ZDNET Shows How to Install Free Home Assistant OS on a Spare PC

2 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jun 25

Home Assistant OS can turn a spare PC into a free smart-home control hub, with ZDNET outlining setup on bare metal or through VirtualBox.
The open-source system runs the full Home Assistant platform in a Docker-based environment, handling automations, dashboards, updates, backups and hundreds of device add-ons.
4 basic bare-metal steps drive the install: download the image, decompress it, write a live USB with BalenaEtcher, and complete the installer.
VirtualBox setup adds one extra workaround—rename the decompressed .img file to .iso—before accessing the web interface on port 8123, creating a user, and letting the system scan the network.
The guide positions the DIY route as a no-cost alternative to buying dedicated hardware such as the $219 Home Assistant Green, while still supporting broad device control across PCs and mobile apps.