Updated: 28 September 2026 · Applies to: cPanel & WHM 138 (WHM, root access)
cPanel's backup system runs on the schedule set in Backup › Backup Configuration. As root you can start it at any time, for example before an upgrade.
Run the backup now
/usr/local/cpanel/bin/backup --force
Without --force, the command does nothing on days when no backup is scheduled, or if a backup has already run today.
Watch progress
Logs are kept in /usr/local/cpanel/logs/cpbackup/. Follow the newest one with tail -f.
Note: Backups must be enabled in Backup › Backup Configuration, with enough free space at the destination. A full backup of a busy server can take hours and adds load while it runs.
