Step-by-Step Guide to WordPress Backup & Migration
Backing up your WordPress website protects you from data loss, hacking, server failures, and accidental mistakes. Migration allows you to move your website from localhost (XAMPP) to a live server or from one host to another.
Part 1: WordPress Backup
Method 1: Backup Using UpdraftPlus (Recommended)
Step 1: Install UpdraftPlus
Install:
UpdraftPlus
Go to:
Dashboard → Plugins → Add New
Search:
UpdraftPlus
Install and activate.
Step 2: Open Backup Settings
Go to:
Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups
Click:
Backup Now
Step 3: Select Backup Components
Check:
✅ Database
✅ Plugins
✅ Themes
✅ Uploads
✅ Other Files
Click:
Backup Now
Step 4: Download Backup Files
After completion, download:
- Database
- Plugins
- Themes
- Uploads
- Others
Store them safely on:
- External drive
- Cloud storage
- Another computer
Step 5: Configure Automatic Backups
Go to:
Settings → UpdraftPlus → Settings
Example schedule:
Database
Daily
Files
Weekly
Keep:
4–10 backup copies
Step 6: Connect Cloud Storage
Supported storage includes:
Authorize your preferred cloud storage.
Method 2: Manual Backup
Backup Website Files
Copy:
public_html
or
wp-content
folder from hosting.
For XAMPP:
C:\xampp\htdocs\mysite
Backup Database
Open:
phpMyAdmin
Select database.
Click:
Export
Choose:
Quick → SQL
Download the file.
Part 2: WordPress Migration
Option 1: Using All-in-One WP Migration
This is the easiest method.
Install:
All-in-One WP Migration
Step 1: Export Website
Go to:
All-in-One WP Migration → Export
Choose:
Export To → File
Download the generated backup file.
Step 2: Prepare Destination Site
Install WordPress on the new server.
Install:
All-in-One WP Migration
Step 3: Import Website
Go to:
All-in-One WP Migration → Import
Select the exported file.
Wait for upload and restoration.
Step 4: Save Permalinks
Go to:
Settings → Permalinks
Click:
Save Changes
without changing anything.
This refreshes URL rules.
Option 2: Using Duplicator
Install:
Duplicator
Step 1: Create Package
Go to:
Duplicator → Packages
Click:
Create New
Build package.
Download:
- Installer.php
- Archive.zip
Step 2: Upload to New Host
Upload both files to:
public_html
Step 3: Create Database
In hosting control panel:
Create:
- Database
- Database User
- Password
Assign user privileges.
Step 4: Run Installer
Visit:
https://yourdomain.com/installer.php
Follow the wizard.
Enter:
- Database Name
- Username
- Password
Complete installation.
Migrating from XAMPP to Live Hosting
This is likely your next step.
Step 1: Purchase Hosting
Examples:
Step 2: Point Domain to Hosting
Update your domain nameservers according to your hosting provider’s instructions.
Step 3: Install WordPress
Use:
- Softaculous
- One-click installer
provided by your host.
Step 4: Install Migration Plugin
Install:
All-in-One WP Migration
on both sites.
Step 5: Export from Localhost
From:
http://localhost/mysite
Export the site.
Step 6: Import into Live Site
Import into:
https://yourdomain.com
Step 7: Verify Everything
Check:
✅ Homepage
✅ Images
✅ Menus
✅ Contact Forms
✅ Product Pages
✅ Checkout
✅ User Accounts
WooCommerce Migration Checklist
If your site uses WooCommerce:
Verify:
Products
All products imported.
Categories
Product categories present.
Images
Product images loading.
Payments
Payment gateways working.
Shipping
Shipping zones configured.
Emails
Order notifications functioning.
Restore a Backup
Using UpdraftPlus:
Go to:
Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups
Find backup.
Click:
Restore
Select:
- Database
- Plugins
- Themes
- Uploads
Run restore process.
Recommended Backup Strategy for SKOC Global
Since you sell digital products and services:
Daily
- Database backup
Weekly
- Full website backup
Monthly
- Download a local copy to your computer
Before Any Major Change
Create a manual backup before:
- Theme updates
- Plugin updates
- WooCommerce updates
- Elementor redesigns
Backup & Migration Toolkit
Recommended tools:
- UpdraftPlus — Automatic backups
- All-in-One WP Migration — Easy migrations
- Duplicator — Advanced migrations
- WP Mail SMTP — Reliable email delivery
- Wordfence Security — Security and malware scanning
Best Workflow for Your Case
Since you are building locally with XAMPP and plan to move the site online later:
- Build and test everything on localhost.
- Create a full backup with UpdraftPlus.
- Export the site using All-in-One WP Migration.
- Install WordPress on your hosting account.
- Import the backup to the live site.
- Configure SSL, payments, email, SEO, and caching.
- Take a fresh backup immediately after launch.
This approach is simple, reliable, and works well for WordPress, Elementor, and WooCommerce websites like yours.
