Open a web browser on your host machine and navigate to the TinyCore web interface (usually http:// :7681 or access via an SSH client like PuTTY). Run the shell script to detect your hardware configuration: ./rpext-checker.sh Use code with caution.
This guide is a basic overview. Detailed steps might vary based on the Xpenology version and loader used. Always refer to the most current community documentation and forums for specific guidance on setting up DSM 7 on Hyper-V with Xpenology.
While many modern Xpenology boot loaders are designed for VMware and Proxmox, they lack explicit, well-tested support for Hyper-V. This means that even if you overcome disk and network issues, you may still face boot failures or unexpected crashes as the loader struggles with an unsupported environment.
Before starting the installation, ensure you have the following components ready: 1. Hardware Requirements
DSM 7.2 is stable on Hyper-V, but major version updates (e.g., 7.1 to 7.2) almost always require a loader update first. Hyper-V Checkpoints: GUI & PowerShell Guide - StarWind xpenology dsm 7 hyperv
Name your VM (e.g., XPenology-DSM7 ) and choose a storage location.
Open a new browser tab and navigate to synology.com or use the desktop application to locate the instance on your network. Click Connect once your virtual NAS is found. Click Install when prompted by the Synology Welcome screen.
Disclaimer: Xpenology violates Synology’s EULA. While not illegal in most jurisdictions for personal use, it’s a gray area. This article is for educational purposes only. Always back up your data.
Assign at least 2GB of RAM (4GB or more is recommended for DSM 7). Open a web browser on your host machine
Right-click the physical drive you want to dedicate to XPenology and select . Open your VM Settings in Hyper-V Manager. Under your SCSI or IDE Controller, add a Hard Drive .
You will need a modern loader compatible with DSM 7, such as TinyCore RedPill (TCRP) or ARPL (Automated RedPill Loader).
| Task | Bare-metal Synology | Xpenology (Hyper-V) | Verdict | |------|---------------------|----------------------|---------| | Sequential read (SMB) | 113 MB/s | 78 MB/s | ~30% slower | | Sequential write (SMB) | 110 MB/s | 65 MB/s | ~40% slower | | 4K random read | 250 IOPS | 180 IOPS | Noticeable | | DSM UI responsiveness | Instant | 1-2 sec delay | Sluggish | | Plex transcoding (HW) | Works | (no GPU passthrough) | dealbreaker | | Docker performance | Good | Acceptable | Stable |
Click on IDE Controller 1, select Hard Drive , and click Add . Click New to create a new virtual hard disk ( .vhdx ). Detailed steps might vary based on the Xpenology
Ensure MAC Address is set to if you want to keep the same IP address, or leave it on Dynamic if you plan to configure a DHCP reservation on your router. 4. Compiling the Bootloader
: Download the official firmware from the Synology Download Center. Match the hardware model chosen during loader compilation (commonly DS920+, DS3622xs+, or SA6400). 💾 Step 1: Prepare the Virtual Disk Images
Running XPEnology DSM 7 on Microsoft Hyper-V: A Complete Guide