Automating backups is crucial for data safety and business continuity. Plesk’s Scheduled Backup feature allows customers to set backups at regular intervals, ensuring data is securely saved and easily restored if needed. This guide walks you through setting up a scheduled backup in Plesk, with options for backup frequency, storage location, and more.
Note: If you don’t see the Backup Manager feature on your server, please reach out to our support team at https://mydashboard.webhostingm.com/submitticket.php for assistance in identifying the issue.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Scheduled Backup in Plesk
1. Access the Scheduled Backup Settings
To begin, go to Websites & Domains > Backup Manager > Schedule. Once there:
- Check the box for Activate this backup task to enable scheduling.
2. Configure Backup Frequency
Under Run this backup task, set the desired frequency (daily, weekly, etc.) and choose the time for the backup to start. This helps ensure backups are created during off-peak hours, reducing system load.
3. Choose Backup Type: Full or Incremental
By default, Plesk creates full backups, which include all selected data. If you prefer a faster, space-saving option, select Use incremental backup:
- Full Backups: Contains all data and can restore the entire configuration without prior backups.
- Incremental Backups: Only files that have changed since the last backup are saved, requiring less disk space. To restore, you’ll need the latest full backup and all subsequent incremental backups.
4. Set Full Backup Frequency
If using incremental backups, specify how often Plesk should create a full backup under Perform full backup. This helps maintain a complete data snapshot while minimizing storage usage.
5. Manage Backup Retention
Under Keep backup files for, enter the number of days Plesk should keep backup files. Full backups older than this period are automatically removed, helping manage storage. Leave the field blank if you wish to retain backups indefinitely.
6. Select Data to Back Up
Under Back up, choose the data to include in the backup:
- Domain Configuration: Always included.
- Mail Configuration and Content: Uncheck to exclude email data.
- User Files and Databases: Uncheck to exclude user files and databases.
7. Choose Backup Storage Location
Under Store in, select the backup storage location:
- Local Storage: Saves the backup on the Plesk server.
- Remote Storage: If configured, you can store backups in remote storage by choosing the corresponding option.
8. Split Backup Files (Optional)
If using remote storage, you may need to split the backup into smaller files. To do so, select Create a multivolume backup, volume size (MB) and enter the desired volume size. This is useful if your remote storage has file size restrictions.
Additional Backup Options
Before finalizing, consider the following optional settings:
- Exclude Log Files: Select Exclude log files to reduce backup size, especially if you perform daily backups and your logs are large.
- Exclude Specific Files or Directories: To exclude specific files or folders, select Exclude specific files from the backup and enter relative paths, such as
/path/to/directory. - Email Notifications: For email alerts on errors, check If errors occur during the execution of this backup task, send a notification email to and verify the email address.
9. Schedule the Backup
After configuring all settings, click OK to schedule your backup. Plesk will automatically execute backups according to the specified frequency and settings.
Best Practices and Tips
- Test in a Non-Production Environment: Always test backup and restore settings in a staging or test environment before implementing on a live server.
- Monitor Disk Space: Regularly monitor storage space to ensure there is enough room for scheduled backups.
- Remote Backups for Extra Security: Use remote storage options when possible to protect data in case of local server failure.
Disclaimer: Test all scheduled backup settings in a staging environment before applying to a production server. Always check the latest Plesk documentation to confirm current features and commands.
