Synology and other NAS OS

[Enquiries]

Hi there,

I have a Synology DS416 Play which I’ve opened up and upgraded to 8GB memory. With the announcement that a forthcoming DSM will be the last version for this device, it has made me wonder…

Is it possible (and if so advisable) to put another NAS Operating System onto a Synology box? I suppose I am asking if it’s possible to Jailbreak a Synology?

Thoughts?

[ed]

Hi, no, it isn’t really possible to install another NAS operating system on a Synology. The hardware and firmware are tightly locked to DSM, and there’s no supported or safe way to replace it. Any attempt to jailbreak or flash another OS would almost certainly brick the system.

If you want to keep using it after DSM updates end, it will still run fine for file storage, backups, or secondary use. But if you want the freedom to install other NAS systems like TrueNAS or Unraid, it’s better to move to a custom-built NAS or another brand that allows open OS installation.