been one of the best things I have ever built for my home.
Been using you 5 years and this has taught me more than my actual dead end IT infrastructure job. Highlight was getting a replacement key when my USB broke, within the year window, in no less than 5 mins on a saturday.. I mean cmon that's proper customer service, at work we pay thousands for 4 work hour fixes and you top it all and pull this out of the...
Been using you 5 years and this has taught me more than my actual dead end IT infrastructure job.
Highlight was getting a replacement key when my USB broke, within the year window, in no less than 5 mins on a saturday.. I mean cmon that's proper customer service, at work we pay thousands for 4 work hour fixes and you top it all and pull this out of the bag.. the mind boggles.
Love your product and a badge of honor would be fantastic and well appreciated.
HE
Have been a paid user for almost 9 years (2010).
The best thing I like about unRAID is that I forget it is there 😊 although I like tinkering I only need to when I want and have time and not when the server asks for help - which it doesn't !!!
Keep up the wonderful work.
TH
Happy Unraid user of about 3 years or so, and I'm on my second build now (with build #3 in the next 12 months). Unraid allowed me to consolidate a bunch of separate machines with separate storage into a single more easily managed system. It also lowered the barrier to entry to technologies like virtualisation, docker and just linux in general.
TJ
In a nutshell, our CUI network showcases a secure, scalable setup with UNRAID playing a key role in ensuring data integrity and operational efficiency. As we move forward, leveraging UNRAID's capabilities will support our mission and growth.
Migrating to unRAID was the best thing I ever didI started my homelab life with a Node 804 case and slowly grew the number of drives inside of it. I used Ubuntu as the OS and implemented MergerFS and Snapraid but was always spending more time messing around with the system admin then I was actually using the server. A year ago I picked up a Supermicro 846...
Migrating to unRAID was the best thing I ever didI started my homelab life with a Node 804 case and slowly grew the number of drives inside of it. I used Ubuntu as the OS and implemented MergerFS and Snapraid but was always spending more time messing around with the system admin then I was actually using the server.
A year ago I picked up a Supermicro 846 case and decided it was time to upgrade my OS. I'd read a lot about unRAID but was always uncertain about making the jump. The rest, as they say, is history.
It has been beautifully dull running an unRAID server.
Everything, just, works.
The best purchase I have made in 30 years of computing. Nothing even comes close in terms of use/value for money.....
GR
Well, its taken me 13 years to learn about Unraid and I had no idea this product was that stable or I would have moved to it sooner. Over the past year, I've purchased my first "home lab" rack mounted server with 14 drive bays available for the sole purpose of moving to Unraid and its awesome! My wife is not annoyed by how much I love Unraid ... it just...
Well, its taken me 13 years to learn about Unraid and I had no idea this product was that stable or I would have moved to it sooner.
Over the past year, I've purchased my first "home lab" rack mounted server with 14 drive bays available for the sole purpose of moving to Unraid and its awesome!
My wife is not annoyed by how much I love Unraid ... it just works!
XI
Let me say it's been so easy and painless to use. For me at least, this is a huge improvement over running the latest Ubuntu server and apt-get'ing packages I use as compared to VM's, Docker and unraid updates.
I would tell anyone on the fence about spending $ for unraid to just do it! You won't regret it.
Thank you UnRaid for keeping the memories of my Family. You give me peace of mind as my backup server. Thank you for a lifetime purchase so that I can take you anywhere! Thank you for being my families' entertainment hub! Thank you for being a Nerd's happy place on a cloudy day! Keep it up! Live long and Prosper!! May the odds be ever in your favour! May...
Thank you UnRaid for keeping the memories of my Family. You give me peace of mind as my backup server. Thank you for a lifetime purchase so that I can take you anywhere! Thank you for being my families' entertainment hub! Thank you for being a Nerd's happy place on a cloudy day! Keep it up!
Live long and Prosper!! May the odds be ever in your favour! May the Force be with you!
AP
I've been using Unraid for about three years now, ever since I decided that it was unnecessary to have two computers running 24/7. I used to have a small server with a few VMs and my gaming PC. But then I heard of Unraid and thought: why waste the money and energy on keeping two machines up to date, when I could use all that money and save energy while...
I've been using Unraid for about three years now, ever since I decided that it was unnecessary to have two computers running 24/7. I used to have a small server with a few VMs and my gaming PC. But then I heard of Unraid and thought: why waste the money and energy on keeping two machines up to date, when I could use all that money and save energy while getting a single better than both solution. Now I'm happily gaming on a VM while running everything else a lot simpler and safer than before. I have been a victim of 2 drive fail RAID5 before and at the time I did not realizing the importance of a good backup. Nowadays i feel safer than ever before. And the community around Unraid is just the best!
TA
Great OS. The flexibility and ease of expansion made Unraid the choice for me. I have converted 3 people at my work so far this year. Couldn't ask for a more supportive community!
GR
Unraid has been an absolute lifesaver when it comes to managing my home tech infrastructure. I’ve consolidated so much into one system it’s not even funny. And the support you guys give to your users is unreal.
RH
I have loved using unraid for the last three years... No issues, great support, fantastic product. Keep up the good work!
TH
Just installed unraid and now I understand why so many ppl love it.
DM
Wow, what is not to like? Reliability, flexibility, and amazing support. My unRAID server has been one of the best things I have ever built for my home.
Been using you 5 years and this has taught me more than my actual dead end IT infrastructure job. Highlight was getting a replacement key when my USB broke, within the year window, in no less than 5 mins on a saturday.. I mean cmon that's proper customer service, at work we pay thousands for 4 work hour fixes and you top it all and pull this out of the...
Been using you 5 years and this has taught me more than my actual dead end IT infrastructure job.
Highlight was getting a replacement key when my USB broke, within the year window, in no less than 5 mins on a saturday.. I mean cmon that's proper customer service, at work we pay thousands for 4 work hour fixes and you top it all and pull this out of the bag.. the mind boggles.
Love your product and a badge of honor would be fantastic and well appreciated.
HE
Have been a paid user for almost 9 years (2010).
The best thing I like about unRAID is that I forget it is there 😊 although I like tinkering I only need to when I want and have time and not when the server asks for help - which it doesn't !!!
Keep up the wonderful work.
TH
Happy Unraid user of about 3 years or so, and I'm on my second build now (with build #3 in the next 12 months). Unraid allowed me to consolidate a bunch of separate machines with separate storage into a single more easily managed system. It also lowered the barrier to entry to technologies like virtualisation, docker and just linux in general.
TJ
In a nutshell, our CUI network showcases a secure, scalable setup with UNRAID playing a key role in ensuring data integrity and operational efficiency. As we move forward, leveraging UNRAID's capabilities will support our mission and growth.
Migrating to unRAID was the best thing I ever didI started my homelab life with a Node 804 case and slowly grew the number of drives inside of it. I used Ubuntu as the OS and implemented MergerFS and Snapraid but was always spending more time messing around with the system admin then I was actually using the server. A year ago I picked up a Supermicro 846...
Migrating to unRAID was the best thing I ever didI started my homelab life with a Node 804 case and slowly grew the number of drives inside of it. I used Ubuntu as the OS and implemented MergerFS and Snapraid but was always spending more time messing around with the system admin then I was actually using the server.
A year ago I picked up a Supermicro 846 case and decided it was time to upgrade my OS. I'd read a lot about unRAID but was always uncertain about making the jump. The rest, as they say, is history.
It has been beautifully dull running an unRAID server.
Everything, just, works.
The best purchase I have made in 30 years of computing. Nothing even comes close in terms of use/value for money.....
GR
Well, its taken me 13 years to learn about Unraid and I had no idea this product was that stable or I would have moved to it sooner. Over the past year, I've purchased my first "home lab" rack mounted server with 14 drive bays available for the sole purpose of moving to Unraid and its awesome! My wife is not annoyed by how much I love Unraid ... it just...
Well, its taken me 13 years to learn about Unraid and I had no idea this product was that stable or I would have moved to it sooner.
Over the past year, I've purchased my first "home lab" rack mounted server with 14 drive bays available for the sole purpose of moving to Unraid and its awesome!
My wife is not annoyed by how much I love Unraid ... it just works!
XI
Let me say it's been so easy and painless to use. For me at least, this is a huge improvement over running the latest Ubuntu server and apt-get'ing packages I use as compared to VM's, Docker and unraid updates.
I would tell anyone on the fence about spending $ for unraid to just do it! You won't regret it.
Thank you UnRaid for keeping the memories of my Family. You give me peace of mind as my backup server. Thank you for a lifetime purchase so that I can take you anywhere! Thank you for being my families' entertainment hub! Thank you for being a Nerd's happy place on a cloudy day! Keep it up! Live long and Prosper!! May the odds be ever in your favour! May...
Thank you UnRaid for keeping the memories of my Family. You give me peace of mind as my backup server. Thank you for a lifetime purchase so that I can take you anywhere! Thank you for being my families' entertainment hub! Thank you for being a Nerd's happy place on a cloudy day! Keep it up!
Live long and Prosper!! May the odds be ever in your favour! May the Force be with you!
AP
I've been using Unraid for about three years now, ever since I decided that it was unnecessary to have two computers running 24/7. I used to have a small server with a few VMs and my gaming PC. But then I heard of Unraid and thought: why waste the money and energy on keeping two machines up to date, when I could use all that money and save energy while...
I've been using Unraid for about three years now, ever since I decided that it was unnecessary to have two computers running 24/7. I used to have a small server with a few VMs and my gaming PC. But then I heard of Unraid and thought: why waste the money and energy on keeping two machines up to date, when I could use all that money and save energy while getting a single better than both solution. Now I'm happily gaming on a VM while running everything else a lot simpler and safer than before. I have been a victim of 2 drive fail RAID5 before and at the time I did not realizing the importance of a good backup. Nowadays i feel safer than ever before. And the community around Unraid is just the best!
TA
Great OS. The flexibility and ease of expansion made Unraid the choice for me. I have converted 3 people at my work so far this year. Couldn't ask for a more supportive community!
GR
Unraid has been an absolute lifesaver when it comes to managing my home tech infrastructure. I’ve consolidated so much into one system it’s not even funny. And the support you guys give to your users is unreal.
RH
Unraid Docs
Explore extensive documentation of our product. You’ll never have to wonder what to do next.