Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

In this video, I break down the operating systems I actually use in my home lab in 2026 and why each one plays a critical role. From Talos Linux for Kubernetes and NixOS for declarative infrastructure, to Ubuntu Server, Alpine Linux, and Windows Server, I show how these OS choices make my lab more stable, reproducible, and easier to manage. If you're building or upgrading your home lab, choosing the right operating system for each workload can make all the difference.

Written blog post: virtualizationhowto.com/2026/04/5-operating-systems-i-wouldnt-run-my-home-lab-without-in-2026

Home Lab mini PC I recommend: geni.us/zs83Eif (affiliate link)

Check out the VHT forums to get your questions answered: virtualizationhowto.com/community

★ Skool Community skool.com/homelabexplorers/about?ref=25f64c297b724689ae81c7dd30ba2c21
★ Substack URL: bleevht.substack.com
★ Subscribe to the channel: youtube.com/channel/UCrxcWtpd1IGHG9RbD_9380A?sub_confirmation=1
★ My blog: virtualizationhowto.com
★ Twitter: twitter.com/vspinmaster
★ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandon-lee-vht
★ Github: github.com/brandonleegit
★ Facebook: facebook.com/people/VirtualizationHowto/100092747277326
★ Discord: discord.gg/Zb46NV6mB3
★ Pinterest: pinterest.com/brandonleevht

Chapters:
00:00 Why Operating Systems Matter in a Home Lab
00:51 Rebuilding My Home Lab in 2026
01:23 Talos Linux for Kubernetes
03:44 NixOS for Declarative Infrastructure
05:46 Ubuntu Server 24.04 (My Go-To OS)
07:29 Alpine Linux for Lightweight Workloads
09:00 Windows Server in the Home Lab
10:06 How I Use These Operating Systems Together
10:59 My Shift to Declarative and Reproducible Systems
11:14 Choosing the Right OS for Your Home Lab
11:52 Final Thoughts and Questions