# Managing your applications in Softaculous

> Update, back up, restore, clone and remove applications installed with Softaculous in cPanel.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/apps/softaculous/managing-your-applications-in-softaculous/

**Softaculous** is a powerful auto‑installer that allows you to easily install, update, back up, and remove web applications such as WordPress, Joomla, Magento, and more. Managing your applications properly ensures security, stability, and smooth operation of your website.

## Updating an Application

Keeping applications updated is critical for security and performance.

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. Navigate to **Softaculous Apps Installer** under the Tools page.
3. Click the **All Installations** icon (top‑right).
4. Locate the application you want to update and click the **Upgrade** icon.
5. (Optional) Select **Create Backup** before upgrading.
6. Click **Upgrade** and wait until the process completes.

Many updates contain important security fixes, so always keep applications current.

## Turning Off Auto‑Upgrades

Some users prefer to control when upgrades happen.

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. Go to **Softaculous Apps Installer**.
3. Click **All Installations**.
4. Select the application and click the **Edit Installation Details** icon.
5. Choose one of the following options:

   - ### Do not Auto Upgrade
   - ### Upgrade to minor versions only
   - ### Upgrade to any latest version available

⚠️ **Note:** Not all applications support disabling auto‑upgrades (e.g., PrestaShop).

## Backing Up an Application

Backups allow you to restore your site if something goes wrong.

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. Go to **Softaculous Apps Installer**.
3. Click **All Installations**.
4. Select the application and click the **Backup** icon.
5. Choose whether to back up:

   - **Directory** (site files)
   - **Database** (site data)
6. Click **Backup Installation** and wait until complete.

## Restoring an Application Backup

If your site becomes corrupted or compromised, you can restore it.

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. Go to **Softaculous Apps Installer**.
3. Click the **Backups and Restore** icon.
4. Locate the backup you want to restore.
5. Click the **Restore** icon.
6. Select whether to restore files, database, or both.
7. Click **Restore Installation** and confirm.

## ❌ Removing an Application

If you no longer need an application:

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. Go to **Softaculous Apps Installer**.
3. Click **All Installations**.
4. Locate the application and click the **Remove** icon.
5. Select options to remove:

   - ### Directory
   - ### Database
   - ### Database User
6. Click **Remove Installation**.

⚠️ **Warning:** Once deleted, files and databases cannot be recovered unless you have a backup.