After Watching Linus Tech Tips, I Installed HexOS on an AliExpress NAS

Video Description

I finally finished my DIY NAS build — and in this video I’m installing and setting up HexOS (https://hexos.com/) , the beginner-friendly NAS operating system built on top of TrueNAS. This is Part 2 of the build. In Part 1 ( https://youtu.be/Doj13CTfjuY ), I built the NAS hardware entirely from AliExpress parts, keeping costs down while still ending up with a powerful home server. In this video, we bring it to life by installing HexOS, configuring storage, users, apps, and testing real-world performance. I’ll be honest — this whole project was heavily influenced by Linus Sebastian from @LinusTechTips . Seeing how accessible home servers and NAS systems can be pushed me to finally give it a go myself, even as someone who’s never built a NAS before. HexOS is designed to make NAS setups way less intimidating, and honestly… I was shocked by how simple it was. From flashing the installer to creating storage pools, installing apps like Jellyfin, and accessing files across my network — it all just worked. What’s covered in this video: • Installing HexOS on a custom NAS • BIOS setup for a home server • Creating storage pools with redundancy • User accounts & shared folders • Installing apps like Jellyfin • Accessing files from macOS • Real-world network speed tests • Pros, cons, and limitations of HexOS This setup is going to completely change how I store, edit, and back up my video footage — and it’s also a step towards taking back control of my own data instead of relying on cloud services. If you’re thinking about building your own NAS, home server, or just want to see what’s possible with affordable parts and the right software, hopefully this video helps or inspires you. 👍 If you enjoyed the video, please like, subscribe, and let me know in the comments if you’d like a follow-up on remote access, backups, or app setup. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Drop a comment below! Join or Support my Channel here - https://kiphak.es/support Join the Instagram Channel for exclusive updates and BTS stuff.. it's FREE! https://kiphak.es/IGChannel Filming Equipment POV Camera - Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses - https://kiphak.es/RayBanMetaYT Microphone - RODE Wireless Pro - https://kiphak.es/rodewirelesspro Face Camera - Canon EOS M6 Mk 2. - UK - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/CanonM6-Mk2-USA Face Camera Lens - Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Lens - UK - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Canon-Lens-USA Overhead Camera - Sony ZV-1 - UK - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-UK - USA - https://kiphak.es/Sony-ZV1-USA Our channel is powered by Hyperoptic fibre broadband - https://hyperoptic.kiphakes.tv If you fancy getting me a coffee go here - https://www.ko-fi.com/kiphakes Peruse my Wish List here - https://wishlist.kiphakes.tv Or follow me on Instagram - https://instagram.com/kiphakes Threads - https://www.threads.net/@kiphakes Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiphakestv TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@kiphakes 0:00 Intro & NAS Build Part 2 Overview 0:29 What a NAS Is (Quick Explanation) 0:58 Why NAS Software Is Different 1:29 What Is HexOS & Why Use It 2:28 Video Overview & What We’ll Cover 2:54 HexOS Beta Status & Background 3:29 HexOS Pricing & Licensing 4:07 Sponsored License Disclosure 4:39 HexOS Community, Docs & Support 5:07 Downloading HexOS ISO 5:37 Creating a Bootable USB (Balena Etcher) 6:48 Flashing the USB Drive 7:17 Channel Members Shout-Out 8:08 Preparing the NAS for Installation 8:41 BIOS Settings Explained 9:44 Boot Order & Secure Boot Settings 10:56 Booting From USB 11:23 Installing HexOS 12:03 Setting Admin Password 12:36 Installation Complete & Reboot 13:22 First Boot Into HexOS 13:56 Connecting NAS to the Network 14:24 Initial Setup via HexOS Dashboard 14:55 Logging Into Command Deck 15:29 Claiming the Server 16:04 Storage Pool Configuration 16:41 Creating Users & Permissions 17:46 Creating Shared Folders 18:18 Installing Apps Overview 18:55 Installing Jellyfin Media Server 20:04 Next-Day Impressions & Drive Health 21:16 Remote Access Plans (Tailscale) 21:49 Accessing the TrueNAS Backend 22:58 Curated Apps vs TrueNAS Apps 23:31 Accessing Files From macOS 24:39 Streaming 4K Video From the NAS 25:13 Real-World File Transfer Test 26:28 Network Performance Results 27:07 HexOS Limitations (Online Dashboard) 27:36 Data Ownership & Local Storage Benefits 28:41 Future Feature: Buddy Share Backups 29:44 Final Thoughts on HexOS 30:12 Outro & Thanks for Watching