WordPress files that should be backed up and how to do it correctly

Having an up-to-date WordPress backup system helps prevent various issues such as server crashes or hacking. However, backing up the entire website can consume a lot of resources. We will recommend the files that need to be backed up and how to do it efficiently.

Why should you back up a WordPress website?

Every website is at risk of being attacked, having data stolen, or losing data. Data backup is like insurance that helps restore the website in case of an emergency.

Many users might think that backing up data is unnecessary until a problem arises, and then they find that having backup files can make solving the problem much easier.

WordPress files that should be backed up

A WordPress website has three main components and one database:

• Core WordPress Files
• Files in the wp-content folder (themes, plugins, uploaded files)
• WordPress configuration files (Configuration Files such as wp-config.php, .htaccess)
• WordPress Database

We recommend backing up all these parts so that you can fully restore the website.

Details of the files that need to be backed up

1. The main WordPress files

These files are used to run a WordPress website and are located in the main folders such as wp-includes and wp-admin.  These files can be downloaded again from WordPress.org, so there is no need to back them up frequently.

2. Files in the wp-content folder

The wp-content folder is an important part because it is where:

• Theme (themes)
• Plugins
• Upload files (uploads)

If you know that the theme or plugin you are using can be downloaded again, you might not need to back up these folders. However, for upload files, it is always necessary to back them up because they are specific to the website and cannot be downloaded again.

3. WordPress configuration file

Important files that should always be backed up include:

• wp-config.php (Database configuration)
• .htaccess (configure website security and access)

4. WordPress database

The MySQL database stores everything on the website, such as articles, users, comments, etc. It is the part that changes most frequently. Therefore, the database should be backed up regularly.

How should I back up WordPress?

Use a plugin for backup.

Using plugins is an easy and effective method.  We recommend Duplicator Pro, which has over 1.5 million users. It can:

• Create backups and restore websites easily.
• Set up automatic backup.
• Save data on Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.

Manual data backup

You can use cPanel or FTP to download the necessary files and use phpMyAdmin to download the database, but this method is only suitable for those with technical knowledge.

Why don't you back up everything every time?

Backing up all data every time may cause the server to work hard and use a lot of storage space, especially for websites that are frequently updated. Therefore, effective backup strategies should be used, such as:

• Full Backup once a month
• Partial Backup every week
• Backup only the database (Database Backup) every day.

How to set up automatic backups with Duplicator Pro

• Go to Duplicator Pro » Schedule Backups in the WordPress Dashboard
• Click the Add New button
• Name the backup plan.
• Select the files and folders you want to back up.
• Choose a destination for storing backup files, such as Google Drive.
• Set the frequency for data backup, such as daily, weekly.
• Set the time you want the system to operate automatically.
• Press Save Schedule

Duplicator Pro will automatically back up data according to the specified schedule and can easily restore the website if issues arise.

Backing up data is important for every website.  WordPress files that should be backed up include:

• Main WordPress files (not necessary to back up frequently)
• The wp-content folder (especially uploads)
• Configuration files (wp-config.php, .htaccess)
• Database (most frequently backed up)

Using plugins like Duplicator Pro makes data backup easier and allows you to schedule automatic backups. I hope this article helps you understand how to properly back up WordPress.