Once the new website is launched, it becomes the version visitors reach through your main domain. The previous website may still remain on the old hosting for a period even though it is no longer the public site.
Why might the old website remain on the old hosting?
Keeping the old service temporarily can provide a safety margin while the new website, DNS and any dependent services are checked. It also avoids deleting something before anyone has confirmed it is no longer required.
Should I keep a backup?
Where practical and relevant, retaining an appropriate backup or export of the old website before the hosting is closed can be sensible. The form that backup takes depends on the old platform and hosting service.
Do not rely on the old website indefinitely
Once the new website is established and the previous service is no longer needed, the old site should not be treated as a permanent fallback or working system. Out-of-date software and abandoned accounts can create unnecessary maintenance and security issues.
When can the old hosting be cancelled?
Only after the new website is live and any hosting-dependent services, especially email, have been checked. See When can I cancel my old hosting?.
Last updated: 8 September 2026