Synology DSM 7.0: New features, how to install, and which NAS are supported
It’s the same excellent DSM, but with a gorgeous new coat of paint.
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Synology worked hard to give its DiskStation network-attached storage (NAS) operating system a refresh. DiskStation Manager (DSM) is the Windows 10 for Synology enclosures, allowing you to install apps and services, set up and manage accounts, configure various settings, and perform numerous tasks on the NAS server.
It has been some time since DSM has been updated with a major overhaul, but this all changed withDSM 7.0. The beta has been out since the end of 2020 and the general public will now see the update hit NAS enclosures. Here’s everything you need to know about DSM 7.0.
The DiskStation DS220+ is a well-positioned NAS with an attractive price and plenty of performance. The enclosure has two drive bays, an Intel processor, upgradable RAM, and full support for DSM 7.0 once it releases.
Synology DSM 7.0: New features
Important changes
There are numerous new features in DSM 7.0, but we should first cover the important update notes. Synology has made some important changes to the update, which have been summarized below:
New features
There’s plenty to like about the update, aside from the removal of USB device support for wireless dongles. The visual refresh to the OS alone is worth upgrading your NAS. After running DSM 7.0 for a few weeks, I’ve come to appreciate what Synology has worked into this release. It was easy toset up Plex on the Synology NASafter updating, and more.
The biggest change with DSM 7.0 is the user interface. The OS looks far more slick and modern, something you’d actually enjoy using in 2021 and beyond. DSM 6.x wasn’t ugly by any stretch, but it was starting to show its age, especially as Synology competitors worked to improve their own OS solutions. Now, DSM is once again ahead of the game.
My favorite improvement is the login experience. Instead of using the username and password credential combination each and every time, you can now set everything up so you require only your username and a third-party authenticator. In the world of two-factor authentication, this is a fantastic improvement, and it even works with FIDO2.
Here’s a full list of changes from the company.
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Synology DSM 7.0: When will it be released?
Synology released update 7.0 for NAS enclosures on June 29. You can download the public release right now through your NAS updater or manually from Synology’s website. See our fullDSM 7.0 reviewfor more details.
Synology DSM 7.0: Supported NAS
21-series
20-series
19-series
18-series
17-series
16-series
15-series
14-series
13-series
Synology DSM 7.0: How to install
I always recommend backing up your NAS before updating the DSM. Please do so before upgrading to DSM 7.0. You’ll need to be running at least DSM 6.2 or above. You should see a notification for the update once your NAS performs a check in the background, but here’s how to install DSM 7.0 on your Synology NAS manually if it doesn’t show:
The NAS will then run through the installation process and will reboot. Sit back, relax, and read through the list of new features in the meantime.
Looking to buy your first NAS enclosure? Look no further than the Synology DiskStation DS220+. It’s our top pick forbest NAS for homefor very good reason.
Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He’s been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at@RichEdmonds.
