MikroTik Config Backup — Automate .rsc Export
Summary
MKController automatically exports your MikroTik
.rscconfiguration files to the cloud every day — versioned, downloadable, and diff-ready. This article explains how.rscexport backups work, why they matter more than binary backups for most workflows, and how to manage them in MKController.
MikroTik configuration export backup is a daily, cloud-stored copy of your RouterOS configuration as a plain-text .rsc script file. Unlike binary .backup files — which are hardware-bound snapshots — .rsc files are human-readable RouterOS commands you can open in any text editor, compare with diff, or selectively apply to different hardware.
MKController automates this export for every adopted device. No scheduling, no SSH scripts, no cron jobs required.
Why does .rsc export beat binary backup for most ISP and technician workflows?
Binary backups restore fast on the same hardware after a failure. Export backups do everything else:
| Use case | .backup (binary) | .rsc (export) |
|---|---|---|
| Full restore on same hardware | ✅ Best option | ⚠️ Slower |
| Migrate config to a different MikroTik model | ❌ Hardware-bound | ✅ Works |
| Audit changes between two dates | ❌ Unreadable diff | ✅ diff v1.rsc v2.rsc |
| Partial restore (one firewall rule, one VLAN) | ❌ All-or-nothing | ✅ Copy-paste blocks |
| Store in git or version control | ❌ Binary file | ✅ Plain text, diffable |
| Compliance documentation | ❌ Not human-readable | ✅ Readable config record |
Use binary backups for disaster recovery on the same hardware. Use export backups for everything else.
How does MKController automate .rsc export backups?
MKController runs a daily .rsc export on every adopted MikroTik and stores the result in the cloud. Each export is timestamped and retained, building a versioned archive of your router’s configuration history — with no setup or scheduling on your part.
You also get an on-demand export button for moments before a major change: a firewall overhaul, a PPPoE migration, a RouterOS upgrade.
How to manage export backups in MKController
Step 1 — Find your device
Log in at app.mkcontroller.com, go to Devices, find your MikroTik, and click View more.
Step 2 — Open Export Backups
Inside the device panel, select Export Backups. You will see the full versioned history of automatically generated daily .rsc files alongside any manual snapshots you have created.
Step 3 — Create an on-demand snapshot (optional but recommended)
Before any significant configuration change, click Create export file. MKController requests a fresh .rsc from the device immediately and adds it to the history with the current timestamp.
Step 4 — Download any version
Click Download next to any backup. Open the .rsc file in any text editor to review, compare, or selectively copy configuration blocks.
Who benefits most from automated .rsc export backup?
ISPs with large CPE fleets — A daily .rsc archive per device makes it trivial to prove what configuration a router had at any date. Essential for SLA compliance, incident post-mortems, and regulatory audits.
Solo technicians and freelancers — Before touching a client’s MikroTik, take an on-demand export snapshot. If something goes wrong, you have an exact text record of the pre-change state — and you can restore just the affected block instead of rolling back the entire device.
Enterprises with change-management policies — The .rsc history in MKController is a lightweight automatic change log. Combine it with the Config History feature for a full audit trail without any additional tooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many export backup versions does MKController keep? MKController retains a versioned history of export backups since adoption. Unlike binary backups (which keep the last 5 versions), export backups are kept for a longer rolling window. Check your current plan limits in the Plans and Pricing page.
Can I use an .rsc export backup to restore a device that has been wiped? Yes, but with caveats. An .rsc file adds commands to the current configuration rather than replacing it. If you are restoring to a freshly reset MikroTik (default configuration), import the .rsc file via Winbox’s New Terminal → /import command. Some entries may need adjusting (MAC-specific settings, PPPoE credentials) depending on the router model.
What is the difference between an on-demand export and the daily automatic export? They produce identical .rsc files. The only difference is timing: the automatic export runs once per day at a fixed schedule, while the on-demand export captures the configuration at the exact moment you click the button.
Can I put MikroTik export backups in version control (git)? Yes — and this is one of the most powerful use cases for .rsc exports. Download the file, commit it to a repository, and use git diff to compare any two versions. The plaintext format produces meaningful diffs that show exactly which lines (rules, settings) were added or removed between commits.
Start Protecting Your MikroTik Configurations Automatically
Every adopted MikroTik on MKController gets daily .rsc export backups with no setup required. Start your free 3-day trial — no credit card needed — and have your first backup in minutes.