---
title: "Restore a course from a backup"
slug: "restore-a-course-from-a-backup"
tags: ["Totara Learn", "Content Creator", "How-to"]
updated: 2026-08-13T16:01:25Z
published: 2026-08-13T16:01:25Z
canonical: "totara.help/restore-a-course-from-a-backup"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://totara.help/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Restore a course from a backup

Courses can be restored from any backups you have made, either from [automated backups](/totara-20/docs/set-up-automated-course-backups) or [manual backups](/totara-20/docs/manually-back-up-a-course). The backup and restore process is a common way of moving or copying specific courses from one Totara site to another.

First go to the backed up course you wish to restore, then follow the steps below:

1. In the **Course** block click **Restore*.***
2. In the **Course backup area** table find the desired backup file.
3. Alongside the desired backup file click the **Restore** link.
4. You will see a confirmation screen displaying what will be restored and allowing you to pick a restore destination. Select the destination then click the **Next** button.
5. Where you go next will depend on your restore destination.
  - **Restore as a new course:** You will be taken to a page where you can search for and select the category for the new course, then click **Next**.
  - **Restore into an existing course:** You will be able to search for and select which course you wish to restore into, and also decide if you wish to delete that course's existing materials and replace them with the content of the restore file. Once you have decided, click **Next**.
  - **Restore into this course:** You will be taken to a page with the option to **Delete the contents of this course and then restore**. Select this if you want then click **Next**.
6. The next screen lets you choose which settings or features you wish to restore, once you have selected click **Next**.
7. You can now select which specific items you wish to restore, and change the course name if desired before clicking **Next**.
8. There is a final opportunity to review what will be included in the restore, use the **Previous** button to amend your selections or click **Perform restore** to proceed.
9. Once the restore is complete you'll see a confirmation message and a **Continue** button, which you should click to conclude the restoration.

After clicking to continue you will be taken to the restored course, even if you have restored to a new course.

Join the [Totara Community](https://totara.community/) for more resources to help you get the most out of Totara.

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