---
title: "Backing Up Applications in Softaculous"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/cms/softaculous/backing-up-applications-in-softaculous/"
description: "Softaculous in cPanel simplifies web app installation and offers backups for quick site restoration. Configure automatic or manual backups as needed."
vertical: "Hosting"
date: "2024-03-04"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# Backing Up Applications in Softaculous

| ### **Note:** |
|---|
| This tutorial walks you through the backup process of a WordPress installation However, depending on database and other application dependencies the backup requirements may differ for other applications. |

[Softaculous](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/cms/softaculous/installing-software-with-softaculous/) is software in cPanel that allows web applications to be installed in just a few easy steps. It also provides you with backups for your installed applications. This provides you with the ability to restore your site from a backup with minimal data loss depending on how often you set Softaculous to take backups (see [Restoring from a Backup in Softaculous](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/cms/softaculous/restoring-from-a-backup-in-softaculous/)). There are two ways to create backups of your applications:

- [Set automatic backups at installation.](#automatic)
- [Manually take backups with the backup tool.](#manual)

| ### **Warning:** |
|---|
| If you set up automatic backups at installation, make sure you choose the Backup Rotation as the backups will consume space on your account if not deleted on a rotating basis. |

## Automated Backups

1. Click the edit icon (looks like a pencil) to modify the installation.
2. Once the section opens, you will find the automated backup options at the bottom of the first section.  
    ![backup section in edit options](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_WiJcl4.png)
3. Set the **Backup Location** to default, all backups will be stored in the Backups section of Softaculous.
4. You can choose how often to have **Automated backups** run (daily, weekly or monthly) using the drop down menu.  
    ![options for backup drop down](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_ayAaAW.png)
5. The **Backup Rotation** allows you to choose the maximum number of automated backups for this application. If the maximum limit is reached, Softaculous will delete the oldest backup first.  
    | ### **Warning:** |
    |---|
    | Beware of setting this to unlimited as you could use up space necessary on your server for critical operations to keep your site up and running. |
    
    ![Backup rotation options drop down](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_NneLRJ.png)
6. To finish, click Save Installation Details at the bottom of the page.

## Manual Backups

1. From the Softaculous home page, click on the **Installations** link.  
    ![Installations icon highlighted](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_WSVAcc.png)
2. The **Scripts Installations** page will open. You will see a list of the applications you’ve installed on your server.
3. Click on the folder icon to open the backups page. ![File icon highlighted in scripts home](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_0NR6jH.png)
4. Here you can choose what you want to back up, create a note, and see the software installation information.  
    ![Backup options](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_4fys8a.png)
5. Click **Backup Installation** to begin the backup process.
6. Once the backup is created, you will receive a success message and a link to access it from the Backups page.  
    ![Backup success message](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/help.liquidweb.com_LXIl5s.png)