# Backup and restore

## Backing up data <a href="#backing-up-data" id="backing-up-data"></a>

Most databases come with backup tools. We recommend using these tools to back up your data.

## Restoring data <a href="#restoring-data" id="restoring-data"></a>

To restore data from the backup and or trigger a full [reindexing](https://docs.sonarsource.com/sonarqube-server/10.1/instance-administration/reindexing "mention"), follow these steps:

1. Stop the server.
2. Restore the backup.
3. Drop the Elasticsearch indexes by deleting the contents of `<SONARQUBE_HOME>/data/es8` directory.
4. Restart the server.