QNAP increase disk space with no data loss

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of increasing the disk space on your QNAP NAS without losing any data. By swapping out your existing drives for higher capacity ones, you can effectively expand your storage. In this guide, we will focus on replacing WD Red 4TB drives with Seagate Ironwolf Pro 10TB drives.

Step 1: Prepare for Drive Replacement

• Backup Important Data: Before starting, ensure all critical data is backed up. Although the process is designed to prevent data loss, it's always wise to have backups.
• Gather Necessary Tools: You will need:
  • New hard drives (Seagate Ironwolf Pro 10TB in this case)
  • A screwdriver for removing drive trays
  • Access to your QNAP NAS interface

Step 2: Access Your QNAP NAS

• Log into the QNAP Interface: Use your web browser to log into your QNAP NAS. This is typically done by entering the NAS’s IP address.
• Navigate to Storage Management: Once logged in, find the 'Storage & Snapshots' option in the main menu.

Step 3: Identify Current Drive Configuration

• Check Drive Status: In the Storage Management section, check the current drives’ status, capacity, and health. Make sure there are no warnings or issues with the existing drives.
• Note RAID Configuration: Document your current RAID setup (e.g., RAID 1, RAID 5) as this will inform how you swap out drives.

Step 4: Power Down the NAS

• Safely Shut Down the NAS: Before replacing any drives, navigate to the shutdown option in the QNAP interface and power down the device to prevent data corruption.

Step 5: Replace the Drives

• Remove Existing Drives:

  • Open the drive bays on your NAS.
  • Unscrew and carefully slide out the existing WD Red 4TB drives.

• Install New Drives:

  • Insert the new Seagate Ironwolf Pro 10TB drives into the same bays.
  • Secure them with screws if necessary.

Step 6: Power On the NAS

• Restart Your QNAP NAS: Once the new drives are installed, power on the device and log back into the QNAP interface.

Step 7: Rebuild RAID Array

• Initialize New Drives: In the Storage Management section, your QNAP should detect the new drives. Follow prompts to initialize them if necessary.
• Rebuild RAID: If you are using a RAID configuration, initiate the rebuild process. This may take some time, and the NAS should guide you through it.

Step 8: Verify New Storage Capacity

• Check Storage Details: After the RAID rebuild is complete, revisit the Storage Management interface to confirm that the total capacity has increased and that all data is intact.
• Run a Test: Consider running a test by transferring some files to ensure everything is functioning properly.

Conclusion

You have successfully increased the disk space of your QNAP NAS without losing any data by replacing your old drives with new, higher-capacity ones. Always ensure regular backups and monitor the health of your drives. If you encounter any issues, consult the QNAP support resources or community forums for assistance.