Linux
Where Does k3s Store Cluster Data?
k3s server data directory /var/lib/rancher/k3s with the SQLite/etcd datastore and agent state.
Last updated
k3s keeps cluster state under /var/lib/rancher/k3s: the server database, agent data and deployed manifests. Configs live separately in /etc/rancher.
Datastore backend decides backup method. etcd snapshots and SQLite file copies are different procedures; check which backend runs first.
Where k3s stores this, by platform
Linux
/var/lib/rancher/k3s
Holds server db, agent state and manifests. Root-owned. Stop k3s before SQLite file copies; use etcd snapshots for HA backends.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up a k3s server?
Back up the server db (snapshots for etcd, file copy for SQLite with k3s stopped) plus /etc/rancher for configs. Tokens in node-password files rejoin agents afterward.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.