After spending several weeks trying to upgrade my Home Assistant (HA) installation from Ubuntu 18 to Debian 10 with supervised Docker, I’m thrilled to share my journey and the lessons learned along the way. This process was a bit daunting, but with careful planning and the support of the HA community, I managed to make the switch smoothly. Here’s how I did it and what I’d recommend for anyone considering a similar move.### The ChallengeI was running HA 0.114.4 in Docker on an Intel NUC, and while it worked well, I wanted to ensure my setup was up-to-date and supported. Upgrading to 0.117.6 had caused some Bluetooth issues, which made me hesitant. However, the benefits of a more stable and supported environment were too compelling to ignore.One of my primary concerns was my Z-Wave setup. Recommissioning all my Z-Wave devices and rebuilding automations would take a week—a week I didn’t want to waste. I also had Zigbee and Wi-Fi sensors to consider, so a seamless transition was crucial.### The SolutionI decided to start fresh with Debian 10 and supervised HA. My first step was to back up my configuration directory thoroughly. I knew that restoring this backup would be key to maintaining my setup without starting from scratch.**Here’s what I did:**1. Backup Your Configuration: - I made sure to back up my config directory, including all automations, scenes, and integrations. This was my lifeline and ensured that I wouldn’t lose any custom setups.2. Install Debian 10: - I followed the official Debian installation guide to set up a fresh system. This ensured that I was starting with a clean slate and the latest security updates.3. Set Up Supervised HA: - Using the official Home Assistant supervised installation guide, I installed HA on Debian 10. This process was straightforward and took only a few minutes.4. Restore Configuration: - I restored my config directory into the new HA installation. This step was critical and saved me from having to reconfigure everything from scratch.5. Recommission Z-Wave Devices: - As feared, my Z-Wave devices needed to be recommissioned. I took this opportunity to organize my network and ensure all devices were securely included.6. Test Everything: - I meticulously tested each integration and automation to ensure everything was working as expected. This step is crucial to catch any issues early.### Lessons Learned- Backup Regularly: This cannot be overstated. A good backup saved me countless hours of frustration.- Plan for Recommissioning: If you’re using Z-Wave or Zigbee, factor in time for recommissioning. It’s a necessary step, but it can be time-consuming.- Follow Official Guides: The official Home Assistant and Debian documentation are your friends. They provide clear, tested steps that minimize the risk of issues.### Final ThoughtsMigrating to Debian 10 with supervised HA was a rewarding experience. The system is more stable, and knowing that I’m running the latest supported version gives me peace of mind. While there were challenges, especially with Z-Wave, the end result was worth it.If you’re considering a similar migration, take your time, plan carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the HA community for support. We’re all in this together, and there’s no better feeling than seeing your system run smoothly after a major upgrade.Happy automating! 