Where Does Arq Backup Store Config?
Arq Backup config and local cache folders on macOS and Windows for versioned cloud and local backups.
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Arq keeps plan state locally and backup data at the destination. Config lives in ~/Library/Application Support/Arq on macOS and %APPDATA%\Arq on Windows. That folder holds keys, plan selections, and cache.
Actual versions download through the app from S3, B2, or local disks. Back up the support folder to preserve plans and keys. Keep the account password safe separately. Without it the stored plans cannot reach their destinations. Retention rules prune old versions per plan. Budget alerts watch destination storage growth.
Where Arq Backup stores this, by platform
~/Library/Application Support/Arq
Plan selections, keys, and cache for the Mac client. Copy with the app closed when migrating. Logs beside it explain failed runs.
%APPDATA%\Arq
Same internal layout as macOS. Linux Arq uses ~/.config/Arq instead. Preserve permissions when copying between machines.
Frequently asked questions
how do i move Arq Backup to a new computer
Copy the Arq support folder with backup plan exports. It holds keys and destination state. Plans reference cloud buckets by ID. Reinstall then restore this folder with Arq closed.
can I copy backed up files from the Arq folder
No. Arq keeps backup data in the destination with local cache only. The support folder holds settings and keys, not file contents. Restore through the app from the destination.
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