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Installing StartOS

This guide is for flashing StartOS to a USB drive, then installing it onto a desktop, laptop, or mini PC. For an up-to-date list of known-good hardware, please check out this forum post.

Download

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

  2. Under “ISO Downloads”, select the ISO for your architecture. StartOS is available in x86_64 (AMD64), aarch64 (ARM64), and RISC-V (RVA23). For x86_64 and aarch64, two variants are available:

    • Standard: Includes proprietary firmware and drivers for broader hardware compatibility, including display and wireless. Recommended for most users.

    • Slim (FOSS-only): 100% open source, containing no proprietary firmware or drivers. Only compatible with certain hardware, such as the Start9 Server Pure.

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

    • Mac. Open a terminal and run:

      openssl dgst -sha256 <filename>.iso

    • Linux. Open a terminal and run:

      sha256sum <filename>.iso

    • Windows. Open PowerShell and run:

      Get-FileHash <filename>.iso

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.

    Warning

    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.

    Tip

    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 Community Hub 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.