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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOn DSM 7, add a third-party package source in Package Center > Settings > Package Sources > Add, using the repository name and URL supplied by its publisher. Packages from a successfully added source appear in Package Center’s Community area. Adding the source does not, by itself, update packages already installed on your NAS.
Add a third-party package source in DSM 7
- Open Package Center.
- Select Settings > Package Sources, then click Add.
- Enter a name for the source and the location URL provided by the package developer or publisher.
- Select OK. Once the source is added, open the Community area in Package Center to find its packages. The first load may take some time.
Use the repository address published by the developer you intend to use; do not rely on an unverified link. Synology’s Package Center configuration instructions describe the source settings and say that a successfully added source is listed in Package Center’s Community page.
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If DSM says “Invalid location”
Check that the address is valid and that it matches the repository URL published by the developer. Synology’s Package Center tutorial notes that a developer’s website may provide the repository link.
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After adding the source, look in Package Center’s Community area. The source may not populate immediately on first access, so allow time for it to load before concluding that no packages are available. Review the package’s publisher information and compatibility notes before installation.
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Update installed packages separately
Adding a source makes packages from it visible; it does not guarantee that Package Center will update an already-installed package. Check Package Center for available updates and review its update settings. Synology documents an Auto-update tab, but packages whose checkboxes are grayed out do not support automatic updating. For a package’s release schedule and supported DSM versions, consult its publisher: Synology does not specify one universal update schedule for third-party sources.
Prioritize updates that address critical bugs or security vulnerabilities, while checking the publisher’s compatibility notes before applying an update.
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- Supports drives on the model's official compatibility list
- Up to 522/565 MB/s sequential read/write throughput supports stable data transfers.
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- Leverage built-in file and photo management, data protection, virtualization, and surveillance solutions.
- Backed by Synology's 3-year limited hardware warranty.
Check trust and compatibility before installing
- Verify the source: Confirm that the repository URL belongs to the intended publisher.
- Check model and DSM support: Compare the package’s requirements with your NAS model and installed DSM version, and follow the maintainer’s current support instructions.
- Understand signing restrictions: Synology says DSM 7 restricts packages not signed by Synology from running with root privileges. Its related DSM 7 compatibility article was last updated June 13, 2022, so it is not a complete current catalog of package compatibility.
- Use the trust choices shown by your DSM version: Synology’s trust-level explanation covers DSM 6, not DSM 7. Its labels and options should not be assumed to match the current DSM 7 interface.
When to use manual .spk installation instead
Manual installation can be useful when you need a specific package version or the NAS does not have internet access. It depends on the publisher offering a compatible local .spk file; not every third-party package is available this way.
- Obtain the package file from the intended publisher, and verify that it is for your NAS model and DSM version.
- In Package Center, select Manual Install.
- Select the
.spkfile and review the package information. - Apply the installation if the package and its requirements are appropriate for your NAS.
Synology’s Package Center tutorial documents manual installation as an alternative for installing a specific version or when internet access is unavailable.
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- 2-Year Warranty - Reliable hardware backed by Synology's expert customer support team and ongoing software updates
Repository or manual installation?
| Consideration | Repository source | Manual .spk |
|---|---|---|
| Finding packages or updates | Packages from an added source appear in Package Center’s Community area. Check Package Center for updates; automatic updating depends on package support. | You select and install a local file. The publisher’s update process determines how to obtain later versions. |
| Choosing a version | Use the versions offered by the source; available version selection depends on the publisher. | Useful when you have a specific compatible version to install. |
| Internet access on the NAS | Adding and loading the source requires access to its repository. | Can be used without NAS internet access if you already have the compatible file. |
| Verifying source and compatibility | Verify the repository URL and package requirements with the publisher. | Verify the file’s provenance and model/DSM compatibility with the publisher. |
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