How can I retrieve a single file from an UpdraftPlus backup?

This is also possible with the „External files in the media library“ plugin. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Download the backup to your local computer.
2. Then download it via FTPFTP File Transfer Protocol to your hosting again, but this time to the root directory of your WordPress project (where the file wp-config.php lies).
3. Then go to Media library > Add external files > Local in the backend and display the directory.
4. Click on „Import“ in the ZIP file, confirm the request and wait until the import is complete.
5. Then go to the media library in the table view and click on „Open ZIP“ for the file.
6. The plugin will then show you the contents of the ZIP file. You can now search for the file there and click on „Import“. This will store it in your media library so that you can use it again in your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't see a ZIP file! Why?

You have to go to the settings of the plugin activate the ZIP files first.

Will the file overwrite the existing file when it is unpacked?

No, this never happens as this is not permitted by the plugin.

Why can't you access the backup directly without downloading and uploading it first?

This would also be possible, but has a disadvantage: under Settings > External files in the media library > Services > Local, you can check the box to also display all WordPress-owned directories when displaying the local directory. As soon as this is set, the plugin actually loads all directories and files when called up under Media library > Add external files > Local. However, depending on the project, there may be a lot of them, which can either take a long time to display or cause a timeout.