# Install Drives

Before installing drives, shut down the NAS and disconnect the power. Creating a storage pool will format the drives, so make sure there is no data on the drives that you need to keep.

## Prepare Before Installation

1. Prepare the 3.5-inch drive, 2.5-inch drive, or M.2 drive you want to install.
2. If you are installing a 2.5-inch drive, prepare the matching drive mounting screws.
3. If you are installing an M.2 drive, prepare the included thermal silicone pad and drive mounting screw.
4. If the NAS is still running, press and hold the `Power Button` on the back until the device powers off completely.

## Install a 3.5-Inch Drive

1. Press the printed area on the drive tray to pop out the handle, then hold the handle and pull out the drive tray:
   ![3.5-inch drive - Pull out the drive tray](position://quick-start/install-drive#install-3-5-pull-tray)

2. Press and hold the silver button on the drive tray, then pull the drive clamp arm outward:
   ![3.5-inch drive - Release the drive clamp arm](position://quick-start/install-drive#install-3-5-release-arm)

3. Place the drive into the tray with the label side facing up, the circuit board facing the tray, and the gold connector facing outward. Align the raised points on the tray with the four screw holes on the drive:
   ![3.5-inch drive - Place the drive](position://quick-start/install-drive#install-3-5-place-drive)

4. Close the clamp arm on the drive tray.
5. Push the drive tray into the drive cage until it cannot move farther:
   ![3.5-inch drive - Insert the tray into the drive cage](position://quick-start/install-drive#install-3-5-insert-tray)

6. Press the drive tray handle closed.

## Install a 2.5-Inch Drive

1. Press the printed area on the drive tray to pop out the handle, then hold the handle and pull out the drive tray:
   ![2.5-inch drive - Pull out the drive tray](position://quick-start/install-drive#install-2-5-pull-tray)

2. Find the drive vibration-damping pad in the lower-left corner of the tray, farthest from the pop-out handle, then place the drive into the tray with the label side facing up:
   ![2.5-inch drive - Place the drive](position://quick-start/install-drive#install-2-5-place-drive)

3. Turn the drive tray over, install the drive mounting screw, and tighten it:
   ![2.5-inch drive - Tighten the mounting screw](position://quick-start/install-drive#install-2-5-tighten-screws)

4. Push the drive tray into the drive cage until it cannot move farther, then press the drive tray handle closed:
   ![2.5-inch drive - Insert the tray and close the handle](position://quick-start/install-drive#install-2-5-insert-and-close)

## Install an M.2 Drive

1. Turn the device over so the bottom faces upward:
   ![M.2 drive - Turn over the device](position://quick-start/install-drive#install-m-2-turn-over)

2. Remove the four mounting screws from the bottom cover, then remove the bottom cover:
   ![M.2 drive - Remove the bottom cover](position://quick-start/install-drive#install-m-2-remove-cover)

3. Peel off the transparent film on both sides of the thermal silicone pad, then attach it to the labeled side of the M.2 drive:
   ![M.2 drive - Attach the thermal silicone pad](position://quick-start/install-drive#install-m-2-thermal-pad)

4. Insert the M.2 drive with the thermal silicone pad into the connector. After confirming that it is fully inserted, use the included drive mounting screw to secure the rear of the drive:
   ![M.2 drive - Insert and tighten](position://quick-start/install-drive#install-m-2-insert-and-tighten)

5. Reinstall the bottom cover.

After installing the drives, you can continue connecting the network and power. See [Connect Network and Power](quick-start/network-power).