How to update a WordPress site?

by

You should always update your site to the latest version of WordPress. Whenever there is a new WordPress version, you receive an update message on your admin screen.

There are two methods to update a WordPress site:

  • One-click update
  • Manually update

To update a WordPress site, you typically follow these steps:

  1. Backup your site: Before making any updates, it’s crucial to create a backup of your WordPress site, including the database and files. This ensures that you can restore your site if anything goes wrong during the update process.
  2. Update WordPress core: Log in to your WordPress dashboard, and if there’s a new version of WordPress available, you’ll see a notification at the top of the screen. Click on the “Please update now” link to initiate the update process. Alternatively, you can go to Dashboard > Updates and click on the “Update Now” button.
  3. Update themes: If there are updates available for your active theme(s), you can update them by going to Appearance > Themes. Hover over the theme you want to update and click on the “Update Now” link if available.
  4. Update plugins: Similarly, you can update your plugins by going to Plugins > Installed Plugins. You’ll see a notification next to plugins that have updates available. Click on the “Update Now” link next to each plugin to update them individually, or select multiple plugins and choose “Update” from the bulk actions dropdown.
  5. Check for compatibility: After updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins, it’s essential to check that everything is working correctly on your site. Sometimes updates can cause conflicts or compatibility issues, so it’s a good idea to thoroughly test your site’s functionality.
  6. Monitor for errors: Keep an eye on your site after updating to ensure everything is functioning as expected. If you encounter any errors or unexpected behavior, you may need to troubleshoot and resolve them accordingly.
  7. Regular maintenance: It’s recommended to regularly update your WordPress site to ensure it remains secure, performs well, and stays up to date with the latest features and improvements. Schedule regular backups and updates to keep your site running smoothly.

Remember, updating your WordPress site is essential for security, performance, and compatibility reasons. Always backup your site before making any updates, and test thoroughly afterward to ensure everything is working correctly.