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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Before a major WordPress update, back up both your site files and its database, then keep a copy somewhere separate from your web server. If the update causes a problem, use the restore procedure for the backup method you chose; a host or plugin may offer a restore control, while manual recovery requires restoring files and importing the database.
What to include in a WordPress backup
A typical complete backup has two parts: the database and the site files. They hold different information, so a download of files alone usually will not preserve your site content if the database is stored separately.
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- Database: Posts, pages, comments, and settings.
- Files: WordPress core files, plugins, themes, uploads,
wp-config.php,.htaccess, and other site-specific code or assets.
Keep the database export and file backup together as a matching set when practical. WordPress’s backup guidance describes backing up the database and files, then restoring the files before importing the database. If database credentials change, the database connection details in wp-config.php must match.
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You can use your host’s backup controls, a WordPress backup plugin, or manual tools. Learn WordPress lists UpdraftPlus, Jetpack, and Duplicator as examples, not as a comparative ranking or endorsement. Its backup tutorial also discusses keeping a copy in separate storage.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
| Method | What to check |
|---|---|
| Host backup controls | Confirm the backup includes both files and database, and learn how to restore it from the host panel. |
| Backup plugin | Confirm it captures both components, where it stores copies, and how to restore if wp-admin is unavailable. |
| Manual tools | Use SFTP or FTP for files and phpMyAdmin or database commands for the database; retain the credentials and tools needed for recovery. |
Whichever method you choose, consider whether it can handle your site’s backup size within host limits, whether a copy is stored off-server, and whether you can retrieve and restore the backup using tools and credentials you control.
Back up the site before updating
- Identify what you plan to update. Note whether the change affects WordPress core, plugins, themes, or more than one of these. Confirm that you can access your hosting account and database tools.
- Create a database export and file backup. Alternatively, use a host or plugin option that explicitly includes both. Make sure you account for
wp-content,wp-config.php,.htaccess, and other site-specific files. - Keep the two parts together. Put a copy somewhere separate from the web server, such as a local computer or separate storage. WordPress’s backup guidance recommends copies in different locations; Learn WordPress likewise presents separate cloud storage as a best practice.
- Check that the backup exists and is accessible. Confirm both components appear in the host or plugin interface, or that the downloaded archive and database export exist and can be read. Keep the credentials needed to access the database.
- Run the update through your normal WordPress procedure. WordPress recommends a backup before an upgrade. Its updating guide covers one-click updates for most sites and manual updating as an alternative.
WordPress’s backup guidance suggests keeping at least 3–5 recent backups and making copies in different locations. It suggests weekly backups for smaller websites and daily backups for high-activity websites; these are general recommendations, not universal service requirements. The same guidance recommends occasional manual backups alongside automated ones to check that the process is working. It does not set a formal restore-test standard.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Restore the site if the update causes a problem
First diagnose the problem and follow the instructions for the host, plugin, or update method you used. A backup gives you a recovery option; it does not guarantee that every restore will succeed unchanged, and not every update problem requires restoring the entire site.
Using a host or plugin restore control
If your host or plugin provides a restore action, follow its instructions and select the matching backup set. The exact controls vary by service, so consult that provider’s documentation and confirm which files and database the restore will replace.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Restoring manually
Manual recovery involves restoring the site files and importing the database using the tools available through your host. WordPress’s backup documentation describes restoring files before importing the database. If you have moved hosts or changed database credentials, make sure the database name, user, and password in wp-config.php match the restored database and hosting setup.
How often to keep backups
WordPress Developer Resources suggests keeping at least 3–5 recent backups, with copies stored in different locations. Its general frequency suggestions are once a week for smaller websites and daily for high-activity websites. Choose a schedule that reflects how often your site changes, and occasionally make a manual backup alongside automation to confirm that both components are being captured.
Quick Recap
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- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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