Introduction
Updating the Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) firmware is crucial for maintaining the security and performance of your Synology NAS device. While automatic updates are convenient, there are instances when they may fail to install properly. In such cases, manual intervention is necessary to ensure that your DSM firmware is up to date and functioning optimally.
Why Manual Updates Are Necessary
Manual updates become essential when automated processes encounter errors or fail to complete successfully. By performing a manual update, you can take control of the firmware installation process and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the update.
Steps to Manually Update Synology DSM Firmware
- Download the Latest Firmware: Visit the Synology website and download the latest DSM firmware version compatible with your NAS model.
- Access DSM Control Panel: Log in to your Synology NAS and navigate to the Control Panel.
- Go to Update & Restore: In the Control Panel, locate the ‘Update & Restore’ option.
- Manually Select the Firmware File: Click on ‘Manual DSM Update’ and select the downloaded firmware file from your computer.
- Initiate the Update Process: Confirm the firmware file selection and proceed to start the manual update process.
- Monitor the Update Progress: Allow the firmware update to complete while ensuring that the process is not interrupted.
- Restart Your Synology NAS: Once the update is successful, restart your NAS device to apply the changes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during the manual update process, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
- Check Firmware Compatibility: Ensure that you have downloaded the correct firmware version for your NAS model.
- Verify Internet Connectivity: Stable internet connection is crucial for downloading and installing firmware updates.
- Restart Your NAS: A simple restart can sometimes resolve update-related issues.
- Contact Synology Support: If persistent issues occur, reach out to Synology support for further assistance.
Conclusion
Manually updating the Synology DSM firmware is a necessary skill for NAS users to ensure the security and performance of their devices. By following the outlined steps and troubleshooting tips, you can successfully update your DSM firmware even when automated updates fail. Stay proactive in maintaining your NAS device’s firmware to safeguard your data and enjoy optimal functionality.

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