UniFi OS Server: what it is, requirements and how to get it (2026)
UniFi OS Server is Ubiquiti's free software for self-hosting UniFi. What it replaces, what it can run, system requirements, and how to install and update it.
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Security update: We discovered CVE-2026-54405 (CVSS 7.5). Ubiquiti has patched it—update UniFi Network to 10.4.57 or later.
Read the advisoryPractical field notes for deploying, securing, and operating UniFi networks.
UniFi OS Server is Ubiquiti's free software for self-hosting UniFi. What it replaces, what it can run, system requirements, and how to install and update it.
Read the latest
Install UniFi OS Server on Windows 11 with WSL2: full walkthrough, system requirements, and the service-mode limitation you must know before deploying.
Comparing UniFi Cloud Controller hosting options: self-hosted vs managed providers vs Ubiquiti's official hosting. Pricing, features, support.
Get free UniFi controller hosting for up to 5 devices on one site. Compare the shared Free plan with paid hosting and understand the limits.
Everything you need to know about creating Site Admins in UniFi OS, including a common UI bug and how to avoid it.
Ever stared at a list of MAC addresses in your UniFi Controller and wondered what device they belong to? MAC OUI lookup makes it easy to identify the manufacturer behind each device by decoding the first half of its MAC address. This blog breaks down how to perform MAC OUI lookups manually, through the command line, or automatically with UniFi. Learn how to tag devices, block unknown manufacturers, and improve network security using vendor data—all with practical examples and automation tips. Whether you're managing a home setup or a multi-site deployment, this is one way to keep your network clean and under control.
Step-by-step guide on how to install UniFi OS on Ubuntu
Run UniFi OS Server in Docker with our open-source prebuilt image — one docker compose up — plus the full story of extracting it from Ubiquiti's installer.
An engineering look at UniFi OS Server 5.1.21
Step-by-step guide to download and install the UniFi Network Controller on Ubuntu, from adding the APT repo to adopting your first devices.
How to SSH into a UniFi access point, switch, gateway or console: which username to use, where SSH is on or off, and the Debug console for remote access.
Every default UniFi password and login, by device type. Find your credentials, change the admin password, and secure your network from day one.
Step-by-step guide to set up MAC filtering in UniFi. How to allow or block specific devices using MAC address rules in the UniFi Controller.
Need to assign consistent IPs to printers, servers, or cameras in your UniFi network? Step-by-step guide to reserve an IP in the Controller.
Step-by-step guide to rename UniFi devices in the Controller. Keep your network organized and searchable as it scales from one site to many.
Step-by-step guide to remove clients from your UniFi Controller. How to forget devices, block reconnection, and clean up the clients list.
Need to remove a device from your UniFi Controller? Step-by-step guide to delete a device cleanly without breaking adoption for the rest.
Step-by-step guide to update UniFi Controller on Linux. Apt commands, version checks, and how to avoid breaking your existing setup mid-upgrade.
Why UniFi devices go offline after updates, how to bring them back online, and how to prevent future issues with static IPs and solid backups.
Outdoor Mode on UniFi access points adjusts power, disables DFS channels, and optimizes signal for open-air environments. When to enable it.
UniFi has no repeater mode. It uses wireless meshing. How to set up a UniFi AP as a WiFi extender, what you need, and what it costs in speed.
Default UniFi controller ports for the Network Server, UniFi OS consoles and UniFi OS Server, and how to change them where Ubiquiti supports it.
A effective guide that helps you choose the right system for your needs.
Detailed guide on understanding enterprise network needs