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So I noticed that HexOS requires encryption at the folder-creation stage for future offsite backups. Since Buddy Backup isn't out yet, how will the migration path look for users who have already populated large unencrypted datasets? Specifically: Will there be a built-in 'Migrate to Encrypted' tool to move data into a new encrypted dataset for Buddy Backup? Will Buddy Backup support 'Replication-level encryption' (encrypting the stream during transit/at rest on the destination) without requiring the source folder on my local NAS to be encrypted? What about application data folders that are already not encrypted, how would those be handled?

Thanks for sharing. X is one account that does not interest me.

Hello, At this time HexOS is still in beta so by purchasing a lifetime license you will get access to our beta software and all updates are included with the lifetime license at no additional cost. In the future there may be some features that are not included with the lifetime license but that is limited to features with an ongoing cost. For example if we decided to offer a cloud storage solution.

As much as I like the idea of encrypted datasets (i'm using them myself), I fear that it will cause a not insignificant amount of headaches and data loss. Seeing how many users currently are just reinstalling Hexos if something is not working as they expect, currently, they just nees to mount the pools again and no harm no foul. But with encrypted datasets, where they didn't save the keys or have the keys saved on the encrypted dataset themselves it's bye bye data. So if we go done the path of encrypted datasets, we need to have a way to easily manage the decryption keys. Maybe there will be an option to store them on the Hexos Server and use them from there if anything ever goes wrong with a server. If not, a lot of people are not going to remember where they put those keys X years ago, which are now standing between them and their data. Don't get me wrong, I think those are definitely valid points, but such a crucial part requires a basically fool proof setup to not cause any harm. 🙂

HexOS Gets a Major Upgrade This release introduces an improved Apps experience, new apps, two-factor authentication support, improved GPU support, and Goldeye compatibility. Read more about it on our docsite here at Command Deck Update - December 26, 2025 Also check out our latest blog for even more details! NOTE: This update was applied automatically. You may need to clear your cache.

Where can one see the number of licenses on thier account? I just bought a second lics for $99 as I would like to setup an off-site backup down-the-road, once you have settled into a non-beta version. I have been playing a bit with my current setup, but haven't committed all my files over from my Synology NAS until you move to Prod/final version. (I guess that is in Q1 of 2026!!) I will be looking at setting up a very simple HexOS offsite box, just bare system with a few large HD's in it for backing up my more important data. I am just waiting till you have moved out of beta. Thanks for the sale and the cool interface!! Merry Christmas all!

It's hard to believe it's already been a year since we launched the HexOS Beta and the early access campaign. What a journey it's been! In today's blog post, we're going to provide a summary of this past year's accomplishments, a run-down of what's left to achieve our 1.0 release, what's coming next, an update on the AnyRaid project, and our HexOS Holiday Sale! Read all about it in our latest blog post: https://docs.hexos.com/blog/2025-11-26.html

Another quarter until version 1.0. Can't say I'm not disappointed, but I get that quality takes time. At least give us a bone in the meantime.

Pretty disappointed with this limitation. I understand the reason to avoid unscrupulous reselling, but I do think there are better ways of avoiding that without these issues. There are probably a lot of people in a similar situation as me; wanting to get a license for a relative as the family tech guy, but not wanting to have to be the sys admin for everyone. I bought a license at release because I support the mission, with no intention of using it until the features got more flushed out (still on plain TrueNAS). I am in the process of building a NAS for my father, which I intended to set up with a HexOS license so he could use buddy backup and some apps as a relatively nontechnical user. The HexOS interface is simple enough I think he can grasp it. But if I have to be an admin for his NAS anyway I might as well just set up Tailscale and rsync on TrueNAS. I understand it's a sale price and I'll probably end up getting him his own but it just feels like a slap for people that bought in to support and I hate feeling like I'm throwing money away. I'm no business major but it seems like expanding the user base would be prioritized given the possibility of genuinely useful subscription features coming down the pipe. Anyways. Just my $0.02. Still love what you guys are building.

So the difference really comes down to the account you use to login and manage each system . if you want to give someone else access to manage one of the systems. If the license is on your account, you have to give them your login. Otherwise, buying on a seperate account you have to give them the seperate login. The latter not being as cheap as the former.

HexOS would greatly improve by offering VPN services as curated one‑click apps, similar to Jellyfin or Nextcloud. Support for all major commercial VPNs with GUI and their signature features: NordVPN (Meshnet & dedicated IP), ExpressVPN, Surfshark, ProtonVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), CyberGhost, Mullvad, VyprVPN, TunnelBear, and others. Support for open‑source solutions: WireGuard and OpenVPN. One‑click installation and configuration without complex manual steps. Option to route traffic from specific containers or apps through the chosen VPN, or all server traffic via VPN or a dedicated IP (useful for game servers). Include key features offered by these VPNs, such as a killswitch to block traffic if the VPN connection drops (preventing leaks), split tunneling, multi‑hop, obfuscation, and other advanced options. Ideally, make all NordVPN features available, since NordVPN is widely used and unique features like Meshnet are especially valuable for secure access outside the home network. This would enhance usability, privacy, and flexibility. If these features are implemented, I am ready to migrate my TrueNAS pools to HexOS.

I think we are mostly on the same page with your response so let me throw out some scenarios to make sure we are all clear. 1) I was not a lifetime owner. I bought the $199 because I want to own a NAS and am joining the Beta though pretty late. I am now the proud owner of a HexOS NAS. and have built a machine and loaded the product. 1 license on 1 account and 1 server. 2) I see the two server option $298 option. That is equal to the original $99 deal plus the $199 current and long standing post black friday 2024 advertised price. I have 2 licenses on 1 account and up to 2 servers either physical or virtual including a mix of the two. If I don't know about the original black friday sale I simply see a (currently) full price license and a packaged reduced option for a second. 3) I bought in at the original black friday price and want a second license for another server. I am also 2 licenses on 1 account because there was no way to buy a second $99 black friday license on any account but the original. 4) People with vision (not me) who bought multiple licenses. Not sure I will get this right so please strike out what is incorrect. Those folks would have 2 licenses on 1 account. 5) Same as four except they bought multiple licenses on multiple accounts. For simplicity let's call it 2 licenses on 2 account. Assuming all these are valid (and someone exercised the options) it appears the buddy backup definition is really the hangup. I only see one reference to the buddy backup on the HexOS.com website (and no folks, I did not do an exhaustive search looking for more information). The site says "Buddy backups and replication Easily transfer data between two HexOS systems. Backup your data to a friend’s remote server using a secure connection". Since it only says systems and not licenses or accounts, I think that is a little confusing when held up against your above statement "The additional licenses is for users that want to setup multiple systems of their own, not for buddy backups.". I am guessing the confusion may simply be how will the buddy backup be executed. I believe TrueNAS already has ways to do backups. As well there are lots of apps that will do it if I say I don't like the way TrueNAS does it. So going out on a limb here I hope this backup is seup in the dashboard by identifying the second system. I hope it is along the line of I list the second license I want to backup to and when built (of course) I do the same in reverse order listing license 1 to connect to. I am setting aside encryption and size allocation because that is secondary to me but it must be managed somewhere. If it's account and license in that crosslinking process that will complicate or possibly eliminate the backup buddy option. I believe that is what we loyal but extremely ambitious are trying to understand. Is backup buddy system to system, license to license or account to account. Oh and for clarity I am thinking my userid or email represents my account and something else is my license. The statements that the second $99 license is not for backup buddy but you can be your own backup buddy (as sad as that sounds) might just need clarification in the future like before the sale ends for those just seeing this conversation and thinking I didn't think about being my own backup buddy. Way more than enough said and I will bow out now.

So If I am understanding this, if the second server is in a relatives house it is not their independent account but rather is is another server under the same login. So I don't think we can use the term "buddy backup" unless you are saying each server can allocate an encrypted space on the other that can't be accessed. I think that will be the terminology sticking point. I must say when I first saw the option to buy a second $99 NAS server I myself thought I could setup up a buddy backup as well at a relatives home but wasn't sure it could be used as a full independent server by that relative because they are not going to want to go down the NAS path. I am guessing a lot of people will have that same thought and if i am still being honest I think Eshtek realized that would be the reason many folks would go for that option. So, let's be clear and careful about the use of the term "buddy backup". Can it be a remote backup? Yes. You have already told me above that it can. But can it be a buddy backup? It sounds like no, not really as defined in the sales materials. Now, as for that person who bought two accounts during the original black friday sale. I can see them having a legit issue because I believe I have seen them say that is why they got the two accounts in other forum posts a while back. If this is true it should have been stated then that multiple servers on one account can't be true buddy backups. I don't really have a horse in this race because I want another server that will be my 'media available outside my home' through Plex or Jellyfin and Immich.

I am an idiot😅 Way back, I bought two licenses because I thought I could then build a second server, install it at my parents' house that my dad could use for picture storage, and have a buddy back up to and from that second server.

I believe the distinction is that Buddy backups, etc, will need to connect to the cloud for configuration, but not for ongoing use. I can see how that could be confusing for some people.

Def not cloud only. If your isp/network supports peer to peer, we can coordinate that and then get out of the way. That is what's included in a lifetime license. If we end up having to relay traffic for some users, that will require a subscription as we will have to pay for the relay traffic, but obviously it will still be encrypted.

honestly we don't much about when its coming just that it has started development. it was probably more about setting proper expectations that its not gonna come anytime soon. probably best not to build off of beyondRAID since it was slow. slow is bad in so many ways. resilvering is longer, giving drives a longer window where failure would be catastrophic expansion and scrubbing would also take forever. plus don't we all want our systems to be as fast as they could be just a guess but i would assume it has to do with the parity calculations and making sure the zfs stuff works correctly. the forums are here for all your questions so don't be sorry. local interface is definitely still coming. I just don't have an eta to give you.

DIsregard, I have worked out how to do this in the global network settings! Thanks!