How to Update WordPress site

Keeping your WordPress site up-to-date is important for security and performance reasons. Here’s how to update your WordPress site:

Before updating, it’s a good idea to create a backup of your site in case anything goes wrong. You can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackWPup to create a backup.

Login to your WordPress dashboard.

Step 1: Backup Your Website

Before making any updates, it’s crucial to back up your WordPress site. This step ensures that you can easily restore your website in case anything goes wrong during the update process.

1. Install a reliable backup plugin, such as UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy.
2. Follow the plugin’s instructions to create a complete backup of your site, including the database and files.
3. Store the backup files in a secure location, either on your server or in a cloud storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive.

Step 2: Update WordPress Core

WordPress regularly releases updates to improve security, fix bugs, and introduce new features. To update your WordPress core:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to the “Dashboard” and click “Updates.”
3. Click the “Update Now” button next to the WordPress version.

WordPress will download and install the latest version. After the update is complete, make sure to check your website to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Step 3: Update Themes

Outdated themes can be a security risk and may not be compatible with the latest WordPress version. Here’s how to update your WordPress themes:

1. Go to “Appearance” > “Themes” in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Identify any themes with available updates – they will have an update notification.
3. Click on the theme, then click the “Update Now” button.

Step 4: Update Plugins

WordPress plugins add functionality to your website, but they also require regular updates. To update your plugins:

1. Go to “Plugins” in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Look for plugins with available updates – they will show an update notification.
3. Select the plugins you want to update or click “Select All.”
4. Click the “Update” button.

Step 5: Review and Test Your Website

After updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins, it’s essential to thoroughly review your website to ensure everything is working correctly. Test your website’s functionality, including forms, navigation menus, and any custom features you’ve added.

Step 6: Delete Unused Themes and Plugins

To maintain a clean and secure website, it’s a good practice to delete any unused themes and plugins. These can pose security risks if left unattended.

1. Go to “Appearance” > “Themes” and click the “Theme Details” for unused themes. Then click the “Delete” button.
2. In the “Plugins” section, deactivate and delete any plugins you no longer need.

Step 7: Set Up Automatic Updates (Optional)

To streamline the update process and ensure your website stays up to date automatically, consider configuring automatic updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins. You can do this using plugins like Easy Updates Manager or WP Auto Update.

After the update, check your site to make sure everything is working correctly. If you notice any issues, you can try disabling any recently updated plugins or themes to see if they are causing the problem.

It’s recommended to update your site regularly to ensure it is running on the latest version of WordPress and plugins for security and performance reasons.