Save an update set as a local XML file

task australia Updated Sep 10, 2026 1 min read t_SaveAnUpdateSetAsAnXMLFile.md

Raw file servicenow.com

Administrators can export an update set as an XML file to save a specific version of an application or set of changes.

Before you begin

Role required: admin

About this task

Create an XML file of an update set when:

The two instances lack network connectivity, preventing the retrieval of update sets or the creation of a data source for import from the source instance.
You don't want to give administrator credentials for the source instance.
You want to back up important customizations locally.

Procedure

Navigate to System Update Sets and select either Local Update Sets or Retrieved Update Sets.

Note: Retrieved Update Sets must be in a loaded state to be exported.
Select an update set that is in the Complete state.
On the Update Set form, select the Export to XML Related Link.
Save the XML file.

When a file is uploaded to a different instance, it’s recognized as a retrieved update set.

Parent Topic:Configuring System Update Sets

Load customizations from a single XML file

Administrators can load an update set XML file to apply a specific version of an application or set of changes.

Before you begin

Roles required: admin

Procedure

Elevate privileges to the security_admin role.
Navigate to System Update Sets > Retrieved Update Sets.
Select Import Update Set from XML.
Select Choose File and select an XML file.
Select Upload.

The customization is available as a retrieved update set with the state Loaded.
To commit the update set, see Commit an update set.

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---
title: Save an update set as a local XML file
description: Administrators can export an update set as an XML file to save a specific version of an application or set of changes.Administrators can load an update set XML file to apply a specific version of an application or set of changes.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/application-development/system-update-sets/t\_SaveAnUpdateSetAsAnXMLFile.html
release: australia
product: System Update Sets
classification: system-update-sets
topic_type: task
last_updated: "2026-09-10"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [Configure, System update sets, Deploying applications, Classic app development, Building applications]
---

# Save an update set as a local XML file

Administrators can export an update set as an XML file to save a specific version of an application or set of changes.

## Before you begin

Role required: admin

## About this task

Create an XML file of an update set when:

- The two instances lack network connectivity, preventing the retrieval of update sets or the creation of a data source for import from the source instance.
- You don't want to give administrator credentials for the source instance.
- You want to back up important customizations locally.

## Procedure

1. Navigate to **System Update Sets** and select either **Local Update Sets** or **Retrieved Update Sets**.

**Note:** **Retrieved Update Sets** must be in a loaded state to be exported.

2. Select an update set that is in the **Complete** state.

3. On the Update Set form, select the **Export to XML** Related Link.

4. Save the XML file.

When a file is uploaded to a different instance, it’s recognized as a retrieved update set.

**Parent Topic:**[Configuring System Update Sets](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/application-development/system-update-sets/configure-system-update-sets.md)

## Load customizations from a single XML file

Administrators can load an update set XML file to apply a specific version of an application or set of changes.

### Before you begin

Roles required: admin

### Procedure

1. Elevate privileges to the security\_admin role.

2. Navigate to **System Update Sets** &gt; **Retrieved Update Sets**.

3. Select **Import Update Set from XML**.

4. Select **Choose File** and select an XML file.

5. Select **Upload**.

The customization is available as a retrieved update set with the state **Loaded**.

6. To commit the update set, see [Commit an update set](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/application-development/system-update-sets/t_CommitAnUpdateSet.md).