- Synology’s new DSM update finally frees users from strict hard drive control
- DiskStation 2025 models now work properly with almost all hard drives
- DSM 7.3 brings long-requested compatibility for WD and Seagate drives
Synology has begun a notable policy reversal that could reshape how users view its network-attached storage (NAS) lineup.
The company’s DiskStation 2025 models now allow the use of third-party hard drives, ending a restriction that had frustrated many of its longtime customers.
With the DiskStation Manager (DSM) 7.3 update, owners can finally install drives like the Seagate Exos 30TB, one of the best hard drive options currently available for large-scale storage.
A shift in storage flexibility
Earlier DiskStation models, such as the DS925+, launched with limitations that locked users into Synology-branded drives.
This policy made it impossible to use other leading storage products such as WD Red or Seagate IronWolf, even though they were widely considered the best NAS drives in terms of reliability and performance.
This restriction has not gone down well with professionals who depend on consistent, customizable storage solutions, especially in workstation setups where flexibility is essential.
Synology’s decision to remove these limits under DSM 7.3 signals a change in direction, suggesting that user feedback played an important role.
Beyond expanding compatibility, the DSM 7.3 update introduces security improvements, updates to Synology Drive, and a moderation system for MailPlus.
These additions aim to strengthen the overall utility of Synology’s NAS ecosystem, however not all constraints have been removed.
The M.2 slot still requires Synology’s own SSDs for creating storage pools, which could be seen as a partial concession rather than a full embrace of openness.
This limitation may continue to deter some power users who expect complete hardware independence for their workstation or home lab environment.
The DiskStation 2025 lineup, including models like DS225+, DS425+, and DS925+, now competes more fairly with alternatives from brands like QNAP and UGREEN.
Allowing drives like the 30TB Seagate Exos gives Synology a chance to regain credibility with power users who previously turned away from them due to restrictive compatibility rules.
While it is commendable that Synology has abandoned its previous approach, it remains to be seen whether this change will be enough to fully restore trust.
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