Update WordPress core, plugins and themes
Updating your WordPress core, plugins, and themes refers to the process of activating the latest versions of these components on your WordPress website.
There are two methods you can use to keep your WordPress core, plugins and themes updated on your website. This guide will cover both methods.
Automatic updates
You have the option of enabling automatic updates for your WordPress core, plugins and themes on your website. When enabled, the update process will be completely automatic – however, keep these points in mind:
Pros of automatic WordPress updates:
✓ Security: Automatic updates apply security patches as soon as they’re released, reducing the risk of WordPress software vulnerabilities being exploited on your website
✓ Convenience: You don’t require manual monitoring and updating, saving time you time and effort
Cons of automatic WordPress updates:
✕ Compatibility: An update may cause conflicts with existing plugins or themes
✕ Errors: If an update introduces a bug or conflict, it could bring cause unexpected errors on your website
If you’d like to enable automatic updates on your WordPress website, use the steps below:
1. Log in to your hosting control panel
2. Click on the WordPress Manager button
3. Locate your WordPress Installation and click the downarrow V on its row
4. Locate Auto Upgrade WordPress Core and from the dropdown, select Upgrade the latest version available (Major as well as Minor)
5. Locate Auto Upgrade WordPress and select Enabled
6. Locate Auto Upgrade WordPress Themes and select Enabled
Manual updates
You have the option of performing manual updates for your WordPress core, plugins and themes on your website. This means you will have to go in and run updates manually – however, keep these points in mind:
Pros of manual WordPress updates:
✓ Control: Manual updating allows you to test updates and fix any errors that popup
✓ Timing: You can choose the best time to update, potentially reducing impacts on visitors and operations
Cons of manual WordPress updates:
✕ Delays: Manual updates depend on you or your website developer, which can lead to delays in applying security patches and feature upgrades
✕ Time: It requires more effort and time from you or your website developer to manage and implement updates
If you’d like to perform manual updates on your WordPress website, use the steps below for each component.
WordPress core
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard
2. Click on Dashboard > Updates
3. If a WordPress core update is available, you will see An updated version of WordPress is available. – under there, click the Update to version button
4. After running an update, load and do a check on your website
WordPress plugins
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard
2. Click on Plugins
3. When a plugin is available for an update, you will a ‘There is a new version available’ message
4. (Recommended step) You can view the details of changes by clicking the View version details link
5. To update the plugin, click the update now link to run the plugin update
6. After running an update, load and do a check on your website
WordPress themes
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard
2. Hover over Appearance
3. Click on Themes
4. When a theme has an available update, you will see a New version available message
5. Click the Update now link to run the theme update
6. After running an update, load and do a check on your website