Moving a 100GB website is a massive task that pushes standard WordPress plugins to their limits. While All-in-One WP Migration is a fan favorite for its simplicity, the free version typically caps imports at
, making a 100GB migration require specific workarounds or premium upgrades WordPress.org
Here is a detailed breakdown of how to handle a 100GB migration using this tool. 1. The "Official" Way (Premium Extension)
For a site this size, the most stable and supported method is the Unlimited Extension Approximately for a lifetime or annual license (prices vary by plan). Why it's needed: It removes all import size limits and enables CLI (Command Line Interface)
support, which is almost mandatory for 100GB files to avoid browser timeouts during the upload process. 2. The "Legacy" Workaround (Version 6.77)
Many users in the community utilize a specific older version of the plugin (v6.77) because it allows for manual editing of file size limits within its code. After installing v6.77, you can navigate to the Plugin File Editor constants.php Locate the line define( 'AI1WM_MAX_FILE_SIZE', 2 << 28 ); and increase the value to your desired limit (e.g., 536870912 * 200 for ~100GB). Risk Warning: Using outdated plugins is a security risk
. Always delete the legacy version once the migration is complete. 3. Handling Large File Uploads (The "Stuck at 100%" Issue)
Uploading a 100GB file through a browser is unreliable. If your import gets stuck at 100% , it's usually due to server timeouts or PHP memory limits. studiopress.community Stuck at 100% with All In One WP Migration
Zipping 100GB of files on a live server can bring the CPU to its knees.
Why All-in-One WP Migration wins: It uses a "chunked transfer" method. It doesn't need to load the whole file into memory. It breaks the 100GB into micro-pieces, ships them, and reassembles them on the other side.
Crucial distinction: When we talk about 100GB in WordPress, 95% of that is usually the wp-content/uploads folder (images, PDFs, videos). The database (SQL) is usually only a few hundred MB.
AIOWPM handles massive file structures beautifully. However, you must purchase the correct extension pack. all-in-one wp migration 100gb
| Feature | Free (500MB) | Unlimited ($69) | 100GB Requirement | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Max File Size | 512 MB | Unlimited | Yes (Unlimited) | | Max Database Size | ~100 MB | Unlimited | Yes | | Multisite Support | No | Yes | Usually needed | | Google Drive Storage | No | Yes (Add-on) | Recommended | | Chunked Transfers | No | Yes | Critical |
Conclusion: To migrate 100GB, you need All-in-One WP Migration (free) + the Unlimited Extension ($69).
Duplicator is better suited for large sites than All-in-One because it supports:
Before you click "Import," run this checklist.
Week Before Migration:
Day of Migration:
After Import:
| Step | Time Estimate (100GB) | |------|----------------------| | Export | 30–90 minutes | | Transfer to remote server | 2–8 hours (depends on bandwidth) | | Import | 40–120 minutes |
Most shared hosting environments have strict limits on:
A 100GB site likely contains high-resolution video files, extensive image libraries, or large databases. You cannot simply click "Export" and "Import" using the free version of the plugin on a standard server.
Step 1: Audit Content
Moving a massive WordPress site doesn't have to be a nightmare. While the standard free version of All-in-One WP Migration typically caps imports at , handling a behemoth is possible with the right approach.
Here is how you can tackle a 100GB migration without the "stuck at 0%" anxiety. 🛠️ The "Big Site" Strategy The Unlimited Extension
: To bypass the standard upload limits, you’ll likely need the Unlimited Extension (often referred to in tech circles as the 100GB version
) which removes all file size restrictions and offers premium support. Server Limits : Even with the plugin ready, your server's upload_max_filesize post_max_size might block the transfer. You may need to increase these limits file to handle large Use FTP/File Manager
: For 100GB, dragging and dropping in the browser is risky. Instead, upload your backup file directly to the /wp-content/ai1wm-backups folder on your new host using
. The plugin will then "see" the file locally for a much faster restoration. 💡 Why This Plugin for Large Sites? All-in-One Package
: It bundles your themes, plugins, database, and media into a single compressed .wpress file Serialized Data Handling
: It automatically handles the tricky "find and replace" for URLs within your database, preventing broken links on the new domain. Compatibility
: It’s designed to work around restricted hosting environments by bypassing most server-side timeout issues. ⚠️ Pro Tips for 100GB Moves Backup First
: Always perform a full site backup before initiating a migration. Check Permissions : Ensure your new image directories are set to and files to to avoid "missing image" errors after the move. Connectivity
: Use a wired connection. 100GB is sensitive to even minor WiFi drops, which can interrupt the data transfer Are you migrating to a new domain or just switching hosting providers Moving a 100GB website is a massive task
How to Use All-in-One WP Migration (Beginner's Guide) - SupportHost
While the official free version of the All-in-One WP Migration plugin typically limits imports to 512MB, there are several community-shared methods to increase this limit to 100GB or more. Most of these methods involve using an older, modified version of the plugin (specifically version 6.77) or applying a "File Upload Unlocker" extension. Methods to Increase the Upload Limit to 100GB
Use a Modified Version (v6.77): Historically, version 6.77 of All-in-One WP Migration was the last one to include the import function natively before it was moved to a paid extension. Users often find modified versions of this specific build that have the AI1WM_MAX_FILE_SIZE constant edited to allow for 100GB imports.
Upload Unlocker Plugin: You can install an additional "Unlocker" plugin alongside the free version of All-in-One WP Migration. This often changes the "Maximum upload file size" status to Unlimited in the import dashboard.
Manual File Editing: If you are comfortable editing code, you can sometimes manually adjust the plugin's constants.php file. By finding the line for AI1WM_MAX_FILE_SIZE, you can define a much larger limit in bytes. How to Perform a 100GB Migration
Exporting: Go to the Export tab on your original site, select "Export to File," and download the resulting .wpress file.
Importing: On your new site, install the modified plugin or the "Unlocker" extension. Go to Import, and you should see the updated 100GB limit. Drag and drop your large file to begin the process.
Post-Migration: Once finished, it is crucial to re-save your permalinks twice (Settings > Permalinks) to ensure all site links work correctly. Troubleshooting "Stuck at 100%"
Large migrations frequently get stuck at the final stage. Common fixes include:
Server Limits: Ensure your hosting provider's PHP settings (like memory_limit and max_execution_time) are high enough to handle a 100GB file.
Browser Cache: Clearing your browser's cache and cookies before starting the import can prevent session-related hangs. The Archive Problem Zipping 100GB of files on
FTP Bypass: If the plugin continues to fail, you can manually upload the .wpress file to the wp-content/ai1wm-backups folder via FTP/SFTP and use the Restore button within the plugin's "Backups" menu instead of the "Import" tool. Alternative for Large Sites
For websites that are truly massive (100GB+), many experts recommend Migrate Guru, a free tool that uses external servers to handle the heavy lifting, bypassing your local server's limitations entirely.