Synology - Revision history

188.76.232.37: Removal of Video Station in 2024 and deprecation of USB devices support in 2021.

2026-05-26T19:55:26Z

Removal of Video Station in 2024 and deprecation of USB devices support in 2021.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:55, 26 May 2026
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	As of 8th October 2025 this has been partly reversed<ref name=":1" />. Only 2025 models allow third-party drives "and do not apply retroactively to previously launched systems." Even on 2025 systems there is still a requirement for M.2 drives to be on Compatibility List for the use as a cache drive. [https://kb.synology.com/en-us/DSM/tutorial/Drive_compatibility_policies]		As of 8th October 2025 this has been partly reversed<ref name=":1" />. Only 2025 models allow third-party drives "and do not apply retroactively to previously launched systems." Even on 2025 systems there is still a requirement for M.2 drives to be on Compatibility List for the use as a cache drive. [https://kb.synology.com/en-us/DSM/tutorial/Drive_compatibility_policies]

			===Removal of Video Station (2024)===

			DSM 7.2.2, released in September 2024, discontinued Video Station and HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264) and VC-1 transcoding[https://www.synology.com/en-eu/products/status/eol-video-codec-support]. Users are instructed to access multimedia content through alternative methods such as SMB or DLNA playback on external devices.

			As a workaround, users can replicate similar functionality by deploying third-party media servers such as Emby, Jellyfin or Plex if their NAS supports Container Manager (Docker). Synology has published a guide[https://kb.synology.com/en-global/DSM/tutorial/How_to_transfer_video_files_from_Video_Station_to_Jellyfin] for this approach, but many users may find the setup, configuration, and maintenance of these services non-trivial compared to the original integrated Video Station experience.

			===Removal of USB device support (2021)===

			DSM 7.0 discontinued support for multiple classes of USB devices[https://www.synology.com/en-global/compatibility?search_by=category&category=usb_wifi_dongles]. This includes Wi-Fi dongles, Bluetooth dongles, 3G/4G mobile broadband dongles, USB DACs/speakers and DTV tuners.

	===Intel C2000 controversy (2015)===		===Intel C2000 controversy (2015)===

Louis: add 2026 active insight paid-subscription conversion incident (links to new dedicated incident page)

2026-05-24T04:48:18Z

add 2026 active insight paid-subscription conversion incident (links to new dedicated incident page)

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:48, 24 May 2026
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	==Incidents==		==Incidents==
	This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}\|{{PAGENAME}} category]].		This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}\|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

			===Active Insight paid-subscription conversion and removal of free licenses (2026)===
			{{Main\|Synology Active Insight 2026 paid-subscription conversion and removal of free licenses}}
			On May 23, 2026, Synology announced that Active Insight, its hosted monitoring service for DiskStation Manager, would be converted from a free tier of three complimentary licenses into a paid subscription priced at $29.99 USD per host per year.<ref name="kb-plan-change-2026">{{Cite web \|url=https://kb.synology.com/en-us/DSM/tutorial/Plan_Change_2026_Active_Insight \|title=Plan Change 2026: Active Insight \|publisher=Synology \|date=2026-05-23 \|access-date=2026-05-23 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260523125759/https://kb.synology.com/en-us/DSM/tutorial/Plan_Change_2026_Active_Insight \|archive-date=2026-05-23}}</ref> New users lose the complimentary licenses on June 22, 2026; existing free-tier users lose them entirely on June 22, 2027.<ref name="kb-plan-change-2026" />

			Synology's Active Insight Terms & Conditions provide that all collected data is deleted thirty days after subscription expiration if no valid license is assigned.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.synology.com/company/legal/Active_Insight_Terms_Conditions \|title=Active Insight Terms and Conditions \|publisher=Synology \|access-date=2026-05-23}}</ref> The change reverses the marketing position Synology had taken on its overview and pricing pages, which described the first three device licenses as free with no expiration.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.synology.com/en-global/dsm/feature/active-insight/overview \|title=Active Insight Overview \|publisher=Synology \|access-date=2026-05-23}}</ref>

	===Paywalling mail server features for customers who already purchased the device (October 2025)===		===Paywalling mail server features for customers who already purchased the device (October 2025)===

Trinity: Added archived reference links

2026-01-26T15:40:37Z

Added archived reference links

Bythmusters: Added Cargo template in place of Infobox

2026-01-12T00:49:58Z

Added Cargo template in place of Infobox

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:49, 12 January 2026
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	{{~~InfoboxCompany~~		{{CompanyCargo
	\| ~~Name~~ = ~~{{PAGENAME}}~~		\|Description=Taiwanese computing compa
	\| ~~Type~~ =~~Private~~		\|Founded=2000
	\| ~~Founded~~ =~~2000~~		\|Industry=Computing, Storage
	\| ~~Industry~~ =~~Network-attached storage~~		\|Logo=Synology Logo.svg
	\| ~~Official~~ Website =https://www.synology.com/		\|ParentCompany=
	~~\| Logo =Synology Logo.svg~~		\|Type=Private
	}}'''[[wikipedia:Synology\|Synology]]''' is a Taiwanese corporation that specializes in network-attached storage (NAS) appliances.		\|Website=https://www.synology.com/
			}}
			'''[[wikipedia:Synology\|Synology]]''' is a Taiwanese corporation that specializes in network-attached storage (NAS) appliances.

	They have built a reputation for using open standards (eg. relying on standard Linux RAID instead of proprietary RAID like QNAP), providing feature and security updates for a very long time (in some cases offering security fixes for 12 year old hardware) and offering replacement parts for a long time and at a reasonable cost.		They have built a reputation for using open standards (eg. relying on standard Linux RAID instead of proprietary RAID like QNAP), providing feature and security updates for a very long time (in some cases offering security fixes for 12 year old hardware) and offering replacement parts for a long time and at a reasonable cost.

MrTuttle: Add mention of Synology making VPN licenses free during the Covid19 pandemic to illustrate a negative trend in consumer friendliness for the company

2025-10-21T12:18:10Z

Add mention of Synology making VPN licenses free during the Covid19 pandemic to illustrate a negative trend in consumer friendliness for the company

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:18, 21 October 2025
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	This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}\|{{PAGENAME}} category]].		This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}\|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

	=== Paywalling mail server features for customers who already purchased the device (October 2025) ===		===Paywalling mail server features for customers who already purchased the device (October 2025)===
	Synology announced that effective with the DSM 7.3 update, Synology Mail Station and Synology Mail Server would be replaced by Synology Mail Plus and Synology Mail Plus Server. The old programs would continue to function after the update, but would be blocked in subsequent updates and no longer receive security updates, rendering them factually useless in production use.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-10-08 \|title=End-of-Availability Announcement for Mail Station and Synology Mail Server \|url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/status/eol-mail-station-and-server \|access-date=2025-10-21 \|website=Synology}}</ref>		Synology announced that effective with the DSM 7.3 update, Synology Mail Station and Synology Mail Server would be replaced by Synology Mail Plus and Synology Mail Plus Server. The old programs would continue to function after the update, but would be blocked in subsequent updates and no longer receive security updates, rendering them factually useless in production use.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-10-08 \|title=End-of-Availability Announcement for Mail Station and Synology Mail Server \|url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/status/eol-mail-station-and-server \|access-date=2025-10-21 \|website=Synology}}</ref>

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	This forces customers who purchased a NAS from Synology with the intention of using it as a mail server for more than five mail accounts to pay again for additional licenses, at the terms dictated by Synology, if they wish to continue to use e-mail server functionality of their NAS after the DSM 7.3 update.		This forces customers who purchased a NAS from Synology with the intention of using it as a mail server for more than five mail accounts to pay again for additional licenses, at the terms dictated by Synology, if they wish to continue to use e-mail server functionality of their NAS after the DSM 7.3 update.

			This marks a departure from past policies. For instance, in 2021 Synology removed the requirement for licenses for site-to-site VPNs when the Covid19 pandemic hit, and it has been free ever since.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ngo \|first=Dong \|date=2021-09-28 \|title=Synology Rolls out DSM 7.0.1 NAS Upgrade, Makes VPN Plus Free on Routers \|url=https://dongknows.com/synology-rolls-out-dsm-7-0-1-free-vpn-plus/ \|access-date=2025-10-21 \|website=Dong Knows Tech}}</ref>

	===Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025)===		===Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025)===

MrTuttle: /* Incidents */ Add paywalling of mail server for devices already purchased

2025-10-21T11:41:41Z

Incidents: Add paywalling of mail server for devices already purchased

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:41, 21 October 2025
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	==Incidents==		==Incidents==
	This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}\|{{PAGENAME}} category]].		This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}\|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

			=== Paywalling mail server features for customers who already purchased the device (October 2025) ===
			Synology announced that effective with the DSM 7.3 update, Synology Mail Station and Synology Mail Server would be replaced by Synology Mail Plus and Synology Mail Plus Server. The old programs would continue to function after the update, but would be blocked in subsequent updates and no longer receive security updates, rendering them factually useless in production use.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-10-08 \|title=End-of-Availability Announcement for Mail Station and Synology Mail Server \|url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/status/eol-mail-station-and-server \|access-date=2025-10-21 \|website=Synology}}</ref>

			The replacement apps are limited to five e-mail accounts per device. Any more require purchase of additional licenses.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Synology MailPlus License Pack \|url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/MailPlus_License \|access-date=2025-10-21 \|website=Synology}}</ref> The previous applications imposed no such limit and were only bounded by the physical capabilities of the hardware.

			This forces customers who purchased a NAS from Synology with the intention of using it as a mail server for more than five mail accounts to pay again for additional licenses, at the terms dictated by Synology, if they wish to continue to use e-mail server functionality of their NAS after the DSM 7.3 update.

	===Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025)===		===Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025)===

213.157.13.62: Added context for Drive compatibility policies from 2025-10-07

2025-10-09T06:44:45Z

Added context for Drive compatibility policies from 2025-10-07

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:44, 9 October 2025
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	This can currently be circumvented at the user's own risk with a hack [https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db using a script available on Github] that adds the drives in the system to the list of compatible drives. Other solutions use changes to configuration files to disable the checks.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023 \|title=Finally managed to get WD Red Disks working without compatibility issue on DS3622xs+ \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/161w36v/finally_managed_to_get_wd_red_disks_working/ \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Reddit}}</ref> However, these workarounds may cease to function at any time or have unexpected side effects or consequences.		This can currently be circumvented at the user's own risk with a hack [https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db using a script available on Github] that adds the drives in the system to the list of compatible drives. Other solutions use changes to configuration files to disable the checks.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023 \|title=Finally managed to get WD Red Disks working without compatibility issue on DS3622xs+ \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/161w36v/finally_managed_to_get_wd_red_disks_working/ \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Reddit}}</ref> However, these workarounds may cease to function at any time or have unexpected side effects or consequences.

	As of 8th October 2025 this has been reversed<ref name=":1" />		As of 8th October 2025 this has been partly reversed<ref name=":1" />. Only 2025 models allow third-party drives "and do not apply retroactively to previously launched systems." Even on 2025 systems there is still a requirement for M.2 drives to be on Compatibility List for the use as a cache drive. [https://kb.synology.com/en-us/DSM/tutorial/Drive_compatibility_policies]

	===Intel C2000 controversy (2015)===		===Intel C2000 controversy (2015)===

MrTuttle: /* Incidents */ Move newest incident to the top to maintain reverse-chronological order

2025-10-08T14:20:43Z

Incidents: Move newest incident to the top to maintain reverse-chronological order

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:20, 8 October 2025
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	==Incidents==		==Incidents==
	This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}\|{{PAGENAME}} category]].		This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}\|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

			===Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025)===
			Synology removed Hardware transcoding drivers for HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264), and VC-1 [https://www.synology.com/en-global/products/status/eol-video-codec-support]. With these drivers removed, the external device receiving the video becomes responsible for transcoding. There is an unofficial guide on how to reinstall the drivers.[https://nascompares.com/guide/how-to-get-hardware-transcoding-back-on-your-synology-nas/]

	===Requiring Synology-branded hard drives for certain features (2025)===		===Requiring Synology-branded hard drives for certain features (2025)===
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	===Proprietary bootloader===		===Proprietary bootloader===
	Unlike on competing products, It is not easily possible to install a Linux distribution other than the manufacturer's DSM. This makes it difficult to repurpose the devices for other uses or install alternative software when support runs out for the manufacturer's OS. The devices also have no video output, thus limiting other uses.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=UN_Synapse \|date=2023 \|title=Can you install a OS other than DSM on Synology hardware. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/12cwure/can_you_install_a_os_other_than_dsm_on_synology/ \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Reddit}}</ref>		Unlike on competing products, It is not easily possible to install a Linux distribution other than the manufacturer's DSM. This makes it difficult to repurpose the devices for other uses or install alternative software when support runs out for the manufacturer's OS. The devices also have no video output, thus limiting other uses.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=UN_Synapse \|date=2023 \|title=Can you install a OS other than DSM on Synology hardware. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/12cwure/can_you_install_a_os_other_than_dsm_on_synology/ \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Reddit}}</ref>

	~~===Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025)===~~
	Synology removed Hardware transcoding drivers for HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264), and VC-1 [https://www.synology.com/en-global/products/status/eol-video-codec-support]. With these drivers removed, the external device receiving the video becomes responsible for transcoding. There is an unofficial guide on how to reinstall the drivers.[https://nascompares.com/guide/how-to-get-hardware-transcoding-back-on-your-synology-nas/]

	==Products==		==Products==

Redclippy: Update with latest information regarding synology quietly reversing the ban on 3rd party hdds in newer models

2025-10-08T10:55:01Z

Update with latest information regarding synology quietly reversing the ban on 3rd party hdds in newer models

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:55, 8 October 2025
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	==Consumer-impact summary==		==Consumer-impact summary==

	*User freedom: ~~Has revoked~~ ability to use off-brand hard drives from modern NAS models.<ref name=":0" />		*User freedom: Revoked ability to use off-brand hard drives from modern NAS models<ref name=":0" /> and has as of October 8th 2025 been reversed<ref name=":1">{{Cite news \|last=Hagedoorn \|first=Hilbert \|date=8 Oct 2025 \|title=Synology Reverses Policy Banning Third-Party HDDs After NAS sales plummet \|url=https://www.guru3d.com/story/synology-reverses-policy-banning-thirdparty-hdds-after-nas-sales-plummet/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=8 Oct 2025 \|work=The guru of 3D}}</ref>
	*User privacy: Unknown.		*User privacy: Unknown.
	*Business model: Selling digital storage devices to consumers.		*Business model: Selling digital storage devices to consumers.
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	This can currently be circumvented at the user's own risk with a hack [https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db using a script available on Github] that adds the drives in the system to the list of compatible drives. Other solutions use changes to configuration files to disable the checks.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023 \|title=Finally managed to get WD Red Disks working without compatibility issue on DS3622xs+ \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/161w36v/finally_managed_to_get_wd_red_disks_working/ \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Reddit}}</ref> However, these workarounds may cease to function at any time or have unexpected side effects or consequences.		This can currently be circumvented at the user's own risk with a hack [https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db using a script available on Github] that adds the drives in the system to the list of compatible drives. Other solutions use changes to configuration files to disable the checks.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023 \|title=Finally managed to get WD Red Disks working without compatibility issue on DS3622xs+ \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/161w36v/finally_managed_to_get_wd_red_disks_working/ \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Reddit}}</ref> However, these workarounds may cease to function at any time or have unexpected side effects or consequences.

			As of 8th October 2025 this has been reversed<ref name=":1" />

	===Intel C2000 controversy (2015)===		===Intel C2000 controversy (2015)===

2A02:6EA0:C603:5430:0:0:0:13: /* Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025) */

2025-10-01T17:46:52Z

Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025)

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:46, 1 October 2025
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	Unlike on competing products, It is not easily possible to install a Linux distribution other than the manufacturer's DSM. This makes it difficult to repurpose the devices for other uses or install alternative software when support runs out for the manufacturer's OS. The devices also have no video output, thus limiting other uses.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=UN_Synapse \|date=2023 \|title=Can you install a OS other than DSM on Synology hardware. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/12cwure/can_you_install_a_os_other_than_dsm_on_synology/ \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Reddit}}</ref>		Unlike on competing products, It is not easily possible to install a Linux distribution other than the manufacturer's DSM. This makes it difficult to repurpose the devices for other uses or install alternative software when support runs out for the manufacturer's OS. The devices also have no video output, thus limiting other uses.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=UN_Synapse \|date=2023 \|title=Can you install a OS other than DSM on Synology hardware. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/12cwure/can_you_install_a_os_other_than_dsm_on_synology/ \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Reddit}}</ref>

	=== Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025) ===		===Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025)===
	Synology removed Hardware transcoding drivers for HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264), and VC-1 [https://www.synology.com/en-global/products/status/eol-video-codec-support]. With ~~the~~ drivers removed video transcoding ~~is a lot slower and less efficient~~. ~~Their~~ is an unofficial guide on how to reinstall the drivers.[https://nascompares.com/guide/how-to-get-hardware-transcoding-back-on-your-synology-nas/]		Synology removed Hardware transcoding drivers for HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264), and VC-1 [https://www.synology.com/en-global/products/status/eol-video-codec-support]. With these drivers removed, the external device receiving the video becomes responsible for transcoding. There is an unofficial guide on how to reinstall the drivers.[https://nascompares.com/guide/how-to-get-hardware-transcoding-back-on-your-synology-nas/]

	==Products==		==Products==

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:40, 26 January 2026
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	==Consumer-impact summary==		==Consumer-impact summary==

	*User freedom: Revoked ability to use off-brand hard drives from modern NAS models<ref name=":0" /> and has as of October 8th 2025 been reversed<ref name=":1">{{Cite news \|last=Hagedoorn \|first=Hilbert \|date=8 Oct 2025 \|title=Synology Reverses Policy Banning Third-Party HDDs After NAS sales plummet \|url=https://www.guru3d.com/story/synology-reverses-policy-banning-thirdparty-hdds-after-nas-sales-plummet/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=8 Oct 2025 \|work=The guru of 3D}}</ref>		*User freedom: Revoked ability to use off-brand hard drives from modern NAS models<ref name=":0" /> and has as of October 8th 2025 been reversed<ref name=":1">{{Cite news \|last=Hagedoorn \|first=Hilbert \|date=8 Oct 2025 \|title=Synology Reverses Policy Banning Third-Party HDDs After NAS sales plummet \|url=https://www.guru3d.com/story/synology-reverses-policy-banning-thirdparty-hdds-after-nas-sales-plummet/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008093542/https://www.guru3d.com/story/synology-reverses-policy-banning-thirdparty-hdds-after-nas-sales-plummet/ \|archive-date=8 Oct 2025 \|access-date=8 Oct 2025 \|work=The guru of 3D}}</ref>
	*User privacy: Unknown.		*User privacy: Unknown.
	*Business model: Selling digital storage devices to consumers.		*Business model: Selling digital storage devices to consumers.
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	===Paywalling mail server features for customers who already purchased the device (October 2025)===		===Paywalling mail server features for customers who already purchased the device (October 2025)===
	Synology announced that effective with the DSM 7.3 update, Synology Mail Station and Synology Mail Server would be replaced by Synology Mail Plus and Synology Mail Plus Server. The old programs would continue to function after the update, but would be blocked in subsequent updates and no longer receive security updates, rendering them factually useless in production use.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-10-08 \|title=End-of-Availability Announcement for Mail Station and Synology Mail Server \|url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/status/eol-mail-station-and-server \|access-date=2025-10-21 \|website=Synology}}</ref>		Synology announced that effective with the DSM 7.3 update, Synology Mail Station and Synology Mail Server would be replaced by Synology Mail Plus and Synology Mail Plus Server. The old programs would continue to function after the update, but would be blocked in subsequent updates and no longer receive security updates, rendering them factually useless in production use.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-10-08 \|title=End-of-Availability Announcement for Mail Station and Synology Mail Server \|url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/status/eol-mail-station-and-server \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251212033225/https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/status/eol-mail-station-and-server \|archive-date=12 Dec 2025 \|access-date=2025-10-21 \|website=Synology}}</ref>

	The replacement apps are limited to five e-mail accounts per device. Any more require purchase of additional licenses.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Synology MailPlus License Pack \|url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/MailPlus_License \|access-date=2025-10-21 \|website=Synology}}</ref> The previous applications imposed no such limit and were only bounded by the physical capabilities of the hardware.		The replacement apps are limited to five e-mail accounts per device. Any more require purchase of additional licenses.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Synology MailPlus License Pack \|url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/MailPlus_License \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251005182855/https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/MailPlus_License \|archive-date=5 Oct 2025 \|access-date=2025-10-21 \|website=Synology}}</ref> The previous applications imposed no such limit and were only bounded by the physical capabilities of the hardware.

	This forces customers who purchased a NAS from Synology with the intention of using it as a mail server for more than five mail accounts to pay again for additional licenses, at the terms dictated by Synology, if they wish to continue to use e-mail server functionality of their NAS after the DSM 7.3 update.		This forces customers who purchased a NAS from Synology with the intention of using it as a mail server for more than five mail accounts to pay again for additional licenses, at the terms dictated by Synology, if they wish to continue to use e-mail server functionality of their NAS after the DSM 7.3 update.

	This marks a departure from past policies. For instance, in 2021 Synology removed the requirement for licenses for site-to-site VPNs when the Covid19 pandemic hit, and it has been free ever since.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ngo \|first=Dong \|date=2021-09-28 \|title=Synology Rolls out DSM 7.0.1 NAS Upgrade, Makes VPN Plus Free on Routers \|url=https://dongknows.com/synology-rolls-out-dsm-7-0-1-free-vpn-plus/ \|access-date=2025-10-21 \|website=Dong Knows Tech}}</ref>		This marks a departure from past policies. For instance, in 2021 Synology removed the requirement for licenses for site-to-site VPNs when the Covid19 pandemic hit, and it has been free ever since.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Ngo \|first=Dong \|date=2021-09-28 \|title=Synology Rolls out DSM 7.0.1 NAS Upgrade, Makes VPN Plus Free on Routers \|url=https://dongknows.com/synology-rolls-out-dsm-7-0-1-free-vpn-plus/ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016070417/https://dongknows.com/synology-rolls-out-dsm-7-0-1-free-vpn-plus/ \|archive-date=16 Oct 2021 \|access-date=2025-10-21 \|website=Dong Knows Tech}}</ref>

	===Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025)===		===Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025)===
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	Further reading: [[Guide: How to circumvent Synology hard drive restrictions]]		Further reading: [[Guide: How to circumvent Synology hard drive restrictions]]

	For the Plus Series of NAS systems, Synology required the use of their own rebranded hard drives in order to obtain full functionality.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Morales \|first=Jowi \|date=16 Apr 2025 \|title=Synology requires self-branded drives for some consumer NAS systems, drops full functionality and support for third-party HDDs \|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds \|url-status=live \|access-date=18 Apr 2025 \|website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref>		For the Plus Series of NAS systems, Synology required the use of their own rebranded hard drives in order to obtain full functionality.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Morales \|first=Jowi \|date=16 Apr 2025 \|title=Synology requires self-branded drives for some consumer NAS systems, drops full functionality and support for third-party HDDs \|url=https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250416162923/https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds \|archive-date=16 Apr 2025 \|access-date=18 Apr 2025 \|website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref>

	Reported by Hardwareluxx, using non-Synology-branded hard drives will lose critical functions for the NAS, including estimated hard drive health reports, volume-wide deduplication, lifespan analyses, and automatic firmware updates. The company also restricts storage pools and provides limited or zero support for third-party drives.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=16 Apr 2025 \|title=Synology weitet Nutzung auf Plus-Modelle aus \|url=https://www.hardwareluxx.de/index.php/news/hardware/festplatten/65949-synology-weitet-den-zwang-zur-eignen-oder-zertifizierten-festplatte-auf-die-plus-modelle-aus.html \|url-status=live \|access-date=18 Apr 2025 \|website=www.hardwareluxx.de}}</ref>		Reported by Hardwareluxx, using non-Synology-branded hard drives will lose critical functions for the NAS, including estimated hard drive health reports, volume-wide deduplication, lifespan analyses, and automatic firmware updates. The company also restricts storage pools and provides limited or zero support for third-party drives.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=16 Apr 2025 \|title=Synology weitet Nutzung auf Plus-Modelle aus \|url=https://www.hardwareluxx.de/index.php/news/hardware/festplatten/65949-synology-weitet-den-zwang-zur-eignen-oder-zertifizierten-festplatte-auf-die-plus-modelle-aus.html \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250416114313/https://www.hardwareluxx.de/index.php/news/hardware/festplatten/65949-synology-weitet-den-zwang-zur-eignen-oder-zertifizierten-festplatte-auf-die-plus-modelle-aus.html \|archive-date=16 Apr 2025 \|access-date=18 Apr 2025 \|website=www.hardwareluxx.de}}</ref>

	The models manufactured on or before 2024 are not affected by this change. Still, those upgrading to or purchasing the latest Plus Series device, set to be released this year, will have to buy their drives directly from Synology or its certified suppliers to maximize their system. Because of this, you won’t be able to pick from the best hard drives if you get Synology’s latest Plus Series NAS Systems.<ref name=":0" />		The models manufactured on or before 2024 are not affected by this change. Still, those upgrading to or purchasing the latest Plus Series device, set to be released this year, will have to buy their drives directly from Synology or its certified suppliers to maximize their system. Because of this, you won’t be able to pick from the best hard drives if you get Synology’s latest Plus Series NAS Systems.<ref name=":0" />

	This can currently be circumvented at the user's own risk with a hack [https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db using a script available on Github] that adds the drives in the system to the list of compatible drives. Other solutions use changes to configuration files to disable the checks.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023 \|title=Finally managed to get WD Red Disks working without compatibility issue on DS3622xs+ \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/161w36v/finally_managed_to_get_wd_red_disks_working/ \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Reddit}}</ref> However, these workarounds may cease to function at any time or have unexpected side effects or consequences.		This can currently be circumvented at the user's own risk with a hack [https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db using a script available on Github] that adds the drives in the system to the list of compatible drives. Other solutions use changes to configuration files to disable the checks.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023 \|title=Finally managed to get WD Red Disks working without compatibility issue on DS3622xs+ \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/161w36v/finally_managed_to_get_wd_red_disks_working/ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127222455/https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/161w36v/finally_managed_to_get_wd_red_disks_working/ \|archive-date=27 Nov 2023 \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Reddit}}</ref> However, these workarounds may cease to function at any time or have unexpected side effects or consequences.

	As of 8th October 2025 this has been partly reversed<ref name=":1" />. Only 2025 models allow third-party drives "and do not apply retroactively to previously launched systems." Even on 2025 systems there is still a requirement for M.2 drives to be on Compatibility List for the use as a cache drive. [https://kb.synology.com/en-us/DSM/tutorial/Drive_compatibility_policies]		As of 8th October 2025 this has been partly reversed<ref name=":1" />. Only 2025 models allow third-party drives "and do not apply retroactively to previously launched systems." Even on 2025 systems there is still a requirement for M.2 drives to be on Compatibility List for the use as a cache drive. [https://kb.synology.com/en-us/DSM/tutorial/Drive_compatibility_policies]
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	Some of the 2015 series NAS devices from Synology used an Intel C2000 series processor, which, due to a clock issue on Intel's side, would cease to function after a certain time. Synology did replace affected devices if they failed within the warranty period, but the replacements were identical devices that had the same defect and would again cease to function after a certain amount of time.		Some of the 2015 series NAS devices from Synology used an Intel C2000 series processor, which, due to a clock issue on Intel's side, would cease to function after a certain time. Synology did replace affected devices if they failed within the warranty period, but the replacements were identical devices that had the same defect and would again cease to function after a certain amount of time.

	The issue can be permanently fixed by installing a simple resistor on the main board of the device. This requires basic soldering skills.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Lixandru \|first=Marius Bogdan \|date=2022-01-05 \|title=Synology: How To Fix C2000 Flaw With 100 Ohm Resistor \|url=https://mariushosting.com/synology-how-to-fix-c2000-flaw-with-100-ohm-resistor/ \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Mariushosting}}</ref>		The issue can be permanently fixed by installing a simple resistor on the main board of the device. This requires basic soldering skills.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Lixandru \|first=Marius Bogdan \|date=2022-01-05 \|title=Synology: How To Fix C2000 Flaw With 100 Ohm Resistor \|url=https://mariushosting.com/synology-how-to-fix-c2000-flaw-with-100-ohm-resistor/ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212121011/https://mariushosting.com/synology-how-to-fix-c2000-flaw-with-100-ohm-resistor/ \|archive-date=12 Feb 2023 \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Mariushosting}}</ref>

	===Proprietary bootloader===		===Proprietary bootloader===
	Unlike on competing products, It is not easily possible to install a Linux distribution other than the manufacturer's DSM. This makes it difficult to repurpose the devices for other uses or install alternative software when support runs out for the manufacturer's OS. The devices also have no video output, thus limiting other uses.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=UN_Synapse \|date=2023 \|title=Can you install a OS other than DSM on Synology hardware. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/12cwure/can_you_install_a_os_other_than_dsm_on_synology/ \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Reddit}}</ref>		Unlike on competing products, It is not easily possible to install a Linux distribution other than the manufacturer's DSM. This makes it difficult to repurpose the devices for other uses or install alternative software when support runs out for the manufacturer's OS. The devices also have no video output, thus limiting other uses.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=UN_Synapse \|date=2023 \|title=Can you install a OS other than DSM on Synology hardware. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/12cwure/can_you_install_a_os_other_than_dsm_on_synology/ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405203031/https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/12cwure/can_you_install_a_os_other_than_dsm_on_synology/ \|archive-date=5 Apr 2023 \|access-date=2025-04-19 \|website=Reddit}}</ref>

	==Products==		==Products==