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[BUG] Cant restore backup of saved backup file

Open Laviesss opened this issue 3 months ago • 3 comments

Describe the bug

I follow the steps in the back up and restore but my apps and stuff dont actually get restored like they dont show up in windows search or WSA

Steps to reproduce the issue

Follow the backup and restore instructions

Expected behaviour

To see my apps in windows search and WSA app menu

Downloaded Build Of WSA

WSA_2407.40000.4.0_x64_Release-Nightly-with-magisk-28.1.28100.-stable-NoGApps-NoAmazon.7z\WSA_2407.40000.4.0_x64

Windows build number

24H2 OS Build 26100.6584

PC Specification

OS Name Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Version 10.0.26100 Build 26100 System Model HP 255 15.6 inch G10 Notebook PC Processor AMD Ryzen 3 7330U with Radeon Graphics, 2301 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 8 Logical Processor(s)

Additional context

No response

Laviesss avatar Nov 07 '25 22:11 Laviesss

This problems

parmisdhakad-code1234 avatar Nov 12 '25 11:11 parmisdhakad-code1234

This backup restoration issue could be caused by a few different factors. Here are some things to investigate:

  1. Android package manager state: The backup might be restoring the APK files but not properly registering them with Android's package manager. After restoration, try running adb shell pm list packages to see if the packages are actually installed in the system.

  2. Data directory permissions: WSA might be restoring app data to the correct locations but with incorrect ownership or permissions. This would cause apps to be invisible to the launcher even though the files exist. Check the /data/data/ directories for your apps.

  3. Launcher cache: Windows Search and the WSA app menu might be using cached app lists. Try these steps after restoring:

    • Restart WSA completely (not just close, but full shutdown via Task Manager)
    • Clear Windows Search index for WSA apps
    • Open WSA Settings and toggle the developer mode off/on to trigger a refresh
  4. Backup script completeness: Verify that the backup includes not just /data/data/ but also:

    • /data/app/ (APK storage)
    • Package manager databases in /data/system/
    • Any relevant SQLite databases that track installed apps
  5. Windows 11 24H2 compatibility: Since you're on a very recent Windows build (26100.6584), there might be compatibility issues with the WSA version you're using. Consider testing with the latest stable release rather than the nightly build to rule out bleeding-edge issues.

Could you share what backup method you're using? Is it the built-in WSA backup tool, or a custom script? That would help narrow down where the restoration is failing.

shanto12 avatar Nov 15 '25 15:11 shanto12

The way I backed up is using the method by the official github aka here is by copying the userdata file and pasting it before opening wsa. I did find a workaround for my problem by looking at older issues and following the instructions a user gave was to install NeoBackup if using magisk, let it identify all apps and stuff, backup and then restore that backup which essentially reinstalls apps while keeping data and the reinstall adds it back to the list. Well thats how i understood it. If you know any wsa backuptoo or custom script please tell me them.

Laviesss avatar Nov 15 '25 15:11 Laviesss