Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To restore WordPress safely, first preserve the current site, then choose the recovery route that matches the access you still have: a supported hosted restore, a backup plugin in WP Admin, or a manual restore of both site files and the database. A restore rolls the site back to a chosen point, so newer posts, settings, comments, uploads, or other records may be lost. Test on a staging copy when possible, especially before importing a database or changing domains.
Which WordPress restore method should you use?
Use the least complex method that can access a complete backup and the affected site. A hosted restore is convenient when your WordPress.com plan supports it; a plugin restore works when WP Admin is available; and a manual files-and-database restore is the fallback when dashboard access is unavailable or you need direct control.
| Method | Access required | What it restores | Main risk | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hosted restore | The supported hosting dashboard | The selected restore point; scope depends on the host’s available restore controls | Content and settings created after the selected point can be overwritten | You use a supported WordPress.com plan and want the host-managed route |
| Backup plugin | WP Admin and an existing plugin backup, unless the plugin provides separate recovery instructions | The backup components you select | Restoring older components can replace newer site data | The dashboard works and the plugin can access the backup |
| Manual restore | SFTP access and database import access through phpMyAdmin or WP-CLI | Files and database, restored as a coordinated set | File/database mismatch, incorrect destination, or database changes can leave the site broken | Dashboard access is unavailable, or you need to restore directly at the server and database level |
Before choosing, establish what the backup actually contains. A file archive alone is not a complete WordPress site backup: the database and files are separate parts. WordPress.org describes those parts as “Database and Files.” The database contains posts, pages, comments, links, and settings; themes, plugins, uploads, wp-config.php, and other server files are not stored in the database.
Recommended Free Tools
What to preserve before you restore
- Make a fresh copy of the current site, including both files and database, before changing anything. A restore can replace newer work.
- Identify newer posts, orders, comments, uploads, or settings that need to be retained. Save or export what you can before rolling back.
- Check that the backup includes both the database and the files required for the site. Confirm the backup date and intended destination.
- Prefer restoring to staging first. A staging copy lets you check whether the backup works without immediately replacing the production site.
- If the site runs a store or subscriptions, check renewal records carefully after a database rollback; subscription state can be affected even if orders remain current.
How does a restore affect newer WordPress content?
A restore replaces some or all of the current site with the contents of an earlier backup. The exact scope depends on the restore method and selected components, but anything created after the backup point may be absent or overwritten. WordPress.com cautions that restoring a backup replaces the current site with the chosen backup’s contents.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
This is not the same as simply repairing one damaged file. A whole-site restore can roll back posts, pages, comments, and settings; a plugin may let you select backup components, but selecting only some parts can leave the site inconsistent if those parts depend on one another.
Reduce the chance of losing newer work
- Record the backup’s date and the date of the problem you are fixing.
- Preserve a fresh copy of the current site before restoring.
- Save new work made after the backup point. For a store, account for orders and renewal records as well as editorial content.
- If available, restore a staging copy first and compare it with production before replacing the live site.
- Use selective restore only when you know which components need recovery and understand what the plugin or host will replace.
How do you restore from WordPress.com’s hosted backup?
On a WordPress.com plan that supports backups, use the hosted restore interface: open Jetpack → Backup, choose a date, select “Restore to this point,” and confirm with “Restore now.” The restore can take several minutes to a few hours, depending on site size, according to WordPress.com.
- Preserve recent work and make a current copy of the site if possible.
- In the site dashboard, open Jetpack → Backup.
- Select the date and time that corresponds to the state you want to recover.
- Choose Restore to this point, review the confirmation, and select Restore now.
- Wait for the restore to finish, then check the site rather than assuming that the operation completed successfully just because it started.
The selected point is a rollback, not a merge: posts, pages, comments, and settings created afterward can be overwritten. Copy recent work first, use selective restore where the interface offers an appropriate option, or test on a staging copy before restoring the production site. Availability depends on the WordPress.com plan; this route is not a general restore control for every WordPress installation.
How do you restore a backup with a WordPress plugin?
If WP Admin works and the backup is available to the plugin, UpdraftPlus documents this route: Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups → Restore. Select the existing backup components you want to restore and follow the plugin’s prompts. The exact components available depend on what was backed up.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Sign in to WP Admin and open Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups.
- Select Restore for the backup you intend to use.
- Choose the available backup components needed for recovery, taking care not to restore components that would discard newer data you need.
- Proceed through the plugin’s confirmation and wait for the restore process to finish.
- Check the site’s front end and administration area, and test important functions.
This method assumes the dashboard is reachable and the plugin can access the backup. If WP Admin is unavailable, use the plugin’s recovery instructions if applicable or move to a manual restore. Do not assume that a plugin backup contains every part of the installation; verify that the database and relevant files are present.
How do you manually restore WordPress files and its database?
A manual restore requires two coordinated parts: restore the backed-up files and import the matching database. WordPress recommends treating them as one backup set and restoring files first, then importing the database. Use a staging environment if possible; database work is advanced, and a mistaken import can overwrite the data currently in use.
1. Confirm the backup set and destination
- Locate the backup’s WordPress files and SQL database dump. Check that they belong to the same backup point.
- Confirm the destination site’s directory, database, and credentials before replacing or importing anything.
- Keep a separate copy of the current site and database so you can recover from a wrong selection or incomplete restore.
- If the destination uses different database credentials, note that
wp-config.phpmay need updating after the files are restored.
2. Restore the files over SFTP
Connect to the server with SFTP and restore the backed-up WordPress directory, or the required wp-content components if that is the intended scope. SFTP is preferable to FTP because it encrypts credentials. The files include items such as themes, plugins, uploads, wp-config.php, and other server files that the database dump does not contain.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBe deliberate about what you replace. Restoring only wp-content is not equivalent to restoring every WordPress file, while replacing the whole directory can overwrite current files. The right scope depends on what the backup contains and what failed; do not treat a partial file copy as a full-site restore.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
3. Import the matching SQL database
Import the database dump using phpMyAdmin or WP-CLI, targeting the database intended for this WordPress installation. The import restores database content such as posts, pages, comments, links, and settings. Take particular care to select the correct database: an import can replace its current contents.
WordPress.com database guidance warns: “If you’re unsure what a command does, do not run it.” Use a command only when you understand its target and effect. If you are not confident about database selection or import behavior, ask the host or a qualified administrator rather than experimenting on production.
4. Check configuration and clear caches
If the restored site uses different database credentials, update the relevant values in wp-config.php so WordPress can connect to the destination database. After a WordPress.com WP-CLI import, its documented workflow runs wp cache flush; clearing equivalent caches on other hosts is also prudent.
5. Verify the restored site
- Open the home page and several representative posts or pages.
- Sign in to WP Admin and confirm the expected content and settings are present.
- Check media and uploads, forms, and any critical transactions.
- Test permalinks and other site functions that depend on configuration.
- For a store with subscriptions, review renewal records as well as orders.
How do you restore WordPress after changing domains?
When restoring to a different domain, importing the old database is not the whole job. Update the WordPress siteurl and home values in wp_options, then search and replace old URLs throughout the database. Keep an off-site database backup before editing.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Update the two main URL options
The siteurl and home values tell WordPress which address the installation uses. WordPress documents editing these values through phpMyAdmin or updating them with WP-CLI commands such as wp option update. Make sure the values point to the intended destination before testing the restored site.
Replace old URLs across the database
Changing only those two options can leave old-domain references elsewhere in the database. Use WordPress’s documented wp search-replace workflow to update the remaining URLs, taking care to target the correct installation and old/new addresses. Preserve an off-site database copy before making these edits so you have a recovery point if the replacement targets the wrong data.
After the changes, test pages and media that may still reference the previous domain, along with forms and other important site functions. Do not assume a successful database import automatically completed the domain migration.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What should you test after restoring WordPress?
Test both the content and the functions visitors rely on. A restored home page does not prove that the database, files, domain settings, and integrations all match.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Front end: open the home page, representative posts, pages, and media.
- Administration: confirm WP Admin login works and expected settings are present.
- Permalinks: open several individual pages and posts, not just the home page.
- Uploads: inspect images and other media, particularly if files were restored separately from the database.
- Forms: submit a safe test entry if the site uses forms.
- Critical transactions: verify the workflows that matter to the site, including order and subscription records for stores.
- Caches: flush the relevant cache after a database import or restore if stale pages or settings appear.
What are the most common WordPress restore mistakes?
- Restoring without saving current data: later posts, comments, uploads, orders, or settings may be lost. Preserve the current site before rolling it back.
- Using only a file archive: files do not replace the database. Confirm both parts are available for a full restore.
- Mixing backup dates: unrelated file and database snapshots can represent different site states. Use a matching backup set.
- Importing into the wrong database: confirm the destination before starting an import, and keep an off-site copy.
- Restoring production before testing: staging can reveal a broken or mismatched restore before it affects visitors.
- Skipping URL replacement after a domain move: update
siteurlandhome, then replace old URLs throughout the database. - Overlooking subscriptions: after a database rollback, check renewal records carefully even when orders appear current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I restore WordPress if I can’t log in to WP Admin?
Yes, if you can access the hosting dashboard or the server and database. A supported hosted restore may work through the host dashboard; otherwise, a manual restore uses SFTP for files and phpMyAdmin or WP-CLI for the database.
Can I restore only my WordPress media uploads?
That depends on whether the backup contains the uploads and whether your restore tool supports selecting that component. Restoring files alone will not restore database content, so first determine whether the missing media files, their database references, or both are the problem.
Why does WordPress show a database connection error after a restore?
A common issue to check is whether the restored installation’s wp-config.php credentials match the destination database. Verify the target database and its credentials with your host before changing configuration.
Should I restore WordPress directly on my live site?
Use a staging copy first when one is available, particularly for a manual database import or a domain change. A staging test helps catch mismatched files, database settings, or URLs before visitors rely on the restored production site.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
