Plesk’s UI design requires checking “Run all backup processes with low priority” to unlock the Priority and IO priority fields for manual input. This acts as a gating checkbox, not an override—once enabled, you can still enter low values like 0-1 for high priority and 0 for high IO priority.
Why It Works This Way
The option enables nice/ionice throttling controls entirely. With it unchecked (default low-priority mode off), backups run at system default priority (typically high), but you lose granular tweaks. Checking it exposes the sliders so you can override toward faster settings without restraint.
Correct Fast Backup Setup
- Check “Run all backup processes with low priority.”
- Set Priority to 0 (highest CPU priority).
- Set IO priority to 0 (highest disk priority).
- Choose “Fastest” compression.
This combination maximizes speed during your quiet nighttime window while the checkbox itself doesn’t force low priority—it just reveals the controls. It’s counterintuitive but standard Plesk behavior.
So, only way to ensure the fastest possible setup, is to check off “Run all backup processes with low priority.” and use your settings, which truly is ironic
Yes, exactly—it’s ironic but that’s Plesk’s UI quirk. Checking “Run all backup processes with low priority” simply unlocks the Priority, IO priority, and compression fields for custom input, letting you crank them to maximum speed (Priority 0, IO 0, Fastest compression) without restrictions.
Fastest Setup Confirmed
- ✅ Check the “low priority” box (required to enable controls).
- Priority: 0 (full CPU throttle).
- IO Priority: 0 (unrestricted disk access).
- Compression: Fastest.
This overrides any “low” implication, giving you the absolute quickest backups during your quiet nighttime slot. Test a small backup first to verify.