Secure by default: Perform backup and restore

General information

Backup and restore mechanisms are used for fast recommissioning after a possible system failure or device reset. The backups are signed and managed by the Device and Update Management (DaUM) and transferred to it. 

The following data are included in the backup:

  • Application
  • Configuration
Note: The firmware is not included in the backup. Before restore, you must validate the appropriate firmware version and install it via the DaUM according to the application and configuration requirements. 

The following application data are included in the backup:

  • PLC program
  • Safety PLC program
  • eHMI application
  • APP application default data (depending on app development)

The following configuration data (top level view) are included in the backup:

  • Network
  • Time configuration
  • System services
  • Web services
  • Certificates
  • Firewall
  • SD card
  • Security Profile
  • Users
  • Syslog
  • APPs
  • SSH access
Note: The licenses can be installed separately depending on the level of restore. Licences are bound to the hardware or the SD card. For more information on licenses, refer to the PLCnext Store Info Center.

Create a backup

To create a backup, proceed as follows: 

  • Open PLCnext Engineer and add a published folder for file transfer. 
    There has to be a published folder named BackupAndRestore which exports the local directory /opt/plcnext/data/Services/BackupAndRestore/
  • Log in to the WBM. 

Return to topicHow do I get to the WBM again? Click here for more information... 

Establishing a connection to the Web-based Management (WBM2):

  • Open a web browser on your computer.
  • In the address field, enter the URL https://<IP-address-of-the-controller>/wbm,
    for example: https://192.168.1.10/wbm.

For further information, see WBM2.

  • Open the Backup & restore page (System → Backup & restore) and click the  button.

    ↪ The 5-step modal dialog Create backup is displayed.
  • In step 1, select the following data categories to be include in this backup package: Configuration Data, Certificates, Engineer Project and Remaining Files.
  • Click the NEXT button. 
  • In step 2, click the SKIP button.
  • In step 3, enter a meaningful name for the backup file to label the content of the package (1), then click the next button (2).
  • In step 4, click the create backup button.

    ↪ The backup procedure is performed.
  • In step 5, click the START AND RESUME button.

    ↪ The modal dialog closes and you should see the new backup file in the Available backups table.

 For more information, refer to the backup & restore topic.

  • Open the DaUM interface.
  • On the Assets page, open the BACKUPS tab.
  • Load the backup created from the PLCnext Control into the DaUM using the Download button.

Once the backup has been successfully uploaded to the DaUM, it is diplayed on the Backups page on the detail page of the respective device.

If you click on the device, you will see the corresponding backup files listed on the BACKUPS tab on the Assets page. 

 For more information, refer to the Device and Update Management content.

Perform a restore

  • Log in to the WBM. 

Return to topicHow do I get to the WBM again? Click here for more information... 

Establishing a connection to the Web-based Management (WBM2):

  • Open a web browser on your computer.
  • In the address field, enter the URL https://<IP-address-of-the-controller>/wbm,
    for example: https://192.168.1.10/wbm.

For further information, see WBM2.

  • Open the Backup & restore page (System → Backup & restore).
  • For restoring data from a backup package, click the restore button in the respective row in the table of available backups.

    ↪ A 5-step modal dialog is displayed.
  • In step 1, select the data categories you want to restore from this backup package, then click the next button.
  • In step 2, click the prepare and stop button.
  • In step 3, click the REStorE button.
  • In step 4, click the restart the device button.

    ↪ The device is restarted; re-enter the WBM, navigate to the Backup & restore page, then click the start and resume button in the Status section.
  • In step 5, click the START AND RESUME button.

    ↪ The modal dialog closes.

 

 

• Published/reviewed: 2026-01-30 • Revision 020 •