Flashing StartOS - X86_64 / ARM

This guide is for flashing StartOS to a USB drive, then installing it onto an x86_64 device, which includes most desktops, laptops, and mini PCs. For an up-to-date list of known-good hardware, please check out this forum post.


To install StartOS on an ARM device, simply replace all x86_64 references in this guide.

Contents

Download

  1. Visit the Github release page to find the latest version of StartOS.

  2. At the bottom of the page, under "Assets", download the x86_64.iso file or the x86_64-nonfree.iso file. We recommend installing the x86_64.iso image first. Then, if it is not compatible with your hardware, install the x86_64-nonfree.iso image.

    • x86_64.iso: This image is 100% open source, containing no proprietary firmware or drivers. It will only work on certain hardware devices, such as the Start9 Server Pure.

    • x86_64-nonfree.iso: this image contains non-free (closed source) firmware and drivers, primarily for display and wireless capabilities.

  3. Verify the SHA256 checksum against the one listed on GitHub (optional but recommended).

    • Mac. Open a terminal window and run the following, replacing startos-0..._x86_64 with the path/name of the file:

      openssl dgst -sha256 startos-0..._x86_64

    • Linux Open a terminal window and run the following, replacing startos-0..._x86_64 with the path/name of the file:

      sha256sum startos-0..._x86_64

    • Windows Open a PowerShell and run the following, replacing Downloads with the directory where you downloaded the file, and startos-0..._x86_64 with the name of the file:

      cd Downloads
Get-FileHash startos-0..._x86_64

Flash

  1. Download and install balenaEtcher onto your Linux, Mac, or Windows computer.

  2. Insert your USB drive into your computer.

  3. Open balenaEtcher.

  4. Click "Select Image" and select the .iso image you just downloaded.

  5. Click "Select Target" and select your microSD card.

    
BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN you have selected the correct target USB flash drive. Whatever target you select will be **COMPLETELY ERASED**!!

  6. Click "Flash!". You may be asked to approve the unusually large disk target and/or enter your password. Both are normal.

Install

  1. Remove the newly-flashed USB drive from your computer and plug it into your server. Choose the fastest available USB 3.0+ port - typically this is blue or labeled "SS" (SuperSpeed).

  2. Power on your server, booting from USB.

    
Occasionally, you may need to make some changes in your BIOS, such as turning off Secure Boot, or allowing USB boot for install. See the <a href="https://community.start9.com" target="_blank">Community Hub</a> for guides or to get help.

  3. The StartOS install wizard will now be available at http://start.local. You can also use a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This is known as "Kiosk Mode".

  4. Choose "Re-Install" to preserve existing StartOS data, or "Factory Reset" to start fresh. After install is complete, you will be prompted to remove the USB drive and refresh the page.