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SmartOS rolling
Download the official SmartOS rolling ISO (desktop) from the project's own servers, with checksum and USB steps. SmartOS is an illumos-based hypervisor…
Download files are served by the SmartOS project or its mirrors, not by IsosLinux.
Choose your download
All images
Choose the image that matches your architecture and use case.
Before you install
Read the release notes and installation guide before downloading. Select an image that matches the processor architecture and intended use: desktop, server, live media, virtual machine or another published edition. Test Wi-Fi, graphics, audio, storage and suspend from live media when that option is available. Back up important files before repartitioning, encryption changes or dual-boot installation. For production deployment, verify application compatibility, upgrade paths, backup restoration and the project security-support policy in a non-production environment first. Download from an official project page or mirror, compare the published SHA-256 checksum, and verify a signed checksum when the project provides one. After installation, apply updates before adding third-party repositories or drivers.
- 1Check the SHA-256
Compare the file with the checksum published by SmartOS. If it does not match, download it again.
- 2Write it to a USB drive
Use Ventoy, balenaEtcher, Fedora Media Writer or Rufus. Copying the ISO as a normal file does not work.
- 3Boot from the USB
Open the boot menu (often F12, F10 or Esc) and choose the USB drive in UEFI mode. Back up your data first.
About SmartOS
SmartOS is an illumos-based hypervisor operating system combining zones, ZFS, DTrace and hardware virtualisation for infrastructure hosts. It boots from separate media and publishes timestamped platform, ISO, USB and VMware images on an approximately two-week build cadence.
Who is it for?
SmartOS is primarily suited to servers, virtual machines and self-hosted services; experienced Linux users who want detailed control over the system. Its rolling-release model delivers changes continuously, so regular updates and attention to project announcements are part of normal maintenance. This distribution is based on illumos, which influences package formats, repositories and much of the available documentation. The best choice depends on hardware support, preferred software, update policy and the amount of system administration the user wants to perform.
Advantages and limitations
Advantages
- Offers installation or deployment options intended for server and infrastructure workloads.
- Continuously updated repositories provide newer software without periodic full-version migrations.
- Benefits from the package ecosystem and documentation associated with its illumos lineage.
Limitations
- Frequent updates require regular maintenance and attention to project announcements.
- Installation or administration may require more Linux knowledge than beginner-focused systems.
- A graphical desktop and consumer applications may not be included by default.
SmartOS download questions
Which SmartOS ISO should I download?
IsosLinux lists the desktop ISO for laptops and PCs, with a live session and graphical installer. Most people installing on a computer want the desktop ISO. Other editions and architectures are listed under All images.
Is the SmartOS download official?
Yes. The download buttons open files on smartos.org, the project's own server or official mirror. IsosLinux only lists the link and counts the click; it does not host or modify the image.
How do I check that the SmartOS ISO is not corrupted?
Compare the SHA-256 checksum of your file with the one published by SmartOS. On Linux run sha256sum on the file, or use the IsosLinux ISO checksum verifier, which works locally in your browser.
What is SmartOS based on?
SmartOS is based on illumos, so most software and guides for illumos also apply.