If you have already installed the FreeNAS on a PC or server hardware, there are a few steps that you need to follow before you can share a folder to network users, including creating a new user account, storage pool, and dataset. In this guide, you’ll learn the basic steps to successfully share your first folder with Windows 10 devices using FreeNAS (version 11.2 and higher).
How to create new user using FreeNAS How to create storage pool using FreeNAS How to create dataset using FreeNAS How to create share folder using FreeNAS How to map FreeNAS shared folder on Windows 10
How to create new user using FreeNAS
The first step to share a folder using FreeNAS is to create a user account to access the storage. Use these steps to create a new user on FreeNAS: Once you complete the steps, the user will be created on the server, and you can proceed to create a new pool. FreeNAS add new Windows share folder Create new FreeNAS user account Usually, you would want to create an account per user, but if you won’t be saving important files, or it’s not a concern, you can always create the single account to connect all users.
How to create storage pool using FreeNAS
When setting up FreeNAS, you must create a pool, which is a logical group of physical drives that you can then use to create volumes (vdevs) using the ZFS file system advanced features. Use these steps to create a pool on FreeNAS: After you complete the steps, the FreeNAS pool will be created, and you can now proceed to create a dataset that will host folders that you want to share in the network. Storage Pools settings on FreeNAS Create new pool FreeNAS pool configuration These are all the available layout options when setting up a pool with FreeNAS:
Raid-Z — single drive parity similar to RAID5. Raid-Z2 — double drive parity similar to RAID6. Raid-Z3 — which uses triple drive parity. Stripe — data is shared on two drives (similar to RAID0). Mirror — copies data on two drives (similar to RAID1, but not limited to 2 disks).
Confirm FreeNAS pool creation FreeNAS encryption key download
How to create dataset using FreeNAS
Usually a dataset is confused as a shared folder, but it’s not. Instead, it’s a unit in the ZFS filesystem that allows you to apply different settings, and it’s the section that will contain the network share. Use these steps to create a dataset using FreeNAS: Once you complete the steps, the dataset will be created inside the pool, and you can now continue setting up a folder that will be accessible by all Windows 10 computers. Add dataset on FreeNAS FreeNAS dataset configuration Dataset edit permissions Configure dataset permissions on FreeNAS
How to create share folder using FreeNAS
Use these steps create a Windows 10 share folder on FreeNAS: After you complete the steps, the shared folder will be created, and it can be accessed by any Windows machine. FreeNAS add new Windows share folder FreeNAS folder share configuration
How to map FreeNAS shared folder on Windows 10
Use these steps to map a FreeNAS shared folder as a network drive using File Explorer on Windows 10: Once you complete the steps, you can go to “This PC” to access the newly FreeNAS mapped drive. File Explorer map network folder option Map FreeNAS folder on Windows 10 File Explorer Alternatively, if you don’t want to map the folder in File Explorer, you can simply browse to the shared folder typing the path in the address bar, and signing in with the FreeNAS credentials. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
