The long-awaited TrueNAS SCALE 24.10, code-named “Electric Eel,” has officially arrived, bringing many new features, improvements, and fixes to the delight of all self-hosting storage enthusiasts.
Moving from Kubernetes to Docker
The most significant change in the 24.10 release is, without a doubt, the switch from Kubernetes to Docker for the TrueNAS Apps feature backend. Simply put, it’s a game-changer that will make app deployment and management smoother for users.
Furthermore, deploying custom Docker images is now more straightforward than ever, thanks to a guided wizard or Compose YAML file options. But I’m sure the question that interests you the most is, “What happens to my previously installed applications?” Well, there’s no room for worry.
If you already use the previous version (24.04 “Dragonfish”), official catalog apps will seamlessly migrate to Docker when upgrading to 24.10. However, keep an eye out if you’re using custom or third-party apps, as some manual migration may still be required.
Enhanced Storage and System Management
Storage enthusiasts will appreciate the new ability to extend RAIDZ vdevs with individual disks. This OpenZFS feature, sponsored by iXsystems, is a powerful tool for users who want to expand their storage without the complexity of creating new volumes.
Moreover, the rewritten TrueNAS installer sets the stage for future development, making it easier for users to install and upgrade.
Additionally, the updated release introduces new support for NVMe S.M.A.R.T. tests, allowing for better monitoring and diagnostics of NVMe drives.
The dashboard has also undergone a redesign, providing more widgets, improved data reporting, and greater customization options to offer a more personalized and informative system overview.
New TrueCloud Backup Tasks
TrueNAS 24.10 includes a new TrueCloud Backup feature that makes backing up and restoring data to iX-Storj cloud even more seamless. Users can now enjoy an updated global search function, which makes finding pages and settings within the TrueNAS interface a breeze.
The UI also saw many enhancements, from polished table presentations to including S.M.A.R.T. tests for NVMe drives.
To support growing workloads, Electric Eel also features an alignment of enclosure management with version 13.3 to improve enclosure management performance. There’s also better support for preserving SMB alternate data streams during data migration, making it easier for users to move data without losing valuable metadata.
Upgrade Notes: What You Need to Know
Upgrading to TrueNAS 24.10 is relatively straightforward, but there are some key things to keep in mind. TrueNAS relies on specific Linux packages, so attempting to upgrade using methods like APT could lead to system issues. Always use the official web interface to keep your system stable and functional.
With the backend change from Kubernetes to Docker, all official catalog applications from 24.04 will automatically migrate to Docker deployments when upgrading to 24.10.
However, migration may require additional preparation for users with third-party applications or encrypted root datasets. For example, applications installed on an encrypted dataset will need to be moved to an unencrypted dataset before migrating.
Other Enhancements and Known Issues
The 24.10 version also introduces ZFS Fast Deduplication as an experimental featureโdisabled by default for now but promising in future releases.
Furthermore, the new update removes the deprecated LDAP Samba Schema, encouraging users to migrate legacy domains to Active Directory for better compatibility.
However, while Electric Eel packs a punch in terms of new features, some known issues are worth noting. For instance, if updating from a previous 24.10 release candidate, users might need to manually retry NVIDIA driver installations if network interruptions occur during the update.
Lastly, a known bug affects the visibility of the ES24 expansion shelf on the Enclosure Management screen, which should be addressed in the upcoming maintenance release (24.10.1).
For detailed information, refer to theย release announcement. TrueNAS SCALE 24.10 (Electric Eel) is now available for download from the project’s website.
