---
title: "How to Backup Drupal with the Backup and Migrate Module"
description: "One of the first things you should do once you get started with Drupal is install the Backup and Migrate module. Your Drupal security posture relies on scheduling and storing up-to-date backups...."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/drupal/drupal-backup-and-migrate/
date: 2019-12-20
modified: 2023-10-12
author: "InMotion Hosting Contributor"
categories: ["Drupal"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# How to Backup Drupal with the Backup and Migrate Module

One of the first things you should do once you get started with Drupal is install the [Backup and Migrate module](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/drupal/create-a-drupal-8-backup-backup-and-migrate/). Your Drupal security posture relies on scheduling and storing up-to-date backups.

[cPanel backups](/support/edu/drupal/update-drupal-manually/) and [snapshots](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/product-guides/vps-hosting/snapshots/) are great for full server backups. However, a module to backup only website data can save a lot of time when you need migrate or [update Drupal](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/drupal/306-manual-update/).

Below we cover how to [install the Backup and Migrate Drupal module](#install), [create a quick backup](#create), and [how to schedule backups regularly](#schedule).

Maintain high performance and security with our [Drupal Hosting services](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/drupal-hosting).

## Install the Backup and Migrate Module

1. [Login to Drupal](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/drupal/how-to-log-into-the-drupal-admin-dashboard/).
2. [Install the Drupal module](/support/edu/drupal/drupal-install-modules/) using the [Backup and Migrate download link](https://www.drupal.org/project/backup_migrate).
3. Click **Install** at the bottom.
4. Click **Configuration** at the top.
5. Under *Development*, click **Backup and Migrate**.

## Create a Backup

You can download backups to your [computer](#local) or [server](#server).

### Download the Backup Locally

1. In the *Backup Source* drop-down, select **Entire Site**.
2. In the *Backup Destination* drop-down, select **Download**.
3. Click **Backup now**.

### Download the Backup to your Server

1. [Create a folder](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/create-new-file/) in the parent folder outside your Drupal [root directory](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/where-to-upload-files/) (e.g. *backups*).
2. Click the **Settings** tab.
3. Click the **Destinations** tab beside *Settings Profiles*.
4. Click **Add Backup Destination**.
5. Create a *Label* and select **Server File Directory**.
6. Select **Edit** beside your new backup destination.
7. Add your directory path `../` (e.g. `../backups`).
8. Click Save.
9. Click the **Backup** tab.
10. In the *Backup Source* drop-down, select **Entire Site**.
11. In the *Backup Destination* drop-down, select your created backup label.
12. Click **Backup now**.

## Schedule Backups

After you create your first backup, you should schedule automatic backups just in case anything goes wrong (for example, the [Archive_Tar vulnerability](https://www.drupal.org/sa-core-2019-012) reported in December, 2019) or need to [update Drupal core](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/drupal/update-drupal-manually/).

1. Click **Configuration** at the top.
2. Under *Development*, click **Backup and Migrate**.
3. Click **Schedules**.
4. Click **Edit** beside the default *Daily Schedule*.
5. Check the **Schedule enabled** box.
6. Change the *Backup Source* to **Entire Site**.
7. Change the *Backup Destination* to your [created destination](#server).
8. Change the *Frequency* to change every X amount of days or weeks.
9. Specify the *Number to keep* before the oldest is deleted.
10. Click **Save**.

![Scheduling options in Drupal Backup and Migrate Module](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/drupal-backup-and-migrate-schedule-1024x377.png)**Screen showing how to configure scheduling in the Backup and Migrate Module to ensure you have up-to-date Drupal backups.**