To apply an exported script to a fresh or reset MikroTik router, follow these steps. Step 1: Clean the File
: To apply an exported configuration, upload the .rsc file to a new router and run /import file-name=myconfig.rsc .
Once you have generated your .rsc file, you need to retrieve it from the router to store it safely. Open and connect to your MikroTik router. Navigate to the Files menu on the left sidebar. Locate your file (e.g., my_router_config.rsc ).
:local ts [/system clock get date] :local time [/system clock get time] :local filename ("export-" . $ts . "-" . $time) /export file=$filename show-sensitive Use code with caution. Scheduling the Script mikrotik export configuration
Before importing, open the .rsc file in Notepad++ or VS Code. Remove unnecessary lines like interface-updates or specific MAC addresses if you are moving the config to different hardware.
/ip neighbor discovery-settings discover-interface-list=LAN
Understanding the difference is critical for data integrity: /system backup binary file . It is intended for restoring to the exact same To apply an exported script to a fresh
To save the export directly to the router's internal storage:
A , created with /system backup save , captures the complete state of the router, including not just the configuration but also statistics, logs, user accounts, certificates, and MAC addresses. This file is version-dependent and is intended for a quick, complete restore on the same device or an identical model using the exact same version of RouterOS.
Winbox is a popular graphical user interface (GUI) tool for managing Mikrotik devices. To export the configuration using Winbox: Open and connect to your MikroTik router
(Default in newer RouterOS versions) Only exports settings that differ from the factory defaults. : /ip address export
/export file=router_config_2026-06-07 compact hide-sensitive Use code with caution. 4. How to Import a MikroTik Configuration
Best for a full "system restore" on the exact same device. It includes sensitive data like passwords and user accounts but is not readable by humans.
The Definitive Guide to MikroTik Export Configuration: Backups, Migrations, and Best Practices
The most common task is exporting the entire configuration of a router. Method A: Terminal (CLI) Open WinBox and open a . Run the following command: /export file=full_backup_2026 Use code with caution.