Tag: cloud

🔄Power Platform Environment Restore: Options & Best Practices

Hi Folks,

Restoring environments in Power Platform has evolved significantly.

In the past, Dynamics CRM On-Premise users relied on SQL database backups and manual restores. Today, administrators can perform environment restores in online instances with just a few clicks via the Power Platform Admin Center.

This guide outlines the available restore options and key considerations to ensure a smooth and secure process.

🛠️ Restore Options in Power Platform

OptionDescription
1. Manual Backup RestoreRestore from a backup you manually created. Ideal before major customizations or version updates.
2. System Backup RestoreUse automated system backups created by Microsoft. Convenient but less flexible than manual backups.
3. Full CopyClone the entire environment, including data, customizations, and configurations. Suitable for staging or testing.
4. Partial Copy (Customizations & Schema Only)Copies only solutions and schema—no data. Best for promoting configurations from Production to SIT/UAT.

✅ Best Practices & Key Considerations

  • Use Partial Copy for Non-Production: When restoring from Production to SIT/UAT, prefer Partial Copy to avoid data and configuration mismatches. This brings all solutions without the underlying data.
  • Use Full Copy: In case it is restoring to a same type of environment
  • Avoid Restoring Production Backups to Non-Prod: Manual or system backups from Production should not be restored to non-production environments. This often leads to configuration conflicts and user access issues.
  • Update Security Groups: Always update the Security Group when restoring or copying to a different environment type. Otherwise, users may be unable to log in due to mismatched access controls.
  • Manual Backup Timing: After creating a manual backup, wait 10–15 minutes before initiating a restore. This ensures the backup is fully processed and available.
  • Regional Restore Limitation: You can only restore an environment to another environment within the same region.
  • Unlimited Manual Backups: There’s no cap on the number of manual backups you can create—use this flexibility to safeguard key milestones.
  • Exclude Audit Logs When Possible: Including Audit Logs in copies or restores can significantly increase processing time. Exclude them unless absolutely necessary.

🧠 Technical Note

All backup and restore operations in Power Platform are powered by SQL-based technology under the hood, ensuring consistency and reliability across environments.

Reference:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/backup-restore-environments?tabs=new

Cheers,

PMDY