Yes, on MikroTik devices it is possible to remove some system packages to free up storage space, especially if you need space to perform a manual RouterOS update or for other purposes.
However, it is important to proceed with caution when removing packages to ensure you do not remove functionality critical to your networking needs. Here I explain how you can do it and some important considerations:
How to Delete Packages in MikroTik RouterOS
- Access the Router: First, you need to access your MikroTik router via WinBox, WebFig, or SSH.
- Identify the Packages: Go to the “System” section and then “Packages”. Here you will see a list of all the packages installed on your device.
- Disable or Uninstall Packages: You can temporarily disable a package without completely removing it, which is useful if you're not sure you want to permanently remove a package. To deactivate, simply uncheck the package. To remove a package, select the package you want to remove and click “Uninstall” or use the appropriate command if you are using the command line interface.
Important considerations
- outbuildings: Some packages depend on others to function correctly. Make sure you don't remove packages that are essential for the operation of other services you need.
- Functionality: Consider what RouterOS features you are using. For example, if you are not using VPN services, you might consider removing VPN-related packages to free up space.
- Necessary Space: Make sure that the space you free up will be enough for the update you want to perform. Check the file size of the new version of RouterOS to be sure.
- Backup: Before making significant changes to your device's settings, it is advisable to make a full backup. This will allow you to restore your device to its previous state in case something goes wrong.
- Package Update: After removing unnecessary packages, you can proceed with manually updating your device. Make sure you download the correct version of RouterOS that corresponds to your device architecture.
When removing packages to free up space, it is essential that you know which features are expendable in your specific environment and which are essential to keep the network operational for your needs.
Always consider performing a system upgrade to get a more compact or efficient version of RouterOS that may require less storage space, as long as your device is compatible with the latest version.
More information about system packages in RouterOS: https://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Manual:System/Packages.
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