When integrating a new storage device into a Synology Network Attached Storage (NAS) system configured for Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID), the new device might not be immediately available for use. This occurs because the newly introduced disk hasn’t been assigned a role within the RAID array or formatted for file storage. This unassigned state is frequently referred to as “unallocated” or “not initialized.” For example, a user may physically install a hard drive into their Synology NAS, but the systems storage manager will show the drives status as unallocated until it is specifically configured.
Addressing this unallocated state is critical for leveraging the added storage capacity. Ignoring it renders the new drive unusable. Properly allocating the new drive allows the RAID array to expand, increasing overall storage space or enhancing redundancy, depending on the RAID configuration. Historically, managing storage in NAS systems required significant technical expertise. Modern NAS interfaces, such as Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM), have simplified this process, guiding users through configuration steps with intuitive graphical interfaces. This has made RAID management and storage expansion more accessible to a wider range of users.
