RouterOS Licensing & Installation Guides
In-depth, independently written guides on how MikroTik RouterOS licensing actually works — hardware and x86, upgrading levels, prepaid keys, replacements, installation, and moving to RouterOS v7. Written for network engineers, not marketing copy.
Licensing Guides
How MikroTik’s licensing system actually works, level by level.
MikroTik Hardware Licensing
How RouterBOARD licenses are bound to a device, what “Level 4/5/6” actually restricts, and what happens if hardware fails.
x86x86 RouterOS Licensing
How the Software ID binds to your storage device’s MBR on a PC or VM install, and what breaks a license.
UpgradeUpgrading Your License Level
How to move from Level 4 to Level 5 or 6 on the same device without losing your existing configuration.
PrepaidPrepaid License Keys, Explained
What a prepaid key actually is, why it isn’t tied to a device yet, and how it gets converted into a working license.
ReplacementLicense Replacement & Recovery
What genuinely qualifies for a replacement key, what doesn’t, and how to avoid losing a license during maintenance.
CompareLevel 4 vs 5 vs 6
A side-by-side feature and pricing comparison of every license level we sell.
Installation & Upgrade Guides
Getting RouterOS installed correctly, and moving to v7 without surprises.
x86 Installation Guide
Partitioning, storage, and licensing considerations specific to installing RouterOS on a PC or VM.
NetinstallNetinstall Guide
How to safely reinstall RouterOS on a RouterBOARD device without destroying its license.
v7Upgrading to RouterOS v7
What actually changes in BGP, OSPF, routing filters, and User Manager when you move from v6 to v7.
GeneralInstallation Guide
Installing a purchased license key via Winbox, WebFig, or the terminal.
DeliveryDownload Guide
What you receive after your Software ID is verified, and how to save your key correctly.
Software IDSoftware ID Guide
Where to find your Software ID in Winbox, WebFig, or the terminal, on any device.
Looking for a Command?
Our RouterOS Command Reference explains real CLI syntax, organized by task.