Factory reset after firmware upgrade?

[after]

Hello, I have a RT-AC86U with firmware version 386.11. I would like to upgrade to 386.14 and my question to you is:
- It is mandatory coming from .11 to .14 to do a factory reset? I have a lot of settings that I would like to not do them manually again....
Thank you!

 

[bbunge]

No.

 

[after]

Thank you, should I anyway save the configuration or some screenshots? Could it be the risk after the upgrade to lose some settings or no?

 

[Tech9]

Upgrade to Asuswrt-Merlin 386.13 instead. Version 386.14 was built on never released as official firmware base, you'll lose Wi-Fi Radar, will get nag screens for not needed user agreements and perhaps have to update some of your scripts. All this is not needed at the end of support for this router, IMO.

 

[after]

Done, I have upgraded to 386.13_2. No issues so far, everything looks good. Thank you!

 

[after]

Hello again after one more year, my current Version is: 386.13_2 and I would like to update to: 386.14_2. I have seen that a few CVEs are included in the latest one. Coming back to my initial question: Will it be mandatory to do a factory reset after update? I mean, in case I see no issues I don't plan to do it, but if something is broken yes of course I will do it. Thanks again!

 

[bennor]

Its up to you. Here is what the Asus-Merlin Wiki Installation Notes indicates:

Installation

Third party firmware for Asus routers (newer codebase) - RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng

github.com

• It's recommended to reboot the router before flashing it, to free up sufficient memory. Otherwise, there's a chance the router might reject the firmware, due to running too low of free RAM.
• If coming from a non-Asuswrt firmware, you will have to do a factory default reset.
• While it is generally not necessary to restore to factory defaults, it's not a bad idea, especially if there is a big jump in version number (e.g. from 3004.388 to 3006.102). No need to do the 30/30/30 dance (which does not even work on modern devices) - just do a plain Factory Default reset, or turn the device on while keeping the WPS button pressed. (The procedure can be different from one model to another.)

Your choice if you want to reset or not after flashing from 386.13_2 to 386.14_2. As always, check the firmware release notes for any special instructions. Make sure to fully read those release notes, paying special attention to the notes of the firmware releases between your current version and the version you are updating to if there are additional firmware releases between your version and current version.