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How to initiate an on-demand backup of an Azure MS SQL database

K. Kong 151 Reputation points
2023-09-13T15:29:08.5233333+00:00

I have a Basic DTU SQL Database. How do I trigger an on-demand backup?

All the documentation I found said there is a "Backup now" button or something similar on the Backup and restore blade but I do not find such a button.

Help is much appreciated.

Azure SQL Database
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  1. RahulRandive 10,486 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-09-13T16:18:49.4466667+00:00

    Hi @K. Kong

    If you are looking for Azure SQL Database,

    As you aware the backups are managed internally by Azure for Azure PaaS SQL database
    Automatic backups for these databases run one full backup weekly, differential backup on every 12 to 24 hours interval, and transaction log backup on every 5 to 10 minutes. The first full backup will be taken by Azure as soon as you deploy your Azure SQL database. You don’t need to configure anything for that. Azure does it on your behalf whenever you deploy any SQL database. 

    However, if you would like to take on demand backup for your database you can import the data in bacpac file.

    Here are the steps
    Export a database to a BACPAC file - Azure SQL Database & Azure SQL Managed Instance | Microsoft Learn
    Export via SQL server Management Studio  

    You can make use SQL Server Management Studio Export data-tier application wizard to export the Azure SQL database to a .bacpac file. The .bacpac can be stored into Azure blob storage or file share.

    Right click on the SQL Database on logical SQL Server from SSMS --> Tasks --> Select 'Export data-tier application' wizard.
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    You can select the subset of the tables from export setting in Advance tab --> Click Next to view the summary of export. One you click finish. And up on completion of the process you will be able to view the BACPAC file in the specified destination.

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    Let us know if you are looking for additional information.

    Thank you!

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. Alberto Morillo 34,671 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2023-09-13T15:44:53.6666667+00:00

    That option for "Backup Now" is only available on Azure SQL Database for MySQL Flexible Server as explained here. For Azure SQL Database DTU or vCore models (PaaS options that is compatible with SQL Server) the "Backup Now" option is not available.

    You may want to consider to export the database to an Azure Storage Account or create a copy of the database instead.

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