This article shows you how to download backup files from your Web60 WordPress hosting account to your computer.
Step 1: Access Your cPanel
Log into your Web60 customer area using the login details you received when you signed up. Look for a link called "cPanel" or "Control Panel" and click it. This opens cPanel, which is the control system for your website.
If you can't find your login details, check your email for the welcome message from Web60.
Step 2: Find the Backup Section
Once cPanel opens, you'll see many icons. Look for one called "Backup" or "Backups". It might have a picture of a folder or hard drive. Click on this icon.
If you can't see it immediately, use the search box at the top of cPanel and type "backup".
Step 3: Choose What to Download
The backup page shows different options:
- Full Account Backup: Downloads everything (your website, emails, databases)
- Website Files: Downloads just your WordPress files
- Database: Downloads just your website's database (where posts and settings are stored)
For most people, "Full Account Backup" is the safest choice as it includes everything.
Step 4: Generate Your Backup
Click on your chosen backup type. You'll see options for where to store the backup:
- Home Directory: Saves the backup to your hosting account (recommended)
- Email: Sends the backup to your email address
- Remote FTP: Saves to another server (advanced users only)
Choose "Home Directory" and click "Generate Backup". For large websites, this can take several minutes.
Step 5: Download the Backup File
Once the backup finishes, you need to download it to your computer. Go to cPanel's "File Manager" (another icon on the main cPanel page).
Look for a file with a name like "backup-[date].tar.gz". This is your backup file. Right-click on it and select "Download". Choose where to save it on your computer.
Step 6: Store Your Backup Safely
Once downloaded, store the backup file somewhere safe like an external hard drive or cloud storage service. These files can be large, so make sure you have enough space.
Delete the backup file from your hosting account after downloading to free up space. Go back to File Manager, right-click the backup file, and select "Delete".
If you're still stuck with downloading your backups, contact Web60 support through your customer area. Include details about which step isn't working.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to create a backup?
A: Small websites take 2-5 minutes. Larger sites with many images or files can take 15-30 minutes.
Q: How big will my backup file be?
A: Backup files are usually 20-50% of your website's total size. A typical small business website creates a backup file of 100MB to 1GB.
Q: Can I download backups on my phone?
A: Yes, but backup files are large and cPanel works better on computers. Use a computer or tablet for easier downloading.
Q: What format are the backup files?
A: Backups are saved as .tar.gz files. You need special software like 7-Zip (Windows) or The Unarchiver (Mac) to open them.
Q: How often should I download backups?
A: Download a backup whenever you make important changes to your website, or at least once per month.
Q: Can I use these backups with other hosting companies?
A: Yes, full account backups work with most WordPress hosting companies, though you may need technical help to restore them.
Last updated: 1 March 2026