How to Install Winbox on Ubuntu 24.04 Using the Installer Script

Managing MikroTik routers is made easier with Winbox, a versatile tool primarily designed for Windows. However, thanks to the Linux community’s ingenuity, running Winbox on Ubuntu 24.04 is straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple method using a script available on GitHub. Additionally, we’ll show you how to remove Winbox if you no longer need it.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, ensure that you have the following:

• Ubuntu 24.04 installed on your system.
• An active internet connection.
• Basic familiarity with terminal commands.

Step 1: Install Git

The first step involves installing Git, which you’ll need to clone the Winbox installer script from GitHub. To install Git, open your terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T and enter:

sudo apt install git

This command will install Git, allowing you to download the necessary script.

Step 2: Clone the Winbox Installer Script

Once Git is installed, the next step is to download the Winbox installer script from GitHub. This script simplifies the installation process and handles all necessary configurations. To clone the repository, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Temporary DirectoryStart by navigating to the /tmp directory, which is typically used for temporary files:

cd /tmp

2. Clone the Winbox Installer Repository

Use the git clone command to download the Winbox installer script from GitHub:

git clone https://github.com/mriza/winbox-installer.git

1. This command creates a directory named winbox-installer in your /tmp folder.

Step 3: Install Winbox

Now that the script is downloaded, you can proceed with the installation of Winbox. Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Installer DirectoryChange your current directory to the winbox-installer directory

cd winbox-installer

2. Run the Installation Script

To install Winbox, execute the following command:

sudo ./winbox-setup install

Alternatively, if the above command doesn’t work, you can use:

sudo bash winbox-setup install

1. The script will automatically download and install all necessary dependencies, including Wine. It will then configure everything to allow you to run Winbox on your Ubuntu system.

Step 4: Launch Winbox

After installation, you can launch Winbox either from the terminal or by searching for it in your applications menu.

• From the Terminal:Simply type:

winbox

• From the Applications Menu:Open your applications menu and search for “Winbox.” Click on the Winbox icon to launch the application.

Step 5: Remove Winbox (If Needed)

If you decide that you no longer need Winbox on your Ubuntu system, the same script you used for installation can be used for removal. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the Installer DirectoryFirst, navigate back to the winbox-installer directory:

cd /tmp/winbox-installer

2. Run the Removal Script

To remove Winbox and all associated configurations, execute the following command:

sudo ./winbox-setup remove

1. This will uninstall Winbox from your system and clean up any files or configurations that were added during the installation process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the script simplifies the installation and removal process, you might encounter a few issues. Below are some common problems and their solutions:

1. Script Fails to Execute

If the script fails to execute with a “Permission denied” error, ensure it has the correct permissions. You can make it executable with:

sudo chmod +x winbox-setup

Then, try running the installation or removal command again.

Conclusion

Using the Winbox installer script is a hassle-free way to get Winbox up and running on Ubuntu 24.04. The script automates the installation of necessary components like Wine, making the process straightforward even for users with limited Linux experience. Additionally, the ability to remove Winbox using the same script adds convenience, ensuring your system stays clean when you no longer need the application.

This method showcases the flexibility of Ubuntu and the power of open-source tools, allowing you to manage your MikroTik devices without needing a Windows system. Whether you’re installing Winbox for the first time or removing it after completing your tasks, this guide provides all the steps needed for a smooth experience.

Thank you for reading the article! If you found the information useful, you can donate using the buttons below:

Donate ☕️ with PayPalDonate 💳 with Revolut