Unraid OS

Getting Started is Easy

Configure your first array in less than 15 minutes.

First, download our USB Creator

Once Unraid is installed, you can start with a free 30-day trial or enter your pre-purchased activation code.

Download for Windows

Download for Mac

Next, install Unraid

  1. An assembled server that's connected to ethernet and is capable of booting from a USB device. Unraid works with most hardware.
  2. An attached monitor and keyboard for the initial configuration, and for altering configuration settings in your BIOS.
  3. A high-quality, named-brand USB flash device that is at least 2 GB in size with a unique GUID (Globally Unique Identifier). 

For hardware requirements, read the docs.

  1. Insert your USB flash device into your Mac or PC.
  2. 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.
  3. Remove the flash device from your PC and plug it into your server.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

  1. Open a web browser from your Mac or PC and navigate to http://tower.local.
  2. When prompted, set a strong root password.
  3. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Use the dropdowns to select disks for your array (parity and non-parity drives) and pool devices. Learn more about storage management.
  3. Once you have assigned all your devices, select the “Start” button under “Array Operation.” This will mount your devices and start the array.
  4. 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:

  1. Install the Community Apps plugin, so you can run popular applications like AdGuard, Pi-hole, Home Assistant, and Plex right from your Unraid server. 
  2. Install the Unraid Connect plugin for remote access and flash backup.
  3. Install virtual machines to run other operating systems like Windows or Linux.
  4. Join the discussion on our forums, where you can find answers to most of your troubleshooting questions.
  5. Get Multi-lingual support: download, install, and use the Unraid OS in Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, Polish, and Spanish. 
  6. Sign up for our newsletter to get monthly product updates. 

Join Thousands of Happy Customers

The biggest problem with unRAID is that I didn't discover it years before I started using it.

@CrabwickTheChad

Overall I’m amazed by how much unRAID has allowed me to do with this machine, and a year in I still haven’t scratched the surface of what it can do.  I’m convinced I’ll be able to, with a few select upgrades along the way, keep this machine going for another 10 years like my last machine.

@DZMM

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.

@Rhynri

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.

@TheExplorographer

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UNRAID Setup Guide 2022. PLUS! Intro to Docker Apps and VM's!

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Unraid Docs

Explore extensive documentation of our product. You’ll never have to wonder what to do next.

Most popular

  • Getting started

    In this guide, we cover how to prepare your flash device, boot the system, and configure your first array. The entire process should take less than 15 minutes.

  • FAQs

    Explore Unraid FAQs regarding the OS, installation, licensing, the Unraid.net Account, and more.

  • Unraid OS Release Notes

    Read all about the latest and greatest Unraid OS releases.

Got questions about Unraid? We’ve got answers.

Ask in the Forums

Our forums are filled with thousands of user questions and detailed answers. Most Unraid customers find everything they need to troubleshoot right here. Take a look!

Log in to Create a Ticket

Sometimes you need a helping hand. Create a ticket for general support, bug reports, feature requests, and more. 

Check out our Docs

Unraid has extensive product documentation, so you can get up and running in no time. 

Paid Support

Book a one-on-one support session to review a new build, address performance issues, troubleshoot your server, and more.