How to Update WordPress

In this two-minute video, we will show you how to update WordPress in ten minutes per month.  The updates will cover the WordPress core files as well as themes and plugins.

Always try to use plugins from established sources to reduce software conflict issues and improve user experience.

If Prime Web Design did not build your website, make sure to install a “rollback” plugin like this one.  That way you can rollback a plugin if it’s causing problems.

If we did build your website, we used quality plugins from trusted developers, so you can avoid any potential software conflicts.  We also installed a rollback plugin as a safety back up.

Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your WordPress Website

Here’s how to update your WordPress software, step by step. 

• It’s best to update all software every 30 days at a maximum.  
• Setting a monthly calendar reminder is popular. 
• It takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Updating  WordPress Software, Themes & Plugin Files

1. Open up two tabs in your browser. 
2. On the first tab, open your website.
3. On the second tab, go to your WordPress back-end login page and login there.
4. Go to the Updates page by clicking on Updates in the top-left hand corner of the menu.
5. On this page you can see all the software versions for the WordPress core software, theme and plugins.  It’s best to update WordPress core software, then themes, then plugins.
6. If your WordPress core software needs to be updated, you’ll see an alert at the top of the page advising of a new available update.   If it says “You have the latest version of WordPress.” then your core software is good to go.  Otherwise, update to the newest version of WordPress if available.  
7. On the first browser tab, refresh your website and check for any errors.
8. Scroll to the bottom of the page to the Themes section.
9. Update the themes if needed.  
10. On the first browser tab, refresh your website and check for any errors.   
11. Update any plugins showing on the Updates screen.  You can update all of them at once, a couple at at time or one at a time.  This will depend on the quality of your website and your comfort level.  It’s perfectly ok to update one at a time.
12. After each update, refresh your website and check for any errors.  You may need clear your website cache to get the latest updates to show.

Tech stuff not your cup of tea?

Check out our WordPress Website Maintenance Plans.