UniFi OS Server: what it is, requirements and how to get it (2026)
UniFi OS Server is Ubiquiti's free software for running UniFi on your own computer, server or virtual machine. It runs the UniFi Network application, so you can adopt and manage access points, switches and gateways without a Cloud Key or a Dream Machine.
Ubiquiti calls it "the new standard for self-hosting UniFi, replacing the legacy UniFi Network Server". It runs on Linux, Windows and macOS.
This page covers what it can and can't do, what you need to run it, and how to install, update and migrate to it. Last checked against Ubiquiti's documentation in September 2026.
What UniFi OS Server replaces
Before UniFi OS Server, self-hosting meant the UniFi Network Server: the standalone Network application, often still called the "UniFi controller". Ubiquiti now labels that software as legacy.
UniFi OS Server gives a self-hosted setup the same management experience as Ubiquiti's own hardware and cloud options. According to Ubiquiti's self-hosting article, it adds three things the Network Server lacked:
- Organizations (now called Fabrics), for grouping sites under shared admins and roles.
- Single sign-on through your identity provider.
- Site Magic SD-WAN, for VPN links between UniFi Gateways.
It also works with UniFi Site Manager at unifi.ui.com, so a self-hosted server shows up next to your other UniFi sites.
In a community post on September 18, 2026, Ubiquiti said UniFi Network 10.6 is the final release for the standalone Network application. Existing installs can keep running 10.6. Later versions need UniFi OS Server or a UniFi console.
Is UniFi OS Server free?
Yes. Ubiquiti says it is "completely license-free and available to all UniFi users".
The costs are everything around it: the machine it runs on, keeping the host and UniFi OS Server updated, backups, and your time when something breaks. Ubiquiti publishes security bulletins for UniFi OS Server several times a year. Security Advisory Bulletin 067 (August 26, 2026), for example, lists UniFi OS Server 5.1.21 and earlier and asks users to update to 5.1.37 or later.
Ubiquiti also sells Official UniFi Hosting, if you'd rather not run it yourself. It costs $29 a month for up to 100 devices, or $99 a month for up to 1,000. Ubiquiti's own comparison: "Functionally, they are the same." The difference is who handles installation, maintenance and uptime.
System requirements
These are Ubiquiti's published minimums:
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Linux | Ubuntu 24.04 or later, Debian 13 or later, or a modern distribution with systemd, libc 2.31+, Podman 4.9.3+ and slirp4netns 1.2+ |
| Windows | Windows 10 or later, or Windows Server 2022. The installer sets up WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux) |
| macOS | 13.1 or later (Ubiquiti's page labels this "Catalina 13.1.0") |
| Processor | x86-64 (Intel or AMD). Ubiquiti also publishes ARM64 builds for Linux, Windows and macOS |
| Memory | 2 GB minimum |
| Storage | 10 GB free |
| Network | 100 Mbps wired |
A few limits worth knowing before you pick a machine:
- Installing inside a Hyper-V guest VM is not supported.
- UniFi OS Server can't run as a Windows service yet. Our Windows guide explains what that means for an always-on setup.
- The server has to keep running to manage your devices. If it goes offline, devices keep working with their last configuration, but you can't change anything until it's back.
- Don't clone a UniFi OS Server VM except for high availability or failover. Clones share the same remote-access tokens for Site Manager and Fabrics.
The minimums are for a small setup. For production we'd plan more memory, based on the number of sites and devices.
How to download and install UniFi OS Server
Download the current version from Ubiquiti's UniFi OS Server releases page. Pick the build for your operating system and processor.
- Windows: run the installer and let it set up WSL 2. Our Windows installation guide walks through every screen, including the Windows service limitation.
- macOS: run the installer and follow the setup steps.
- Linux: install Podman and slirp4netns, download the installer for your architecture, make it executable and run it with sudo. Ubiquiti lists the exact commands in its self-hosting article.
After installing, sign in with a UI account if you want to manage the server through Site Manager, then adopt your devices. If your devices are on another network, point them at the server with set-inform.
Is there a Docker image?
Ubiquiti doesn't provide one. It says UniFi OS Server needs services on the host for device discovery, adoption and system updates. We maintain an unofficial open-source image for people who want to try it anyway: see running UniFi OS Server in Docker.
Updating UniFi OS Server
UniFi OS Server has its own updater. You can update it and its applications from Update Manager in Site Manager, or from the Control Plane settings on the server itself.
Check the releases page or Update Manager regularly. Security fixes arrive through the same updates.
UniFi OS Server vs the UniFi Network Server
| UniFi OS Server | UniFi Network Server (legacy) | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Ubiquiti's current self-hosting option | Labeled legacy; 10.6 is the final release |
| Runs | UniFi Network plus UniFi OS features | UniFi Network only |
| Fabrics, single sign-on, Site Magic | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Linux (Podman), Windows (WSL 2), macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Cost | Free | Free |
What UniFi OS Server can and can't run
UniFi OS Server hosts the UniFi Network application. Ubiquiti's other applications need a UniFi console:
- UniFi Protect (cameras)
- UniFi Access (door access)
- UniFi Talk (phones)
- UniFi Connect (signage, lighting, EV chargers)
You can keep those on a Cloud Key or NVR while UniFi OS Server runs your network. The Cloud Key can't also manage the same network devices, because each device can only have one host.
Cloud Gateways such as the UDM, UCG and Fortress Gateway can't be managed by UniFi OS Server, because they run their own Network application. For a UniFi gateway at a site managed by UniFi OS Server, use a UXG model.
Migrating from the UniFi Network Server
- Take a backup of your Network Server.
- Close the Network Server.
- Install UniFi OS Server.
- On Windows and macOS, the installer detects an existing Network Server in the default location and offers to migrate it. On Linux, or if that doesn't happen, use Site Export to move your sites.
One change to note: captive portals move from port 8843 to port 8444.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run UniFi OS Server as a Windows service?
No. Ubiquiti says it can't run as a Windows service for now. For an always-on server, use Linux or a hosted option.
What happens to my devices if UniFi OS Server goes offline?
They keep running with their last configuration. You can't make changes, adopt devices or see statistics until the server is back.
Can I use UniFi OS Server with a Dream Machine?
No. A Dream Machine runs its own Network application, so it can't be managed by an external server. Replace it with a UXG or a third-party router at that site.
Does UniFi OS Server work with Site Manager?
Yes. Sign in with your UI account during setup and the server appears in Site Manager with your other sites.
Final thoughts
UniFi OS Server is a good fit for a home lab or a single site with an always-on Linux machine. Running it for client networks is a different job: security updates several times a year, backups, and a server that has to stay online.
If you'd rather not look after that part, UniHosted runs managed UniFi OS Server hosting with daily backups and tested updates on paid plans. You can try it with up to five devices on the free plan.