Synology May Restrict Features on 2025 NAS Models Without Certified Drives

Synology May Limit Features on 2025 NAS Devices Without Certified Hard Drives

Synology, one of the most well-known makers of network-attached storage (NAS) systems, appears poised to tighten its hardware ecosystem by enforcing stricter drive certification requirements for its upcoming 2025 Plus series models. The move, confirmed via Synology’s German-language press release and initial reports from HardwareLuxx, has already sparked backlash from NAS enthusiasts and small business users who value flexibility and third-party component compatibility.

Certified Drives or Limited Functionality

Starting with the 2025 product line, Synology plans to offer the “full range of functions and support” only to NAS devices equipped with Synology-branded or Synology-certified drives. This mirrors the policy already in place for its higher-end XS Plus and rack-mounted NAS units, and suggests a broader shift toward a more tightly controlled, vertically integrated storage ecosystem.

What does this mean for users? If you're using a non-certified drive, Synology indicates that you could lose access to:

  • Storage pool creation

  • Lifecycle analysis and HDD health tools

  • Automated firmware updates for hard drives

  • De-duplication and performance optimizations

  • Official support for drive-related issues

While basic storage functionality will remain intact, Synology's messaging makes it clear that certified drives will be necessary for accessing advanced features and receiving streamlined support.

Global Rollout or Regional Test?

Although the announcement emerged from Germany, it’s unclear if this change is limited to the EU market or represents a global policy shift. Region-specific firmware management is possible, though not efficient at scale. Synology has historically applied certified-drive restrictions globally for its enterprise models, making it likely that this change could extend worldwide.

For now, existing Plus-level NAS users won't be affected. You’ll also be able to move certified drives from older Synology units into a 2025 or newer NAS and maintain full functionality. However, once you upgrade your hardware, your options for drive selection may become significantly more restricted.

Synology Drives: Rebranded, Not Reinvented

Despite the push toward “proprietary” hardware, Synology does not manufacture its own drives. Instead, it certifies and rebrands models from Toshiba and Seagate, excluding Western Digital from its supported list. These branded drives allow Synology to offer firmware updates directly via DSM, something that's not possible with most third-party drives unless connected to a separate PC.

While the added integration may benefit enterprise users with strict support needs, it presents an obstacle for prosumers, homelab builders, and small business users who value drive choice, pricing flexibility, and component modularity.

Workarounds Exist—For Now

Currently, users can edit a configuration file via SSH in DSM to bypass the certified drive check. Screenshots from Synology’s DSM 7.2.1 show that simply changing a setting from “yes” to “no” in the config can disable the verification.

Whether this workaround will continue to function in DSM updates or in the 2025 firmware remains unknown. As Synology moves toward more locked-down hardware and software integration, such backdoors may be removed or further obfuscated.

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A Shift in Synology’s Philosophy?

Synology has long been respected for its user-friendly interface paired with hardware flexibility, making it a top choice for consumers who want powerful NAS systems without the rigidity of traditional enterprise environments. But this increased control over compatible drives may mark a turning point in how Synology engages with its loyal community.

The company cites better performance, security, and streamlined support as the rationale. But for many longtime users, the cost of losing marketplace choice might outweigh those benefits.

What It Means for the NAS Community

This policy change could have ripple effects across the NAS market, with other manufacturers potentially following suit if Synology’s strategy proves profitable. Alternatively, it could open doors for more flexible competitors, especially those catering to price-conscious prosumers and homelab enthusiasts.

For now, the best course of action for users is to monitor Synology's official announcements, explore drive compatibility lists, and consider pre-2025 models if they wish to avoid the upcoming restrictions.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for the latest developments in the NAS industry, storage technology trends, and user freedom in the age of integrated ecosystems.

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