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How to Update WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever wondered if your WordPress site is running the latest version? Updating WordPress might seem daunting, but it’s the key to keeping your website secure and running smoothly. Outdated versions can leave you vulnerable to security risks and miss out on helpful new features.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to update WordPress safely. You’ll also find useful tips and best practices to make the process hassle-free, even if you’re not a tech expert.

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How to Update WordPress: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Keeping your WordPress website updated is essential for security, performance, and new features. If you want your website to run smoothly, attract more visitors, and stay protected from vulnerabilities, learning how to update WordPress properly is your first step. Let’s break down the different ways to update WordPress, important precautions, best practices, and tips for a worry-free experience.

Why Updating WordPress Matters

Updating WordPress isn’t just about getting new design tweaks or features. Here’s why regular updates matter:

  • Improved Security: Updates patch security holes and protect your website from hackers.
  • Faster Performance: Updates can fix bugs and optimize speed, keeping your site running smoothly.
  • Compatibility: New plugins, themes, and integrations may require the latest version.
  • Access to Features: Experience new tools and functionalities as WordPress grows.
  • Bug Fixes: Updates resolve known issues and make your site more reliable.

Neglecting updates can leave your website vulnerable to malware, data breaches, or compatibility problems.

Understanding What Needs Updating

When you talk about “updating WordPress,” you’re actually dealing with several key elements:

  • WordPress Core: The main software that powers your website.
  • Themes: The design layers installed on your site.
  • Plugins: Add-ons that enhance functionality (contact forms, SEO, security, etc.).

Each component should be updated regularly to maintain top performance and security.

Preparing to Update WordPress Safely

Before jumping in, it’s wise to take a few steps to keep your content safe and ensure a smooth process.

1. Backup Your Website

Never skip this step. Backup your files and database so you can restore them if anything goes wrong.

  • Use backup plugins, or check if your host offers automatic backups.
  • Download backups to your computer for extra safety.

2. Check Plugin and Theme Compatibility

Sometimes new updates can cause plugins or themes to malfunction.

  • Visit the plugin/theme page for compatibility notes.
  • Deactivate plugins with known issues before updating.

3. Test Updates on a Staging Site

A “staging site” is a clone of your website for safe testing.

  • Apply updates here first to see if issues arise.
  • Most WordPress-focused hosting providers offer this feature.

How to Update WordPress: Step-by-Step

There are several ways to update your WordPress site. Here’s a detailed look at each:

Method 1: Update from the WordPress Dashboard

This is the most common and easiest method.

  1. Login to Your Admin Panel: Go to yoursite.com/wp-admin.
  2. Navigate to Dashboard > Updates: You’ll see if new updates are available.
  3. Click ‘Update Now’: Follow the prompts to update WordPress core.
  4. Update Plugins and Themes: Visit Plugins > Installed Plugins and Appearance > Themes to update these as well.

Tip: Update core first, then plugins and themes. This reduces the chance of compatibility problems.

Method 2: Manual Update via FTP

If you have trouble updating from the dashboard, a manual update may be necessary.

  1. Download the Latest WordPress ZIP: Get this from the official WordPress website.
  2. Extract the Files: Unzip the package on your computer.
  3. Connect via FTP: Use an FTP client like FileZilla to access your site’s files.
  4. Upload ‘wp-admin’ and ‘wp-includes’ Folders: Overwrite the current folders with the new ones.
  5. Upload Other Files: Replace all root files except wp-config.php, .htaccess, and ‘wp-content’ (to preserve your settings and uploads).
  6. Visit Your Site: Login and follow any prompts to complete the upgrade.

Method 3: Use a One-Click Tool Provided by Your Host

Many hosting companies offer a one-click WordPress update feature.

  • Login to your hosting dashboard.
  • Look for a WordPress tools or installations section.
  • Use the update button to automatically upgrade core files.

Method 4: WP-CLI for Advanced Users

WP-CLI is a command-line tool for tech-savvy users.

  • Install WP-CLI on your server.
  • Run simple commands like wp core update to upgrade WordPress.

Updating Plugins and Themes

Keeping plugins and themes up-to-date is just as important.

Update Through the Dashboard

  • Go to Plugins or Appearance > Themes.
  • Look for “Update Now” notices beside each item.
  • Click “Update Now” to run updates individually or bulk select multiple items at once.

Update Manually (FTP)

  • Download the new version from the developer’s site.
  • Upload the unzipped files to your site’s respective plugin or theme folder via FTP.

Tips for Smooth Updates

  • Only update one plugin or theme at a time for easier troubleshooting.
  • After updating, check your site for problems.
  • Remove any plugins or themes you no longer use.

Best Practices for Safe WordPress Updates

Following these best practices can save you from major headaches:

  • Routine Backups: Always backup your site before updating.
  • Schedule Updates: Set a regular update schedule (e.g., weekly or monthly).
  • Update During Low Traffic Times: Fewer visitors means less disruption if things go wrong.
  • Keep Only What You Need: Uninstall unused plugins and themes to reduce risks.
  • Monitor Your Website: After updates, browse your site and check for errors or broken pages.
  • Maintain Good Hosting: Quality WordPress hosting can provide better security and easy recovery options.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Even with preparation, things can occasionally go sideways. Here’s how to respond:

  1. Stay Calm: Most problems are fixable.
  2. Restore from Backup: Use your latest backup to roll back the site.
  3. Check Error Messages: Take note for troubleshooting or support forums.
  4. Seek Professional Help: If you can’t fix it, contact your web host or a WordPress pro.

Cost Considerations

Updating WordPress itself is free. However, consider these potential costs:

  • Premium Plugins/Themes: Some updates require a valid license or paid version.
  • Staging Sites: A few budget hosts charge for staging environments.
  • Professional Help: Hiring a developer for complex updates involves cost but could save you from expensive site downtime.

No shipping or delivery fees apply, as all updates are digital.

Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Updates

  • Read Changelogs: Before updating, check notes about what’s new or different.
  • Test Contact Forms/Key Features: Make sure essential parts of your site still work after the update.
  • Enable Maintenance Mode: Let visitors know you’re making updates, especially if expecting brief downtime.
  • Set Up Automatic Backups: Look for plugins that offer scheduled backups for peace of mind.
  • Limit Customizations on Core Files: Avoid modifying WordPress core files; use child themes for customization.

Summary

Updating WordPress is crucial for keeping your website secure, fast, and feature-rich. Always start with a backup, update your site through the dashboard or manually when needed, and follow best practices to handle anything unexpected. Attention to updates today can save you serious headaches tomorrow and keep your site—and your visitors—happy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I update WordPress?

You should check for updates weekly. Activate automatic updates for minor releases and security patches, but review major updates before applying them.

Will updating WordPress break my website?

Most updates work smoothly, but issues can occur—especially if you have outdated or incompatible plugins/themes. Always back up your website and test updates on a staging site when possible.

Can I update plugins and themes automatically?

Yes, WordPress allows you to enable automatic updates for individual plugins and themes. However, review update logs regularly to catch any problems early.

What happens if I skip WordPress updates?

Skipping updates increases the risk of hacks, data breaches, and site malfunctions. Outdated plugins or themes may stop working with the latest WordPress version.

Is it possible to rollback an update if something goes wrong?

Yes. If you’ve backed up your website before updating, you can restore your site to its previous state. Some plugins also allow you to roll back to earlier versions of plugins or themes.

Regularly updating WordPress is one of the best habits you can adopt for your website’s long-term success. Keep backups, stay informed, and enjoy a safer, smoother website experience!

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