I have a Hex S router which does not have wireless.
If I want to uninstall the "wireless" and any another packages I don't use, what is the best way to permanently uninstall so they don't get re-installed when I run an update later?

Also, what are the bare minimum packages I need? I think I can uninstall wireless, hotspot, ppp for sure, I have a gig fiber internet.

hi, right - /system package uninstall packagename and after uninstall reboot the router. br

You can't uninstall packages which were installed as a part of bundle. You can "unbundle" installation by uploading individual packages - they are available in extra package file available from download.mikrotik.com. You can't do it with same ROS version because unbundling is done as part of upgrade/downgrade process. So get the zip file, unpack it on your PC and only upload neded packages (.npk files) to your router. After that reboot device. If you're uploading files for lower version, click/run "downgrade" before rebooting.

Minimum list of packages needed for typical SOHO router is the following:

sytem
security (for ecryption used by various services such as ssh, https and IPsec)
dhcp (dependency for security)

Recomended is also

advanced-tools

You might need some of the following

ipv6
ntp (if you want router to offer NTP service to other devices ... without this package router can be SNTP client)
ppp (for PPOoE and some types of VPN)
wireless (if device has wireless hardware)


Upgrades, done via UI, always stick to previously installed packages and unbundled installation is no exception.

I noticed there's a package called "iot". What is this mused for?

I noticed there's a package called "iot". What is this mused for?

iot = Internet Of Things
Most likely to interact with these devices or alike: https://mikrotik.com/products/group/iot-products