cPanel File Manager Backup: A Complete Guide

Creating a backup using cPanel’s File Manager is a simple process that allows you to download copies of your website files. This method is useful for making quick, manual backups of specific folders or your entire website. However, it’s important to note that this method does not back up your databases or email accounts. For a full website backup, you should use the cPanel Backup Wizard.

Step 1: Log in to cPanel and Access File Manager

First, log in to your cPanel account. Once you’re on the main dashboard, navigate to the Files section and click on the File Manager icon.

Step 2: Navigate to the public_html Directory

The public_html directory is the root folder for your primary website. Double-click on this folder in the File Manager to open it. All your website’s public files are located here.

Step 3: Compress the Files for Backup

To download all your files in one go, you need to compress them into a single archive file (e.g., a .zip or .tar.gz file).

1. Select all the files and folders inside the public_html directory. You can do this by clicking the Select All button at the top of the File Manager.
2. With all the files selected, click the Compress button from the top menu.
3. A pop-up window will appear. Choose a compression type, with Zip Archive being the most common and widely compatible.
4. Give your archive a name (e.g., website-backup-2025-08-14.zip) and make sure the “Compression Location” is set to the public_html directory.
5. Click Compress File(s). The compression process will begin and may take a few moments depending on the size of your website.

Step 4: Download the Backup File

Once the compression is complete, the new archive file will appear in your public_html directory.

1. Find the .zip file you just created.
2. Right-click on the file and select Download from the context menu. This will save the backup file to your local computer.

After the download is finished, it is recommended that you delete the backup archive from your server to free up disk space. You can do this by right-clicking the file and selecting Delete.

Important Considerations:

• Database Backup: This method does not back up your databases. If your website uses a CMS like WordPress, you must use the Backup Wizard or phpMyAdmin to back up your database separately.
• Full Backup: For a complete, comprehensive backup including website files, databases, and email configurations, always use the Backup Wizard tool available in your cPanel dashboard. This method creates a single .tar.gz file that can be downloaded and used for a full restoration.