How to Install HomeAssistant OS Method 2 : Directly to Drive

Welcome to Chuck Builds!
This guide will cover the second method to install Home Assistant on a PC, which requires an adapter or additional SATA cable. If you’re comfortable working inside your PC, follow these steps:

Method Overview:

• Software Needed: Rufus or other Imaging tool (Balena Etcher or PenDriveLinux)
• Operating System: Home Assistant OS
• Hardware Needed: This method requires additional hardware such as a SATA to USB adapter or an NVMe to USB-C adapter.
  • Such as these Amazon Affiliate Links (I receive a small commission):
    • SATA to USB Adapter $11
    • M.2 to USB-C Adapter $20
• We will be writing the Operating system directly to the SSD (or Hard drive) of the target host device using the adapter. This method requires knowledge of how to remove & reinstall the disk from the target host device.

Required BIOS Changes:

1. Enter BIOS by pressing F2 (or Escape, F1, Delete).
2. Enable UEFI boot mode.
3. Disable Secure boot.
4. Ensure multiple cores and (optional) Intel features (SpeedStep, Turbo Boost) are enabled.
5. Set Power recovery options. ( I prefer recover from AC Loss)
6. Save and exit.

Steps

Step 1: Remove SSD from PC

1. Open your PC case.
2. Locate and remove the SSD.
3. Connect the SSD to your computer using the SATA to USB adapter.

Step 2: Download Home Assistant OS

1. Go to Home Assistant and download the OS image for x86_64 machines.

Step 3: Download Rufus

1. Go to Rufus (or alternative) and download the software.
2. Install Rufus.

Step 4: Write Home Assistant OS to Drive

1. Open Rufus.
2. Select the Home Assistant image file.
3. Select the SSD as the target.
4. Click Start and confirm the action.

Step 5: Replace SSD in PC

1. Reinsert the SSD into the PC.
2. Ensure it is securely connected.

Step 6: Boot into Home Assistant OS

1. Boot the PC.
2. Connect the PC to the internet, either via Ethernet Cable (preferred) or WiFi (not recommended).
3. Enter the IP address shown during boot into your browser (e.g., http://<IP_ADDRESS>:8123).

Congratulations! You've successfully installed Home Assistant. For more details or troubleshooting, check out the longer version of this video on my channel or visit my website for additional resources. If you have any questions, leave a comment or check the comprehensive guide.

Links

• HomeAssistant Image: Home Assistant Installation Guide
• Rufus Download: Rufus
• (Alternative to Rufus) BalenaEtcher Download Link: BalenaEtcher
• (Alternative to Rufus) PenDriveLinux: PenDriveLinux
• Complete Version of this video: YouTube
• HomeAssistant Installation Guide: Home Assistant Installation Guide
• Chuck Builds Companion Guide: Chuck Builds
• Chuck Builds Old HomeAssistant Install Video: YouTube
• Chuck Builds HomeAssistant Video Playlist: YouTube Playlist
• Home Assistant First Boot Walkthrough: YouTube
• Amazon Affiliate Links:
  1. Amazon 128GB USB Drive $15
  2. SATA to USB Adapter $11
  3. M.2 to USB-C Adapter $20

Full Video

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:49 - Required Materials
• 01:18 - Required BIOS Changes
• 02:34 - Method 2 Overview
• 02:56 - Step 1: Remove SSD from PC
• 03:58 - Step 2: Download HomeAssistant OS
• 04:15 - Step 3: Download Rufus
• 04:26 - Step 4: Write HAOS to Drive
• 04:48 - Step 5: Replace SSD in PC
• 05:13 - Step 6: Boot into HAOS
• 06:00 - Outro