ITEM REF NO: DOC-260724-UPDRAFT-001
STANDARD
Category
WP-ASTRA-ELEMENTOR
Article No.
WP-001
Title
How to Install UpdraftPlus and Create the First Full Website Backup
Slug
install-updraftplus-first-full-backup
Article
Introduction
Before performing any major operation on a WordPress website—such as migrating to another domain, changing hosting, updating Elementor, or installing new plugins—it is essential to create a complete backup.
This article describes the standard procedure used in our projects.
Step 1 — Check Whether UpdraftPlus Is Already Installed
Open:
Dashboard → Plugins → Installed Plugins
If UpdraftPlus is already installed, proceed to Step 6.
If not, continue with Step 2.
Step 2 — Install UpdraftPlus
Open:
Plugins → Add Plugin
Search for:
UpdraftPlus
Install only the official plugin:
UpdraftPlus: WP Backup & Migration Plugin
Developer:
David Anderson / Team Updraft
Step 3 — Activate the Plugin
Click:
Activate
After activation, verify that a new menu item appears:
UpdraftPlus
Step 4 — Open Backup / Restore
Open:
UpdraftPlus → Backup / Restore
Step 5 — Create the First Full Backup
Click:
Backup Now
Verify the following options:
✅ Include your database in the backup
✅ Include your files in the backup
Leave unchecked:
☐ Only allow this backup to be deleted manually
Click:
Backup Now
Wait until the process is completely finished.
Step 6 — Verify Backup Completion
The following confirmation should appear:
The backup succeeded and is now complete.
Step 7 — Verify Backup Contents
The backup must include:
- Database
- Plugins
- Themes
- Uploads
- Must-use plugins
- Others
Only after confirming all components should the backup be considered complete.
Corporate Standard
A full UpdraftPlus backup must always be created before:
- Website migration
- Domain migration
- Hosting migration
- WordPress updates
- Elementor updates
- Theme updates
- Installing new plugins
- Removing plugins
- Major website modifications
GOLDEN RULE No. 1
Never start a website migration without first creating and verifying a successful full UpdraftPlus backup.
Practical Example
This standard was successfully applied during the MARINEX-MGT project before transferring the website from the temporary IONOS address:
The backup was verified before any migration work began.
Temporary Website:
https://marinex-agent.net/
Permanent Domain:
https://www.marinex-mgt.com/
Conclusion
This procedure has been tested in a real production environment and is now adopted as a Corporate Standard for all future WordPress projects.