How to Install Home Assistant Operating System (Complete & Updated)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to install the Home Assistant Operating System (HAOS) on your PC. Whether you're a beginner or looking to update your existing setup, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you have all the necessary tools and knowledge to successfully install HAOS.

Step 1: Understand Home Assistant Operating System

• Home Assistant Operating System is a powerful platform for home automation.
• It allows users to control smart devices, manage automation, and monitor their home environment.

Step 2: Check Host Requirements

• Ensure your PC meets the following requirements:
  • A 64-bit processor.
  • At least 2GB of RAM.
  • A minimum of 32GB of storage.
  • Access to USB ports for installation.

Step 3: Choose Your Installation Method

• There are two primary methods to install HAOS:
  1. Method 1: Install via Ubuntu.
  2. Method 2: Direct installation using a USB drive.
• Decide which method suits your needs based on your comfort with Ubuntu.

Step 4: Required BIOS Changes

• Access your BIOS settings to ensure:
  • Secure Boot is disabled.
  • The boot mode is set to UEFI if available.
  • USB booting is enabled.

Method 1: Installation via Ubuntu

Step 5: Download Ubuntu

• Go to the Ubuntu download page and download the latest version of Ubuntu Desktop.

Step 6: Download BalenaEtcher

• Download BalenaEtcher from this link.
• Alternatives include Rufus (Rufus Download) and PenDriveLinux (PenDriveLinux Download).

Step 7: Write Ubuntu to USB Drive

• Insert a USB drive (at least 8GB).
• Open BalenaEtcher and follow these steps:
  • Select the Ubuntu ISO file.
  • Choose the USB drive as the target.
  • Click "Flash" to write Ubuntu to the USB drive.

Step 8: Set BIOS Boot Order for USB

• Restart your PC and enter BIOS setup.
• Modify the boot order to place the USB drive first.

Step 9: Boot into Ubuntu

• Save changes in BIOS and restart your PC.
• Select the USB drive to boot into Ubuntu.

Step 10: Write HAOS to USB

• Once in Ubuntu, download the HAOS image from this link.
• Use BalenaEtcher again to write the HAOS image to a different USB drive.

Step 11: Boot into Home Assistant OS

• After flashing, restart your computer.
• Set the boot order in BIOS to boot from the USB containing HAOS.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Method 2: Direct Installation Using USB

Step 12: Remove SSD from PC

• Power down your PC and remove the SSD to avoid conflicts during installation.

Step 13: Download Home Assistant OS

• Download the HAOS image from the official site.

Step 14: Download Rufus

• Download Rufus from this link.

Step 15: Write HAOS to Drive

• Insert a USB drive and open Rufus.
• Select the HAOS image and your USB drive then click "Start" to create the bootable USB.

Step 16: Replace SSD in PC

• After the image is written, reinsert the SSD into your PC.

Step 17: Boot into HAOS

• Restart your PC, entering BIOS to ensure the USB containing HAOS is set to boot first.

Step 18: Configure Static IP and WiFi Setup

• For static IP configuration, use the command:

  network update WIRELESSINTERFACENAMEHERE --ipv4-method auto --ipv6-method auto --wifi-auth wpa-psk --wifi-mode infrastructure --wifi-ssid WIFI-NAME --wifi-psk WIFI-PASSWORD
  

• Replace WIRELESSINTERFACENAMEHERE, WIFI-NAME, and WIFI-PASSWORD with your actual network details. Use quotes if names or passwords contain spaces.

Conclusion

You have now successfully installed the Home Assistant Operating System on your PC using one of the two methods. Ensure your setup is configured correctly, and explore the various functionalities of HAOS to enhance your home automation experience. For further assistance, refer to the provided resources or supporting videos.