Run MikroTik Classical Winbox on macOS

Running MikroTik’s classical Winbox on macOS might seem challenging since it’s a Windows-native application. However, with tools like Wine, WineBottler, and Homebrew, you can seamlessly operate Winbox on your macOS device. This guide provides easy-to-follow steps to help you set up Winbox on macOS, covering various compatibility options for older and newer macOS versions.

What is MikroTik Winbox?

Winbox is a Windows-based utility developed by MikroTik, enabling users to manage and configure MikroTik routers via a graphical user interface. While it’s primarily designed for Windows, macOS users can still use it effectively with certain software solutions.

Understanding Wine: The Bridge for Windows Apps on macOS

Wine is an open-source compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on Unix-like operating systems, including macOS. By translating Windows API calls into POSIX calls, Wine eliminates the need for a virtual machine or dual-booting.

Installing and Running Winbox on macOS Using Wine

To use Winbox on macOS with Wine, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download Winbox

1. Visit the MikroTik official website.
2. Download the latest version of Winbox (e.g., WinBox 3.41).
3. Move the downloaded winbox64.exe file into your macOS Applications folder for easy access.

Step 2: Install Wine

1. Go to the WineHQ official website and download the latest Wine version.
2. During installation, ensure you select the 64-bit compatibility checkbox. This step is essential for macOS Catalina and newer versions.

Step 3: Launch Winbox with Wine

Once Wine is installed:

1. Open your terminal.
2. Run the following command, modifying paths as needed based on your Wine and Winbox installation locations: /Applications/Wine\ Staging.app/Contents/Resources/wine/bin/wine64 /Applications/winbox64.exe

If successful, Winbox will launch, ready for configuration tasks.

Using WineBottler for a Simplified Experience

For older macOS versions, WineBottler can simplify the process by creating a standalone macOS application bundle for Winbox. Here’s how to use it:

1. Install WineBottler:
   • Download WineBottler from its official website.
   • Follow the installation instructions.
2. Create a Bundled App:
   • Open WineBottler and choose the option to create a macOS-compatible app from winbox64.exe.
   • Follow the prompts to complete the process.
3. Launch the Bottled Version:
   • Open the bundled application like any native macOS app. If configured correctly, it should function without needing additional commands.

Running Winbox on macOS with Homebrew

Homebrew, a package manager for macOS, offers another method to install Wine. Here’s how you can set it up:

Step 1: Install Homebrew

If you don’t already have Homebrew installed, run the following command in your terminal:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Step 2: Install XQuartz and Wine

Run these commands sequentially:

1. Install XQuartz, required for graphical interfaces: brew install --cask xquartz
2. Install Wine: brew install wine

Step 3: Run Winbox

Using Homebrew-installed Wine, you can launch Winbox with:

wine64 /Applications/winbox64.exe

Creating a Shortcut for Quick Access

For convenience, create a macOS shortcut to run Winbox without opening the terminal every time.

1. Open the macOS Shortcuts app.
2. Click New Shortcut.
3. Search for the action Run Shell Script and add it.
4. In the script box, paste: /Applications/Wine\ Stable.app/Contents/Resources/wine/bin/wine64 /Applications/winbox64.exe
5. Save the shortcut and name it something recognizable, like “Run Winbox.”
6. Test the shortcut by clicking the play button at the top.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Wine Doesn’t Recognize the Application:
   • Ensure the file path to winbox64.exe is correct in the terminal command.
2. Graphics or Interface Problems:
   • Verify that XQuartz is installed and running if you’re using Homebrew.
   • Update Wine to its latest version for compatibility improvements.
3. Winbox Crashes on Launch:
   • Check if you downloaded the correct 64-bit version of Winbox.
   • Reinstall Wine with the appropriate settings.

Why Choose Wine, WineBottler, or Homebrew?

Each method has its advantages:

• Wine: Best for users who prefer command-line precision.
• WineBottler: Ideal for creating standalone applications for simplicity.
• Homebrew: A robust option for developers familiar with package managers.

In Summary

Running MikroTik Winbox on macOS is achievable with a few extra steps. Tools like Wine, WineBottler, and Homebrew bridge the gap between Windows and macOS, offering flexibility depending on your macOS version and technical preference. With these solutions, you can manage MikroTik devices seamlessly, without switching to a Windows machine.