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Deploy & configure Unraid OS

After booting Unraid OS for the first time, you'll use the WebGUI to complete your system configuration. This interface lets you manage your server, set up storage, configure user shares, and control features like hardware virtualization and Docker containers.

Connect to the Unraid WebGUI​

You can connect to the WebGUI in two ways:

  • GUI Mode: Boot Unraid in GUI mode and sign in using root as the username with no initial password.
  • Web Browser: On another device on your local network, visit http://tower.local. If you set a different hostname, use that instead of tower (i.e., for the hostname unraidserver, you'd visit http://unraidserver.local).
important

The Unraid server is accessible on your LAN as soon as it’s fully booted. You can find the IP address on your router’s DHCP client list or by using a network scanning tool.

Set a root password​

When you access the WebGUI for the first time, you'll be prompted to create a strong password for the root user.

Make sure your password is:

  • Unique
  • At least 8 characters long. (Although, best practice recommends 12+ for the most secure passwords!)
  • A mix of letters, numbers, and special characters

Set root password

info

We recommend using a password manager for secure storage.

tip

If you forget your root password, you can reset it following the Unraid documentation. You can also update your password in the Users page of the WebGUI.

Register your license key​

After setting your root password, log in to your Unraid.net account to obtain a license key:

  1. In the WebGUI, go to the Get Started section.

    Get started

  2. Sign in or create an account, after which a trial key will be installed automatically.

    Install trial key

    This process allows you to manage your Unraid OS license keys, obtain new keys, recover lost ones, or upgrade your license.

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For details on your license, visit Tools > Registration in the WebGUI.

BIOS Recommendations​

Before deploying Unraid OS, it's important to verify your system's BIOS and storage controller settings. Below, you can find a checklist to help ensure compatibility, stability, and access to key features.

See below for our BIOS and Storage Controller Checklist

Proper BIOS and storage controller configuration is vital for a stable Unraid OS deployment. Use this checklist before your first boot.

Basic Settings​

✅ Set the USB flash drive as the primary boot device.
✅ Configure the storage controller to AHCI mode with SATA connections.
✅ Set the controller to HBA mode (not RAID).
✅ Avoid front panel USB ports, and instead opt for USB ports located directly on the motherboard I/O panel.

Advanced Settings​

✅ Enable hardware virtualization features (e.g., Intel VT-x or AMD-V) for virtual machines (VMs).
✅ Enable IOMMU support for PCI device assignment to VMs.

Troubleshooting Tips​

If Unraid OS does not boot, try:

✅ Adjusting the boot order to: Forced-FDD, USB-HDD, USB-ZIP.
✅ Disabling USB 2.0/3.0 support.
✅ Toggling any Fast Boot features.
✅ Toggling USB keyboard support.

For further assistance, visit the Unraid general support forum.

important

Many motherboards limit boot device selection to 12 hard drives. If your USB flash drive is recognized as a hard drive, you may not be able to boot from it after installing 12 physical hard drives. Configure the BIOS to treat the flash drive as a removable device whenever possible.