How to Backup and Restore Your Windrose Server
Safely backup and restore your Windrose server: stop the server, download the world folder, upload backups, set World Save ID, restart.
Whether you're planning a massive server overhaul or just want to keep your crew's hard-earned progression safe from a disaster at sea, backing up your Windrose server is an essential captain's duty.
This guide will walk you through exactly where your world files are stored and how to safely back them up and restore them when needed.
Backing Up Your Server Data
Your world folder contains everything that makes your server yours: the world data, player progression, and your custom configuration. Here is how to secure it:
Log into your server panel and go to Actions > Shutdown to make sure the server is not running. (Never copy files while the server is running, or you risk corrupting the data).

Open your File Manager and navigate through the following directory path:
Server/R5/Saved/SaveProfiles/Default/RocksDB/(Version Number)/Worlds
Locate your specific world folder. It will look like a long string of letters and numbers (for example:
E8B50878C711453B6FB3975057058F38).
Click on the 3 dots on the right side and click Download.

Restoring Your Server Data
If something goes wrong and you need to roll back to a previous save, the restoration process is just as simple.
Log in to your server panel again and go to Actions > Shutdown to make sure the server is not running.

Open the File Manager and navigate back to the
Server/R5/Saved/SaveProfiles/Default/RocksDB/(Version Number)/Worlds/Worlds/directory.
Delete or rename the current (corrupted or unwanted) world folder so the server no longer reads it. You can do this by clicking on the 3 dots on the right side of the folder.

Upload your previously saved backup folder directly into this directory by dragging and dropping the folder on the upload bubble above the File Manager Path.

Make sure you copy the world folder name as you'll need to paste that into the basic settings.
Go to Basic settings and paste the folder name on the World Save ID section. Once you're done, click on Update server to save the changes.


Restart the server by going to Actions, then Restart, and it should load your uploaded backup!

Troubleshooting & Tips
To ensure your backups run smoothly, keep these things in mind:
The Golden Rule: Always verify the server is completely offline before moving files. Windrose constantly writes to its database; interrupting that by copying files mid-save will almost certainly break your backup.
Do Not Rename the World Folder: Never change the name of the actual world folder (the long string of letters and numbers). Your server relies on this exact string; if it is altered, it will not match the World Save ID section in your Basic Settings, and your world will fail to load.
Organize Your Backups: When saving the folder to your PC, put it inside a new parent folder named with the current date (e.g.,
Windrose_Backup_Oct24). This keeps the original world folder name intact while making it much easier to find the exact rollback point you need later.Missing Folders: If you don't see the
Worldsfolder, ensure your server has been started at least once. The game generates these directories during the initial boot.
Conclusion
Securing your Windrose server only takes a few minutes, but it guarantees that your crew's ships, outposts, and progression are safe from the unpredictable dangers of the high seas. Getting into a routine of backing up your world regularly is the best way to manage a stress-free server.
If you encounter any issues or have further questions, feel free to contact our support team for assistance!