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How to Install WordPress Update Manually: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Have you ever worried your WordPress site might miss out on crucial updates because the automatic process failed? You’re not alone—many website owners encounter this, and keeping your site updated is essential for security and performance.

Manually updating WordPress ensures you stay in control, avoid compatibility issues, and fix missed updates quickly. In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide, along with practical tips, to confidently update WordPress by hand and keep your website running smoothly.

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How to Manually Install a WordPress Update: Complete Guide

WordPress powers millions of websites worldwide thanks to its flexibility and ease of use. But keeping your WordPress website up to date is essential—for security, performance, and access to new features. While WordPress often updates automatically, there are situations when you might need to install an update manually. Maybe automatic updates failed, or you require more control over the process.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to update WordPress manually without risking your site’s functionality.

Why Manual WordPress Updates Matter

Updating WordPress manually gives you full oversight of the process. Here’s why you might prefer a manual update:

  • Customization: If you run a highly customized site, you may want to check compatibility before updating.
  • Failed Automatic Updates: Sometimes, auto-updates don’t work due to server settings or plugin conflicts.
  • Full Control: Manual updates let you perform tests, backups, and troubleshooting at each stage.

Preparing for a Manual Update

Before you begin, a few preparatory steps ensure your website stays safe and that you don’t lose important data.

1. Backup Your Website

This is the most critical step. A backup guarantees you can restore your site if anything goes wrong.

  • Backup Files: Use a plugin or your hosting panel to backup your WordPress files (themes, plugins, uploads).
  • Backup Database: Use tools like phpMyAdmin or a WordPress plugin to create a copy of your database.
  • Store Backups Safely: Save them to your computer, cloud storage, or a secure external drive.

2. Check Plugin and Theme Compatibility

Updating WordPress can sometimes create conflicts with themes or plugins.

  • Update Plugins and Themes First: Make sure everything is running the latest version.
  • Deactivate Unused Plugins: This minimizes risk of conflicts during the update process.

3. Put Your Site in Maintenance Mode (Optional)

You can use a plugin or add a brief .maintenance file to your root directory. This notifies visitors that your site is undergoing maintenance, so they don’t encounter errors.

Step-by-Step Manual WordPress Update Process

Ready to update? Here’s a clear, actionable guide.

Step 1: Download the Latest WordPress Version

  • Go to the official WordPress website and download the latest version in ZIP format.
  • Save this ZIP file to your computer and extract it, revealing a wordpress folder.

Step 2: Access Your Site via FTP or File Manager

  • Use an FTP client (like FileZilla) or your hosting provider’s file manager.
  • Log in with your credentials and navigate to your website’s root directory (often called public_html or www).

Step 3: Delete Specific Old WordPress Files (With Caution)

For a clean update, you’ll need to remove specific core files and folders—not your wp-content folder or the wp-config.php file.

  • Delete these folders and files in your root directory:
  • wp-admin
  • wp-includes
  • Don’t delete: wp-content, wp-config.php, .htaccess, or wp-images, as these store your themes, plugins, configurations, and uploads.

Step 4: Upload New WordPress Files

With your FTP client or file manager:

  1. Open the extracted wordpress folder from the ZIP file.
  2. Upload the following:
  3. All folders and files except wp-content.
  4. Overwrite existing files and folders when prompted. Do not upload the wp-content folder, as it contains your themes, plugins, and media uploads.

Step 5: Update the WordPress Database (if required)

  • Visit your website’s admin dashboard (e.g., yoursite.com/wp-admin)
  • If WordPress detects a database update is needed, you’ll see a prompt.
  • Click the button to update the database. This usually takes just a few seconds.

Step 6: Test Your Site

  • Browse several pages to check that everything works.
  • Log in to the dashboard and ensure plugins and themes are behaving correctly.

Manual Update Checklist

Here’s a quick summary to follow:

  1. Backup website files and database.
  2. Deactivate unused plugins/themes (optional but recommended).
  3. Download the latest version of WordPress.
  4. Delete wp-admin and wp-includes folders.
  5. Upload new files (excluding wp-content and wp-config.php).
  6. Update the database if prompted.
  7. Test your site thoroughly.

Keeping this checklist nearby can make the process smooth and orderly.

Benefits of Manual Updates

Manually updating WordPress comes with several advantages:

  • Reduced Risk of Site Crashes: By checking each step, you catch potential issues early.
  • Immediate Rollback: If anything breaks, you can immediately restore from your backup.
  • Better Security: You’re never stuck with an outdated, vulnerable version due to failed auto-updates.

Challenges and Points to Consider

Manual updates, while beneficial, aren’t without risks. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Human Error: Accidentally deleting wp-content or your configuration file could disrupt your site.
  • Compatibility Conflicts: Sometimes, new WordPress versions aren’t compatible with old plugins or themes.
  • Downtime: Without maintenance mode, visitors could experience errors during the update.

Best Practice: Take your time. Double-check each file and folder before deleting or uploading. Read any update notices from plugins, themes, or WordPress itself.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Manual Update

Make your manual update process seamless with these expert tips:

  • Work During Low Traffic: Schedule the update when it affects the fewest visitors.
  • Save Custom Code: If you’ve added code to core WordPress files (not recommended), back it up separately.
  • Update Themes and Plugins Afterward: Once WordPress is updated, check and update all plugins and themes for compatibility.
  • Use a Staging Environment: If your host provides it, test the update on a staging site before applying it live.
  • Regular Backups: Don’t just backup before updates—make regular backups a habit.

Cost Considerations

Usually, updating WordPress manually does not incur any financial costs. However, here are some related tips:

  • No Purchase Required: The WordPress software is free.
  • Hosting May Affect Process: Some hosts offer advanced file managers or staging at higher tiers.
  • Backup Solutions: Free and premium backup plugins exist; invest in a premium solution for large or mission-critical websites.
  • Professional Help: If you’re uncomfortable, you may hire a developer for a one-time fee.

Shipping-related costs don’t apply since all files are downloaded and uploaded digitally.

Conclusion

Updating WordPress manually might seem intimidating at first, but with a planned, careful approach, it becomes a straightforward routine. Back up your site, stay vigilant during file uploads and deletions, and always check your website function after an update. By taking control of your WordPress updates, you’ll keep your site secure, fast, and packed with the latest features—ensuring a seamless experience for both you and your visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it safe to update WordPress manually?

Yes, updating manually is safe if you follow the correct process. The key precautions are to backup your website, avoid deleting important folders (like wp-content), and test your site after the update. Working methodically helps prevent accidental losses or downtime.

2. Will I lose my themes, plugins, or content during a manual update?

No, your themes, plugins, and content are stored in the wp-content folder and your database. As long as you do not delete or overwrite wp-content and wp-config.php, your customizations and content remain untouched.

3. Why might automatic WordPress updates fail?

Automatic updates can fail due to insufficient server permissions, plugin conflicts, large site size, lack of disk space, or hosting restrictions. When this happens, a manual update is the best way to bring your site up to date safely.

4. How often should I update WordPress?

You should update WordPress as soon as a new version is released, especially if it contains security fixes. Regularly check your WordPress dashboard for update notifications and plan timely updates for best protection.

5. What should I do if my site breaks after a manual update?

Don’t panic! Restore your site using the backup you created before starting the update. Then investigate which theme or plugin might be causing the conflict. Sometimes, deactivating incompatible plugins or themes will resolve the issue.

By following this guide, you can confidently and securely perform manual WordPress updates—safeguarding your website and providing your visitors with the best possible experience.

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