How to update the firmware of a QNAP NAS step by step

If you have a QNAP NAS at home or in the office, keeping it up to date isn't just a tech geek obsession. Updating your QNAP NAS firmware is key to security, performance, and stability of the system, in addition to giving you access to new QTS features that you may not yet be taking advantage of.

In this guide we will look calmly, but in a very practical way, How to update the firmware of a QNAP NAS using all official methodsYou can update directly from the NAS control panel, using the live update function, or via the Qfinder Pro tool. You'll learn what to check before updating, the risks involved if something goes wrong, and QNAP's recommendations to avoid problems with your data.

Why QNAP recommends keeping your NAS firmware up to date

QNAP makes it very clear in its official documentation that It is recommended to always have the NAS firmware updated to the latest compatible versionIt's not just about aesthetics or a simple version number change; behind every update there are real improvements for your device.

With each new QTS firmware, the system It includes additional software features, security patches, and bug fixes. that have been detected in previous versions. This can result in a faster, more stable NAS that is less vulnerable to potential attacks or malfunctions.

Furthermore, many times new QTS applications and services They are only available or work best with recent firmware versionsIf you remain stuck on an older version, you may lose access to some of these new features or be unable to take advantage of beta programs and new features that QNAP releases.

However, QNAP also clarifies something important: if your system is working correctly and you don't need any specific new featuresYou don't have to update at all costs. Updating is recommended, but it's always best to assess the situation and read the release notes before proceeding.

Available methods for updating the firmware of a QNAP NAS

QNAP offers several official ways to update the NAS firmware, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The three main methods are updating from the QTS Control Panel, live updating, and updating via Qfinder Pro.

The most common route within the NAS itself involves going to "Control Panel" > "System Settings" > "Firmware Update"From there you can both automatically search for new versions and manually load a previously downloaded firmware image.

In addition to the option from the web interface, QNAP allows firmware updates using the Qfinder Pro programA utility for locating and managing your QNAP NAS devices on your local network. This tool is especially convenient if you manage multiple NAS devices or prefer to centralize updates from your computer rather than through a web browser.

In the following sections we will see in detail What does each method involve, what are its requirements, and what steps should you follow? to perform the update with the least possible risk.

Update the firmware from the QTS Control Panel

The most direct option for most users is to go to the NAS web administration panel. From QTS you can manage the entire update process without installing additional programsusing only your browser and your administrator credentials.

Once you have logged into the web interface, access the corresponding menu: Control Panel > System Settings > Firmware UpdateOn this screen you will see the firmware version you have installed and the options to search for new versions or manually load an update.

This panel usually offers two clear options: Update via online verification (if the NAS has internet access) or select an IMG firmware file that you have previously downloaded from the QNAP website. Choosing one or the other will depend on whether you want more control over the exact version you install or if you prefer the system to find the latest stable version.

In any case, before pressing any buttons, QNAP insists that Check the exact model of your NAS and the firmware version you are going to applyAn incorrect file can cause serious operational problems, so it's worth taking a minute to check it.

Live Update settings

QTS integrates a function of Live update that allows the NAS to automatically check for available new firmware every time you log into the administration interface. This way you don't have to worry about visiting the QNAP support page on your own.

Within the firmware update section you will find the option "Automatically check for a new version when you log in to the NAS web administration interface"If you check this box, every time you log in as administrator, the NAS will query QNAP's servers for new versions compatible with your model.

When there is a new version, A notification will appear when you log in.At that point you can click on the button "Check for Update" so that the system can show you the details of the new version and, if you wish, start the update process.

It's important to know that For this live update feature to work correctly, the NAS must be connected to the Internet.If your computer is on an isolated or restricted access network, the automatic check cannot be performed and you will have to resort to a manual update.

QNAP also encourages users who want to stay up-to-date to participate in their beta programsWithin the live update options, you can check the box "Join the QTS Beta program to receive notifications of Beta updates"With this option enabled, the NAS will also notify you when beta versions are available, allowing you to try new applications and features before anyone else, although assuming the risk that they may not be as stable as the final versions.

Preliminary steps before updating the NAS firmware

Before you start updating the firmware, there are a number of steps that QNAP considers essential to minimize risks. Taking a few minutes to prepare can save you a lot of headaches if something goes wrong. during the process.

The first thing to do is go to the official QNAP website, https://www.qnap.comand download the firmware release notes corresponding to your NAS model. These documents explain what changes the update includes, what problems it solves, and if there are any special warnings to be aware of.

QNAP recommends carefully reading these notes so you can decide if you really need or are interested in installing that specific versionSometimes it's best to wait for a later review if it's a very big change to the system or if possible incompatibilities with certain applications are mentioned.

Once you've decided to upgrade, the next step is Download the NAS firmware file from the QNAP websiteThis firmware is usually distributed in compressed form; you will need Unzip the file until you obtain the IMG file which will be used for the system update.

Before continuing, QNAP emphasizes a critical point: Back up all important information stored on the NASAlthough most updates complete without problems, there is always the possibility of a power failure, network outage, or other unforeseen event that could compromise the data during the process.

Manual firmware update from QTS

With the backup made and the IMG file already prepared on your computer, you can proceed with the manual update from the QTS interface. This method gives you complete control over the exact version you install.This is useful if you want to follow the release notes recommendations to the letter.

Within the Firmware Update section of the Control Panel, you will see a button to select the file: "Browse" (Examine)Click there and Look for the IMG firmware image that you downloaded and unzipped on your team.

Once the correct file has been selected, all that remains is to click on Update System To begin the firmware update process, the NAS will then start loading the new image, writing it to internal memory, and restarting the necessary services.

Weather The time this procedure takes can vary considerably: In some cases it will only be a few seconds, in others it may take several minutes or moreDepending on network conditions, NAS model, and update size, it may take longer. During this time, it is not advisable to turn off the device or interrupt the connection.

When the update is complete, The NAS itself will notify you that the process has been completedThis is usually indicated by a message in the web interface or a system notification. From there, the NAS will typically restart its services or even perform a full reboot, after which you can log back in and verify that the new firmware version is active.

Important warnings about firmware updates and downgrades

Along with the update instructions, QNAP includes a series of notes that should be kept in mind. These are not minor details, but recommendations that directly affect the security and stability of the system..

One of the clearest warnings is that If the system is functioning properly, updating the firmware is not mandatory.Although it is generally recommended to stay up to date, forcing constant updates in a critical or production environment without a real need can introduce unexpected changes.

Another very relevant point is that QTS does not officially support firmware downgrading.In other words, the system is designed to move forward, not backward. Reverting to a previous version can cause incompatibilities, application failures, or problems with the internal data structure.

However, QNAP acknowledges that There are times when the user may decide to apply an older version of the firmware.In that scenario, his recommendation is unequivocal: It is essential to make a full backup of all important data before attempting the downgradebecause the risk of data loss or system corruption is greater.

QNAP also makes it clear that is not responsible for any damage to the NAS or its contents If the user decides to install an older firmware version on their own, this type of operation is considered outside the standard use of the system and is performed under the sole responsibility of the NAS administrator.

Update the firmware with QNAP Qfinder Pro

In addition to the options available through the web interface, QNAP offers the possibility of updating the firmware. using the Qfinder Pro toolThis application is designed to easily locate and manage your NAS devices on your local network from [location/device name]. WindowsmacOS or other compatible systems.

Updating the firmware with Qfinder Pro is especially useful if You manage multiple NAS devices simultaneously, or if you prefer a desktop interface instead of doing everything from the browser. The process is quite straightforward and follows well-defined steps.

First, open Qfinder Pro and let the application Detect the available QNAP NAS devices on your local networkOnce they appear in the list, select the model you want to update and go to the menu. "Tools"where you should find the option «Update firmware».

By choosing this option, Qfinder Pro will ask you to Log in to the NAS as administratorEnter the corresponding username and password so that the tool can communicate with the team and securely manage the update.

After logging in, it's time to search and select the firmware file that you want to apply. Just like in the manual method from QTS, you will need to have previously downloaded the firmware from the QNAP website and have the correct file for your model on hand.

Once you've chosen the correct firmware, simply click on "Start" This will allow Qfinder Pro to begin the system update. The program will send the file to the NAS and launch the installation process, displaying the progress on screen.

One interesting advantage of Qfinder Pro is that, If you have multiple identical NAS devices on the same LAN, you can update them all at the same time.This is very practical in environments where multiple units of the same model are deployed, as it allows them to be kept aligned in firmware version with a single coordinated procedure.

However, to take advantage of this multipurpose function You will need administrator access permissions on all those NAS devices.Without the correct credentials, Qfinder Pro will not be able to perform the simultaneous update.

In either case, don't forget to apply the same best practices: Check the version, read the update notes, and back up important data. before taking the step, even if the process is run from Qfinder Pro and is very convenient.

Knowing and correctly using the different firmware update methods offered by QNAP — whether from QTS, via live update or with Qfinder Pro — allows you to Keep your NAS more secure, stable, and ready for the latest QTS featuresProvided you take the precaution of checking the appropriate version, making backups, and avoiding unnecessary downgrade operations that could put your information at risk.