Triopost describes how Running TrueNAS on Windows allows users to take advantage of a powerful, free, open-source Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution without needing dedicated hardware. TrueNAS offers features like data protection, file sharing, and storage management, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses.
This guide will show you how to run TrueNAS on a Windows machine using virtualization software. By following the steps below, you can transform your Windows PC into a NAS server, providing centralized storage and network access to your data.
Running TrueNAS on Windows is particularly useful if you don’t have dedicated hardware or want to experiment with the software before fully committing.
While Windows itself is not a native environment for TrueNAS, using virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware allows you to create a virtual machine (VM) that runs TrueNAS effectively.
In this tutorial, we will walk you through the prerequisites, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting to run TrueNAS on Windows. This is a great way to leverage TrueNAS’ robust network storage features without a complete hardware overhaul.
Prerequisites for Running TrueNAS on Windows
Before you start running TrueNAS on Windows, ensure that your system meets the requirements. Running TrueNAS in a virtual machine requires sufficient hardware resources for smooth operation. Here’s what you’ll need:
Hardware: Ensure your Windows PC has at least 8GB of RAM (16GB recommended) and enough CPU power to run both Windows and the virtual machine.
You’ll also need adequate storage space, ideally on a solid-state drive (SSD), for both Windows and TrueNAS.
Virtualization Software: VirtualBox or VMware are the most popular tools for running TrueNAS on Windows.
Both offer free versions, though VMware Workstation Pro provides additional features for a paid subscription.
ISO File: You will need to download the TrueNAS ISO file, which is used to install the operating system in the virtual environment.
Make sure that your system is updated with the latest drivers and software patches. A well-prepared system will prevent many of the performance issues and glitches that can arise when you run TrueNAS on Windows during the virtualization process.
Choosing the Right Virtualization Tool
Choosing the right virtualization tool is crucial for running TrueNAS efficiently on your Windows machine. Two of the most popular options are VirtualBox and VMware Workstation. Both tools allow you to create virtual environments where TrueNAS can run.
VirtualBox: Free and open-source, VirtualBox is a popular choice for beginners. It’s easy to install and configure, making it ideal for first-time users.
However, some advanced features available in VMware may be absent in VirtualBox.
VMware Workstation: VMware is a more robust, professional-grade solution. It offers better performance in some cases, especially with its VMware Workstation Pro version.
If you are planning to run TrueNAS for business purposes, VMware may be the better option.
Once you’ve selected your tool, download and install it on your Windows system. Both VirtualBox and VMware have straightforward installation processes. After installation, ensure that virtualization is enabled in your system’s BIOS settings for optimal performance.
Downloading TrueNAS ISO
The next step in the process is downloading the TrueNAS ISO file. This ISO is the operating system image required to install TrueNAS in VirtualBox or VMware. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the official TrueNAS website.
- Navigate to the Downloads section.
- Choose the latest version of TrueNAS. It’s important to ensure compatibility with your chosen virtualization software.
- Download the ISO file to a location on your Windows system where it’s easily accessible.
TrueNAS Core is the most popular version, offering features like ZFS file system support, data protection, and easy-to-use management interfaces. If you plan to use TrueNAS for enterprise-level storage, consider downloading TrueNAS Enterprise instead.
Make sure the ISO file is properly downloaded and verified before proceeding with installation to avoid any issues when you run TrueNAS on Windows during setup.
Setting Up TrueNAS in VirtualBox/VMware
Once you have the TrueNAS ISO and your virtualization tool installed, it’s time to set up your virtual machine. Follow these steps:
- Open VirtualBox or VMware and select “New” to create a virtual machine.
- Name your virtual machine “TrueNAS” and select BSD as the type, with FreeBSD (64-bit) as the version.
- Allocate at least 8GB of RAM to the virtual machine. More RAM will result in better performance, especially if you plan to handle large amounts of data.
- Create a Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) for TrueNAS. You can assign as much space as you need, but ensure that there is enough for both the operating system and your data storage.
- Attach the TrueNAS ISO file by going to the Storage section and selecting the ISO under the CD/DVD drive.
After configuration, start the virtual machine to begin the installation and run TrueNAS on Windows.
Installing TrueNAS on the Virtual Machine
Now that your virtual machine is set up, you can begin the TrueNAS installation:
- Boot up the virtual machine, and the system will automatically detect the TrueNAS ISO file.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install TrueNAS. The installation process is straightforward, with options to configure disks, set up a password, and initialize the system.
- During installation, you’ll be asked to select a hard drive for installation. Choose the virtual hard drive you created earlier.
- Set up your network settings. Ensure the virtual machine is connected to a bridged or NAT network so it can communicate with other devices on your network.
Once installed, TrueNAS will ask for a reboot. After rebooting, you’ll have access to the TrueNAS web interface, where further configurations can be made.
Accessing TrueNAS from Windows
After installing TrueNAS, you’ll want to access its management interface from your Windows system. Here’s how to do that:
- Once TrueNAS is running, note the IP address displayed in the virtual machine.
- Open your Windows web browser and enter the IP address in the URL bar.
- You’ll be prompted to log in with the credentials you set during installation.
From here, you can start configuring storage pools, creating shared folders, and setting up user permissions. TrueNAS’ intuitive web interface makes it easy to manage your NAS from your Windows PC. You can set up SMB shares for Windows file sharing or configure NFS for Unix-based systems.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Running TrueNAS on Windows may present certain challenges, especially if you are unfamiliar with virtualization tools. Some common issues include:
- Network Configuration: If you can’t access TrueNAS from your Windows browser, check your network settings. Ensure the virtual machine is connected to the correct network mode (bridged or NAT).
- Performance: If TrueNAS runs slowly, consider increasing the RAM or CPU resources allocated to the virtual machine.
- Storage Issues: Ensure that your virtual machine has enough space for both the TrueNAS installation and the data you intend to store.
By addressing these issues early on, you can ensure that your TrueNAS setup on Windows runs smoothly and efficiently.
Advantages of Running TrueNAS on Windows
Running TrueNAS on Windows offers several advantages, especially for those who want to leverage NAS functionality without investing in dedicated hardware. Here are some key benefits:
- Cost Efficiency: Running TrueNAS in a virtual environment on your existing Windows machine allows you to avoid the costs of purchasing dedicated NAS hardware. You can use your current resources and still get the full functionality of a NAS server.
- Flexibility: Virtualization gives you the ability to dynamically allocate resources such as RAM, CPU, and storage. As your storage needs grow, you can easily adjust these settings without upgrading hardware.
- Testing and Experimentation: Running TrueNAS in VirtualBox or VMware allows you to experiment and test its capabilities before committing to a full-scale deployment on dedicated hardware. This is ideal for users who want to familiarize themselves with the software.
- Consolidated Infrastructure: If you already have a powerful Windows PC, running TrueNAS as a virtual machine enables you to consolidate multiple functions into one system. This reduces the need for multiple physical devices, simplifying network management.
- Easy Access: You can access and manage your TrueNAS storage via the same machine you use daily. This is especially convenient for personal or small business use where data is shared among a few users.
Challenges and Limitations
While there are several advantages to running TrueNAS on Windows, there are also some challenges and limitations to be aware of:
- Performance Limitations: Virtualized environments can experience performance bottlenecks. Since TrueNAS will share resources with your Windows system, you may encounter slower speeds compared to running it on dedicated hardware.
- Increased Complexity: Managing a virtualized NAS on top of your Windows system adds a layer of complexity. You need to manage both the Windows system and the virtual machine, which can be overwhelming for users unfamiliar with virtualization tools.
- Limited Hardware Expansion: Unlike dedicated NAS devices, which are built for scalability, running TrueNAS on a virtual machine limits your ability to expand your hardware as your storage needs grow.
- Potential Conflicts: Running TrueNAS alongside your Windows operating system can cause conflicts if resources are not properly allocated. You need to carefully balance CPU, RAM, and storage to avoid affecting the performance of either system.
- Resource Allocation: You need to carefully allocate enough CPU, RAM, and storage to both your Windows system and the TrueNAS virtual machine. Under-provisioning can lead to poor performance, while over-provisioning may affect the overall functionality of your Windows machine.
Conclusion
Running TrueNAS on Windows using virtualization tools such as VirtualBox or VMware is an excellent solution for those looking to experiment with NAS solutions without investing in dedicated hardware.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up TrueNAS on your Windows system, access its powerful features, and enjoy centralized storage for your network.
While this approach offers flexibility, cost savings, and easy access, it’s essential to be aware of the performance limitations and challenges that come with virtualized environments. With the right configuration and resource allocation, however, you can enjoy a smooth TrueNAS experience on your Windows machine.
Whether you are testing the waters or looking for a cost-effective solution, TrueNAS provides the reliability and features you need in a NAS system.
By ToAndy
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Introduction
Network-attached storage (NAS) systems are essential for efficient data management and sharing. TrueNAS Core, previously known as FreeNAS, offers robust features for setting up your own high-performance NAS using open-source software. This article guides you through the process of installing TrueNAS Core on Windows 10 using Oracle VM VirtualBox and highlights the Aiffro K100 All-SSD NAS as an excellent hardware choice for leveraging TrueNAS capabilities.
Understanding TrueNAS Core
TrueNAS Core is an open-source NAS solution designed to manage and store data securely. It provides enterprise-grade features like snapshots, replication, and file sharing options across different network protocols. As a FreeBSD-based system, it supports a wide range of hardware configurations, making it versatile for both home and enterprise environments.
Prerequisites
Before beginning the installation, ensure your system meets the following requirements:
- A modern CPU with at least 4 cores.
- Minimum 8 GB RAM, though 16 GB or more is recommended for better performance.
- At least 32 GB of storage available for the TrueNAS installation, though additional storage will be necessary for data.
- Download and install Oracle VM VirtualBox.
- Download the TrueNAS Core ISO from the TrueNAS website.
Installing VirtualBox on Windows 10
- Download VirtualBox: Go to the Oracle VM VirtualBox website and download the latest version compatible with Windows 10.
- Install VirtualBox: Open the downloaded installer and follow the instructions to install VirtualBox on your Windows 10 machine.
Setting Up a New Virtual Machine
- Create a New Virtual Machine: Launch VirtualBox, click «New,» and enter a name for your VM, such as «TrueNAS».
- Configure Memory and CPU: Allocate at least 8 GB of RAM and 2 CPU cores to the VM.
- Create a Virtual Hard Disk: Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) and allocate at least 32 GB of space. Opt for a dynamically allocated disk to save space.
Installing TrueNAS Core via VirtualBox
- Mount the TrueNAS ISO: In the VM settings under «Storage,» click on the empty optical drive icon, then the disk icon to select the TrueNAS ISO file.
- Start the Installation: Boot the VM, and the TrueNAS installer should launch. Follow the on-screen prompts to install TrueNAS Core. Select the entire virtual disk for installation and configure the network settings as required.
Configuring TrueNAS Core
Once TrueNAS Core is installed, you can configure it via its web interface:
- Access the Web Interface: Find the IP address displayed in the TrueNAS console and enter it in a browser on another machine connected to the same network.
- Set Up Storage Pools: Use the storage management features to create pools, volumes, and datasets.
- Configure Services: Set up file sharing, backup, and other services as needed.
Promotion: Aiffro K100 All-SSD NAS
For those looking to deploy TrueNAS Core in a high-performance environment, consider the Aiffro K100 All-SSD NAS. This device offers exceptional speed and reliability:
- High-Performance: Equipped with an Intel Alder Lake N100 processor and up to 8GB LPDDR5 memory, it delivers powerful processing capabilities.
- Compact and Efficient: Its small form factor and optional VESA mount make it perfect for various setups.
- Versatile Storage Options: With four SSD slots and support for PCIe Gen3x2, it provides flexibility and expansion capabilities.
- Advanced Data Protection: Features like RAID and optional TPM2.0 module enhance data security.
The Aiffro K100 is ideal for sophisticated applications such as high-speed data analytics, intensive multimedia processing, and large-scale database operations. Explore more about this powerful SSD NAS and enhance your TrueNAS Core installation by visiting Aiffro K100 All-SSD NAS.
Conclusion
Installing TrueNAS Core on a Windows 10 machine using VirtualBox is a straightforward process that opens up robust data management capabilities. Pairing TrueNAS Core with the Aiffro K100 All-SSD NAS can significantly enhance your data storage and management system, making it a top choice for both personal and professional use.
Reading next
The TrueNAS operating system can be installed either on a virtual machine or on physical hardware.
In this article the installation process on a virtual machine is described in detail. You can use such an installation on a Windows PC and therefore get
a reliable storage system for your data.
First you need to go to the official TrueNAS website and download the source image of the latest version
of TrueNAS CORE OS. As of 2023, it is TrueNAS CORE version 13.0-U3.1
As far as virtual environment goes, we use VMware virtual machine.
- First create a virtual machine using the OS image downloaded from www.truenas.com.
- Then enter the name of the virtual machine and select the location on the disk for VM.
- Next set the size of the virtual disk for the OS.
- In the options window, click the Customize Hardware … button to increase the amount of RAM. This must be done because TrueNAS requires at least 8 GB of RAM.
- Close this window and click the Finish button. The virtual machine will start and the installation process will begin.
- In the TrueNAS boot menu, press 1 or Enter button. If you do not select anything, this option will be select automatically.
- In the next window you need to select Install / Upgrade.
- In the window with disks list select the disk on which the OS will install. Then confirm the selection in the pop-up window.
- Next specify a password for the root user. It is needed to log into the TrueNAS network interface.
- Select Boot via BIOS and wait for the installation to complete. It will also be suggested to make a swap partition,
but in our case we will not create it, so as not to take up the space of disk image of the virtual machine. - Shut down the virtual machine and remove the OS image file. Also, add additional disks to the virtual machine for storing data.
Installation on real hardware is the same, but before starting the installation you need to prepare a flash drive by writing the TrueNAS CORE image to it.
Then, in the BIOS of your computer, you will need to select this flash drive as a boot drive.
Once installed, you need to set your TrueNAS up, refer here for the detailed instructions.
Still have questions?
TrueNAS provides a powerful platform for running a homelab. It provides a “LAN in a CAN” approach to running everything from NAS storage, virtual machines, and containerized applications, including vanilla Docker. This article will look at TrueNAS virtual machine configuration step-by-step tips for running your VM environment on top of TrueNAS SCALE.
Table of contents
- The basics of virtual machines
- TrueNAS virtual machines: pros and cons
- Operating system type
- Deploying VMs in TrueNAS: A Step-by-Step Guide
- TrueNAS SCALE vs TrueNAS Core – Virtualization
- Optimizing VM Performance on TrueNAS
- Managing Memory and Storage for Peak Performance
- Advanced Features and Customizations in TrueNAS VMs
- Wrapping up TrueNAS Virtual Machine configurations
The basics of virtual machines
Virtual Machines provide the basic building block for most home labs and enterprise environments alike to build out virtualized infrastructure. Even with containers or Kubernetes, VMs are needed as these most often serve as the K8s or container host in production.
VMs as container hosts provide the advantages afforded by a virtualization workload, including migration, automation, monitoring, backups, high availability, etc. They also generally have low overhead and perform near bare metal in most real-world tests.
The hypervisor abstracts the underlying hardware from the virtual machines. The VMs inherit the hardware capabilities the host system supports, such as features from Intel or AMD CPUs, physical PCI devices, etc.
TrueNAS virtual machines: pros and cons
Many do not realize the TrueNAS servers can run virtual machines, and you can spin up most operating systems in TrueNAS without issue. When most think about an IXSystems TrueNAS setup, they think storage. With TrueNAS, you don’t need a RAID controller for multiple drives, since you can just utilize JBOD with ZFS storage, making it simple and easy to provision drives for many use cases.
You can also configure NFS and iSCSI targets from your ZFS pool storage. While this is certainly its bread and butter, it is also capable of virtualization, including virtual machines and running “apps” which are nothing more than containerized applications available in the TrueNAS catalog.
TrueNAS virtualization provides advanced virtualization features like support for multiple operating systems running inside VMs, BIOS and UEFI support, emulated virtual hardware, PCI passthrough device, and guest operating system customizations. With it, you can configure virtual network computing (VNC) settings.
However, there are some drawbacks to note. You won’t find working with VMs as easy as it is with VMware, Proxmox, XCP-ng, and others. Normal things like snapshots (VM snapshots not ZFS snapshots), vMotion, and virtual TPM, are missing.
Note the following table containing pros and cons of features and capabilities with TrueNAS virtual machines
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Data Integrity and Security | Utilizes ZFS, a robust file system known for data integrity and protection against data corruption. | No support for Trusted Platform Module (TPM) in VMs, which can be a limitation for users needing advanced security features. |
| Storage Management | Offers powerful storage options with ZFS, including efficient use of storage through thin provisioning and compression. | Limited to ZFS snapshots; lacks the flexibility of VM-specific snapshot tools found in some other virtualization platforms. |
| Performance | Generally good performance, especially beneficial for IO-intensive applications due to ZFS optimizations. | Performance can be impacted in environments with limited resources or heavy workloads, particularly if not properly optimized. |
| Scalability | Scalable storage solutions, allowing for easy expansion as data needs grow. | Scaling in terms of VM density (number of VMs) might not be as efficient as some dedicated virtualization platforms. |
| User Interface and Management | User-friendly interface with a web-based GUI for easy management of VMs and storage. | Can have a steeper learning curve for users not familiar with ZFS or more complex networking setups. |
| Networking Capabilities | Robust networking options, suitable for various configurations and needs. | Some advanced network features and customizations might be limited compared to specialized VM management platforms. |
| Ecosystem and Community | Strong community support and regular updates, with an open-source foundation. | Smaller ecosystem compared to major virtualization platforms like VMware or Hyper-V, potentially leading to fewer integrations and third-party tools. |
| Resource Efficiency | Good resource utilization, particularly with ZFS deduplication and compression features. | Higher resource demand due to ZFS, which might require more RAM and CPU resources compared to other file systems. |
| Compatibility and Flexibility | Supports a variety of operating systems, offering flexibility in VM deployment. | Some specific OS features or hardware emulation might not be supported, limiting compatibility with certain use cases. |
| Cost and Licensing | Free and open-source, making it a cost-effective solution for VM hosting. | Operational or licensing restrictions in some environments, especially in commercial settings that may require additional features or support. |
| Backup and Disaster Recovery | Efficient backup and disaster recovery options with ZFS snapshots and replication. | Lack of integration with broader enterprise backup solutions; reliance on ZFS-specific tools may not fit into all IT workflows. |
Operating system type
The VM operating system type includes Microsoft Windows, Linux, and other Linux derivatives. You can add virtual devices that will be presented to the operating system installed. Like other hypervisors, you need to be aware of the amount of system RAM you have available to run multiple VMs and the CPU cores and processors available to service VM threads for the best experience.
Keep in mind that running virtual machines on TrueNAS is definitely supported, and it gets the job done. It is not a robust virtualization platform compared to VMware, Proxmox, etc. Many if they want advanced features running virtual machines with TrueNAS will simply use it as a storage target for VMware ESXi or another hypervisor to benefit from the more advanced virtualization features.
Deploying VMs in TrueNAS: A Step-by-Step Guide
Deploying a virtual machine in TrueNAS involves several key steps. From selecting the VM operating system to configuring the virtual hardware, this section provides a detailed guide on setting up a VM within the TrueNAS environment, including tips on choosing the right operating system and leveraging existing disk images for quick deployment.
Below, we are logging into the TrueNAS SCALE interface.
Choose the Virtualization menu.
Click Add to add a new virtual machine.
This launches the Create Virtual Machine wizard that has you complete the configuration for how you want the virtual machine configured. The choice of an operating system for a VM is important. Selecting an appropriate VM operating system, considering factors like compatibility, OS version, performance requirements, and the specific needs of your applications among other information are key.
On the first section of configuration under the Operating system configuration, you will configure:
- Guest operating system
- Name
- Description
- System Clock
- Boot Method
- Shutdown Timeout
Next, enable display binding, password for the Spice console, etc.
Next, we allocate system resources like virtual CPUs and RAM. Configure the CPU model, memory size, minimum memory size, and optional NUMA settings.
Next, choose to create new disk image, or use existing disk image for the virtual hard drive configuration. Also, you will define on which ZVol location you want to store the virtual machine.
On the Network Interface configuration, set the Adapter type, mac address, and attach the NIC to a specific network interface. Here we configure the network interfaces, including the primary interface IP address and network interface settings.
The network interface connection in TrueNAS can be defined in the network configuration, and the network configuration for logical networks is attached to the physical interface of the TrueNAS server. Below, we are configuring the adapter type to VirtIO and connected to a specific VLAN interface.
Next, under the Installation media, you can select an existing ISO image file, or you can Upload New Image File which will open a dialog box to upload a new ISO.
Choose your ISO image file and upload the file using the dialog box.
The GPU configuration is next. If you don’t have a discreet GPU, you can just Next.
Finally, we come to the Confirm Options step. Here we confirm the configuration settings and save the new virtual machine.
TrueNAS SCALE vs TrueNAS Core – Virtualization
There are two releases of TrueNAS to be aware of: TrueNAS SCALE and TrueNAS Core. Note the following high-level comparison between TrueNAS SCALE and TrueNAS Core as it relates to virtualization:
| Feature/Factor | TrueNAS SCALE | TrueNAS Core |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System Base | Linux-based, leveraging the Debian operating system. | FreeBSD-based, known for its robustness and stability. |
| Virtualization Support | Native support for both VMs and Linux containers (Docker, Kubernetes). | Primarily supports VMs with bhyve hypervisor. Limited container support via plugins or jails. |
| File System | ZFS is used for storage, offering robust data protection and scalability. | Also uses ZFS, providing similar benefits in terms of data integrity and efficiency. |
| User Interface | Modern, user-friendly interface with advanced management features. | Classic, reliable interface known for its stability and ease of use. |
| Scalability | Designed for scale-out architecture, suitable for larger, distributed environments. | Better suited for traditional scale-up scenarios, ideal for centralized storage needs. |
| Performance | Optimized for high performance in large-scale and clustered environments. | Excellent performance, particularly in single-node configurations. |
| Network Protocols | Broad support for various network protocols, catering to diverse environments. | Strong support for key network protocols, but may lack some advanced features of SCALE. |
| Community and Updates | Active development with a focus on incorporating the latest Linux-based features. | Strong, well-established community with a focus on stability and long-term support. |
| Use Case Suitability | Ideal for users requiring flexible scalability, containerization, and modern features. | Best for users seeking a stable, straightforward VM environment with robust ZFS support. |
| Hardware Compatibility | Broad hardware support due to Linux base, including newer hardware. | Good hardware support, but may lag in compatibility with the very latest hardware compared to SCALE. |
Optimizing VM Performance on TrueNAS
Maximizing the performance of your virtual machines on TrueNAS is important to have the best experience possible. What VM settings do you need for performance, including adjustments to memory size, virtual CPUs, and the use of virtual disk images?
- Memory – you want to have enough memory for the operating system and any applications you are running. A lack of memory will negatively impact performance since the operating system will start paging to disk, which is much slower, if the system runs out of memory.
- CPUs – You don’t want to overprovision CPUs as this can negatively impact performance. On the other hand, you want to right-size your CPU configuration to ensure the OS and the applications have the threads needed for the workloads.
- Virtual disk images – Make sure you have placed your virtual machines on a ZFS pool with enough IOPs to handle your virtual machine workloads and the other tasks that TrueNAS may be performing.
Managing Memory and Storage for Peak Performance
Efficient management of memory and storage is key to VM performance. This section delves into strategies for optimizing memory size and disk image usage in TrueNAS VMs, including tips on balancing performance with available resources on the host computer.
Advanced Features and Customizations in TrueNAS VMs
TrueNAS offers a range of advanced features for VMs, catering to more complex and specific needs. This section explores these features, including support for multiple operating systems, virtualization of specialized hardware, and customizations like boot delay settings and specific VM operating system types.
Wrapping up TrueNAS Virtual Machine configurations
If you are looking for a basic virtualization platform that can do a lot of other things related to storage and host most other self-hosted app installations you can think of, TrueNAS SCALE is a great platform for running your home lab environment. Just keep in mind that it isn’t as powerful as other virtualization platforms like VMware vSphere, Proxmox, and others that offer way more feature sets for VMs.
A FreeNAS server can do a lot more than only storing and sharing files over the network. If you have a decently-powered machine, you can take advantage of the free resources via virtual machines, instead of leaving them at idle. In this article, we will guide you through creating your own VM in FreeNAS.
Basic Requirement
A virtual machine (VM) is emulated on top of the actual hardware, that acts as a separate computer. You can install multiple and different operating systems into a single physical machine. bhyve, or BSD hypervisor, is used to provide the feature in FreeNAS. Not all processors are compatible with bhyve, but you can check if yours will work using Shell.
- AMD: grep POPCNT /var/run/dmesg.boot
- Intel: grep VT-x /var/run/dmesg.boot
Type the above command in Shell. Make sure the features POPCNT (AMD) or EPT and UG (Intel) are listed.
Also, you will have to download an ISO image file of your operating system of choice. You can install basically any OS to the virtual machine, whether it is Windows or Linux. We are using elementary OS 5.1 as an example in this particular guide.
Installation Procedures
First of all, a dedicated storage space will need to be allocated for the virtual machines. You should have already created a storage pool from one or more drives for file-sharing over the network. Add a new Zvol (ZFS volume) to the preferred pool by clicking the vertical ellipsis menu button (⋮).
Specify the size of Zvol, after giving a name to it. Make sure the disk is larger than the minimum requirement of your installed OS. For example, Microsoft Windows 10 and Ubuntu Desktop will need at least 32 GB and 25 GB respectively.
- Go to the “Virtual Machines” section and click “Add” to create a new VM.
- Pick the “Guest Operating System” between Windows, Linux and FreeBSD.
- Name the VM and type in a description.
- Uncheck the “Start on Boot”, if you want to manually start the VM every time.
By default, the VM will use the same IP address as your FreeNAS server. You can choose a different interface if it is available to the machine.
- Select the option to use the existing disk image, and find the previously-created Zvol.
- Leave the virtual network adapter settings as default.
You can also assign an exclusive interface for the VM, if the computer is equipped with multiple network ports or add-in NICs.
You can either transfer the prepared ISO file to one of the FreeNAS storage pools or directly upload it inside the setup wizard. A full list of the VM configuration will then be shown for confirmation.
Click the toggle switch to start up the virtual machine. You can expand the tab to show more information and options. Hitting the “VNC” button will take you to the web viewer window, that allows you to remotely control and see the graphical output of the VM. Or you can check out our other how-to guide on connecting the VM using a standalone VNC application.
You can proceed with the OS installation like normal, when you start the virtual machine for the first time.
It may not be the most efficient way to operate virtual machines over the network, but it is acceptable for most casual users. It is close to impossible to build a separate VM server in a home and small business environments. Not to mention, it is a waste not to spend the idle resources (CPU cycles and RAM capacity), if you can utilize them in a virtual machine.
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