Setting up a new TrueNAS system just got easier and more secure with TrueNAS Connect’s innovative web-driven installation feature. Designed to simplify the initial deployment of TrueNAS 25.10 and newer systems, this new capability streamlines the installation menus and process, making it accessible even for users without extensive technical expertise.
Included in TrueNAS Connect, web-driven setup eliminates the need for the traditional text-based console driven setup, letting you get your TrueNAS Community Edition (CE) system up and running with minimal effort. The process is guided, starting from the TrueNAS Connect portal.
How it Works
- Access TrueNAS Connect: Begin by navigating to connect.truenas.com and logging in using one of the available OAuth authentication providers – currently Google or GitHub, with more providers to be added in the future. TrueNAS Connect never sees and never stores your password.
- Guided USB Creation: The system guides you through the download of the TrueNAS software and creation of USB installation media. Once created, you simply plug this USB into your new TrueNAS system, and boot the system from the USB device.
- Automatic Discovery: TrueNAS Connect utilizes Multicast DNS (mDNS) on your local area network (LAN) to automatically discover your TrueNAS system running the USB installer.
- Web-Based Installation: From your browser, you can then proceed with the installation of TrueNAS. A wizard guides you through the basic setup, including setting your password and choosing the drive to install to.
- Automated SSL Setup: During this process, SSL credentials for the WebUI to connect through TrueNAS Connect are automatically added, ensuring a secure connection from the start.
- Configuration and Monitoring: Once installed, you can configure and update your TrueNAS system directly through the TrueNAS Connect interface and continuously monitor its status, including configuring email alertings for essential system notifications.
Security at the Core
TrueNAS Connect is built with security in mind. The web-driven installation, like all aspects of TrueNAS Connect, adheres to a “Secure by Design” philosophy:
- Secure from Setup: Once a new TrueNAS installer is discovered on your local network, the system immediately begins an SSL registration process through LetsEncrypt, ensuring that communications to and from TrueNAS Connect are secured.
- No Credential Access: TrueNAS Connect does not store your TrueNAS credentials. All TrueNAS credentials are stored encrypted in your local browser’s keyring, and control of TrueNAS occurs via LAN only. For managing your TrueNAS system when away from your local site, a VPN solution can be configured, including the popular WireGuard or TailScale options included in the TrueNAS Apps Catalog.
- Automated Certificates: Each TrueNAS system connected through TrueNAS Connect receives SSL certificates for the WebUI, ensuring secure, encrypted control paths and preventing false security warnings. These certificates are automatically updated, maintaining continuous security and compliance.
Benefits of WebInstall
The web-driven installation offers several key advantages:
- Simplicity: No need for a keyboard or screen, simplifying the initial setup for new users.
- Security: Leverages secure by design principles, including OAuth authentication and encrypted communication, to protect your TrueNAS system.
- Accessibility: The web-based interface makes deployment and initial configuration accessible from any web browser.
The web-driven installation feature of TrueNAS Connect provides a significant step forward in simplifying the deployment of TrueNAS Community Edition systems, making powerful storage solutions more accessible than ever before.
Optional, But Awesome
For those who don’t want to make use of the new web-driven installation, don’t worry – the traditional, text-based console setup is still there and fully functional. You’ll be able to install TrueNAS 25.10 in the same manner as before; and if you choose to hook it up with TrueNAS Connect afterwards, there’s an easy way to link your system.
For more in-depth information on TrueNAS 25.10 “Goldeye” beyond the web-driven installation, you can visit the official TrueNAS blog at https://www.truenas.com/blog/truenas-goldeye-25-10/ – and stay tuned for more updates to come on the features of both TrueNAS 25.10 and the new TrueNAS Connect.
Whether you’re just getting started with your TrueNAS journey, or testing out the latest release,, you can download TrueNAS Community Edition at https://www.truenas.com/download-truenas-community-edition/ – and don’t forget to stop by the TrueNAS Community Forums or find us on social media to share your experiences.