How to Enable Automatic Updates in WordPress for Major Releases: A Comprehensive Guide

By Naveed Ahmed, WordPress Expert with 15 years of experience.

Keeping your WordPress website up-to-date is crucial for its security, performance, and overall health. While WordPress automatically handles minor updates in the background, major version updates often require manual intervention. This can be a hassle for website owners who may not be tech-savvy or simply lack the time to manage these updates. However, enabling automatic updates for major WordPress releases can streamline your workflow and ensure your website is always running on the latest and greatest version.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of enabling automatic updates in WordPress for major releases. I’ll cover everything from the importance of staying updated to the different methods you can use to enable automatic updates. I’ll also address common FAQs and provide expert tips to help you make the most of this feature.

Let’s dive in!

Why Automatic Updates for Major WordPress Releases Are Essential

Here are some compelling reasons why you should prioritize enabling automatic updates for major WordPress releases:

• Enhanced Security: Major WordPress updates often include critical security patches that fix vulnerabilities exploited by hackers. Automatic updates ensure your website is protected against the latest threats.
• Improved Performance: New WordPress versions often bring performance enhancements that can speed up your website and make it more efficient. Automatic updates ensure you benefit from these improvements.
• Access to New Features: WordPress is constantly evolving, introducing new features and functionality that can enhance your website’s capabilities. Automatic updates provide you with access to these new features without the need to manually install them.
• Simplified Website Management: Enabling automatic updates eliminates the need to manually update your WordPress core, freeing up your time and energy to focus on other aspects of your website.

I strongly recommend enabling automatic updates for major WordPress releases. It’s a simple yet powerful step you can take to protect your website, improve its performance, and simplify your workflow.

How WordPress Automatic Updates Work

The automatic updates feature in WordPress was first introduced in version 3.7. Initially, it focused on automatically installing minor updates, which are typically security patches and small bug fixes. These updates are designed to be non-disruptive and are applied in the background without requiring user interaction.

While automatic updates for minor releases are generally considered safe, major version updates often introduce larger changes, which can sometimes cause compatibility issues with plugins or themes. For this reason, automatic updates for major versions were initially disabled by default.

However, with the increasing frequency and importance of major WordPress updates, the ability to enable automatic updates for major versions has become a valuable feature. It allows website owners to stay current without the need for manual intervention.

Preparing for Automatic Updates in WordPress

Before you enable automatic updates for major WordPress releases, it’s crucial to take a few preventative measures to ensure a smooth transition.

• Create a Backup: Always create a backup of your entire WordPress website before installing any updates, whether major or minor. This ensures that you can revert to a previous version if an update causes any unexpected issues. There are several excellent WordPress backup plugins available, such as Duplicator, which is free and very user-friendly.
• Test on a Staging Environment: If you have a staging site (a copy of your live website where you can test changes before deploying them), it’s highly recommended to install the update on your staging site first. This allows you to see how the update affects your website and identify any potential compatibility problems.
• Review Plugin and Theme Compatibility: Before installing a major WordPress update, it’s a good idea to check for compatibility with your current plugins and themes. You can do this by checking the plugin or theme documentation or by visiting the developer’s website.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly minimize the risks associated with major WordPress updates and ensure a smooth transition.

Methods to Enable Automatic Updates for Major WordPress Releases

Now, let’s explore the various methods you can use to enable automatic updates for major WordPress releases. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs and comfort level.

Method 1: Enable Automatic Updates from the Dashboard » Updates Page

This is the easiest and most straightforward method for enabling automatic updates. Here’s how it works:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Dashboard » Updates.
3. On the Updates page, you’ll see a message indicating that your site is automatically kept up to date with maintenance and security releases only.
4. Click the link labeled “Enable automatic updates for all new versions of WordPress.”

Once you click the link, WordPress will enable automatic updates for all new versions of WordPress, including major releases. If you ever want to disable automatic updates for major releases, simply return to the Updates page and click the link that says “Switch to automatic updates for maintenance and security releases only.”

Method 2: Enable Automatic WordPress Updates Using a Plugin

Using a plugin gives you more granular control over what updates are automatically installed. This can be particularly useful if you only want to enable automatic updates for certain components of your website, such as the WordPress core, plugins, or themes. Here’s a popular plugin that can help:

1. Install and Activate the Easy Updates Manager plugin: You can find the plugin in the WordPress Plugin Directory or install it directly from your dashboard.
2. Configure the Plugin: After activating the plugin, visit Dashboard » Updates Options.
3. Enable Auto Updates: Under the “WordPress core updates” section, click the “Auto update all releases” button.

The Easy Updates Manager plugin will automatically save your settings and start installing major WordPress updates automatically. You can also use this plugin to enable automatic updates for your plugins and themes, giving you complete control over the updates process.

Method 3: Manually Enable Automatic Updates in WordPress

This method involves adding a snippet of code to your WordPress files. It’s more technical, but it gives you the ultimate level of control. Here’s how to do it:

1. Access your wp-config.php file: You can do this using an FTP client or your website’s file manager.
2. Add the following line of code:

   “`php
   define( ‘WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE’, true );
   “`

3. Save the changes: After adding the code, save the wp-config.php file and upload it back to your website.

This code will enable automatic updates for major WordPress releases. However, it will also enable what are called “nightly updates” or “nightlies,” which are development versions of WordPress that may contain bugs. To prevent nightly updates from being installed, you need to add another line of code to your theme’s functions.php file. You can either add the code directly or use a code snippets plugin such as WPCode.

Here’s the code to disable nightly updates:

“`php
add_filter( ‘allow_dev_auto_core_updates’, ‘__return_false’ );
“`

Once you’ve added both code snippets, WordPress will automatically install major releases but will not install nightly updates.

Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress Automatic Updates

Here are some of the most common questions I receive about automatic updates in WordPress:

Why Do I Need to Install WordPress Updates?

WordPress is a constantly evolving platform, and updates are crucial for keeping your website secure and functional. Updates typically include:

• Security patches to fix vulnerabilities and protect your website from hackers.
• Performance enhancements to speed up your website and improve its efficiency.
• New features and functionalities that can enhance your website’s capabilities.
• Bug fixes to address issues that may have been discovered in previous versions.

By installing updates regularly, you’re ensuring that your website is always running on the latest and greatest version, which provides the best security, performance, and functionality.

Are WordPress Updates Safe for My Website?

Yes, WordPress updates are generally safe for your website. The WordPress core team and the vast community of developers take great care to ensure that updates are thoroughly tested before being released. However, as with any software update, there is always a small risk of encountering compatibility issues with your plugins or themes.

That’s why it’s important to follow the steps we outlined earlier in this article to prepare for updates, including creating backups and testing on a staging site.

Can I Also Automatically Update WordPress Plugins?

By default, WordPress requires you to manually update plugins. However, you can enable automatic updates for plugins as well. This is a valuable feature that can help streamline your workflow and ensure your plugins are always up-to-date.

You can enable automatic plugin updates through your WordPress dashboard under Plugins » Plugin Updates. You can choose to automatically update all plugins or just specific plugins.

Can I Install Updates on All My Websites from a Single Dashboard?

If you manage multiple WordPress websites, manually updating each one can be time-consuming. Fortunately, there are tools available that allow you to manage multiple WordPress sites from a single dashboard. These tools make it easier to install updates on all your websites simultaneously, saving you time and effort.

Some popular tools for managing multiple WordPress sites include:

• ManageWP: A comprehensive website management platform that offers features for managing updates, backups, security, and more.
• MainWP: Another popular website management platform with similar features to ManageWP.
• WP-CLI: A command-line interface for WordPress that allows you to manage multiple websites using scripts.

What if I’m Using a Managed WordPress Hosting Provider?

If you’re using a managed WordPress hosting provider, such as WP Engine or Flywheel, automatic updates are often handled for you. These providers have dedicated teams that monitor WordPress updates and ensure they are installed on your website in a safe and timely manner.

However, it’s still a good practice to check with your hosting provider to confirm their update policies and understand how they handle major version updates.

What Happens If I Disable Automatic Updates?

If you disable automatic updates, you’ll need to manually update WordPress whenever a new version is released. This can be time-consuming and may leave your website vulnerable to security threats if you delay updates.

However, there are situations where disabling automatic updates may be necessary, such as:

• If you’re testing a major update on a staging site: It’s a good idea to disable automatic updates on your staging site while you’re testing the update. This ensures that you have complete control over when the update is installed.
• If you’re experiencing compatibility issues: If a major update causes compatibility issues with your plugins or themes, you may need to disable automatic updates until the issues are resolved.

What If I’m Using a Plugin or Theme That’s Not Compatible with the Latest WordPress Version?

It’s possible that a plugin or theme you’re using may not be compatible with the latest WordPress version. If this happens, you’ll need to contact the plugin or theme developer to see if they have a compatible version available. If not, you may need to find a replacement plugin or theme.

How Can I Get Notified About New WordPress Updates?

WordPress provides built-in email notifications for updates. You can configure these notifications in your WordPress dashboard under Settings » General. You’ll also receive notifications about updates through your dashboard’s Updates page.

What Happens to My Website During a WordPress Update?

WordPress updates are designed to be as non-disruptive as possible. However, there may be a brief period of downtime while the update is being installed. This downtime is typically very short, often only a few seconds or minutes.

If you’re using a managed WordPress hosting provider, they may even be able to install updates without any downtime at all.

Should I Update WordPress or Plugins First?

It’s generally recommended to update WordPress core first, then update your plugins. This ensures that your plugins are compatible with the latest WordPress version and that any potential conflicts are identified early on.

However, if you’re using a plugin that is known to cause issues with WordPress updates, it’s a good idea to update the plugin first. You can check the plugin’s documentation or visit the developer’s website for information about compatibility.

Expert Guides on WordPress Updates

If you’re interested in learning more about WordPress updates, I recommend checking out these resources:

• Why You Should Always Use the Latest Version of WordPress: This article discusses the benefits of staying up-to-date with the latest version of WordPress.
• Beginner’s Guide: How to Safely Update WordPress (Infographic): This infographic provides a visual guide to safely updating your WordPress website.
• How to Check for WordPress Security Updates (Beginners Guide): This article explains how to check for security updates and how to install them safely.
• How to Better Manage Automatic WordPress Updates: This article provides tips for managing automatic updates and ensuring they are installed smoothly.
• How to Check and Update to the Latest WordPress Version: This article explains how to check for new WordPress versions and how to manually update your website.
• How to Setup Email Notifications for WordPress Updates: This article explains how to set up email notifications for WordPress updates so you can be notified as soon as they are available.
• How to Disable Automatic Updates in WordPress: This article explains how to disable automatic updates if you need to manually update your website.
• Should I Update WordPress or Plugins First? (Proper Update Order): This article discusses the proper update order for WordPress core and plugins.
• How to Properly Update WordPress Plugins (Step by Step): This article provides a step-by-step guide to updating your WordPress plugins safely.
• How to Enable Automatic Updates for WordPress Plugins and Themes: This article explains how to enable automatic updates for your plugins and themes.

Conclusion

Enabling automatic updates for major WordPress releases is a simple yet effective way to keep your website secure, performant, and up-to-date. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily enable automatic updates and streamline your website management workflow.

Remember, staying current with WordPress updates is essential for the long-term health and success of your website.

If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.

FAQs

What happens if I have a custom theme or a lot of plugins?

If you have a custom theme or a large number of plugins, it’s even more important to test updates on a staging environment before applying them to your live website. This allows you to identify any potential compatibility issues early on and minimize downtime.

Can I schedule automatic updates for specific times?

You can’t directly schedule automatic updates for specific times. However, you can use plugins like Easy Updates Manager to set update intervals, such as updating during off-peak hours to minimize potential downtime.

What if I don’t have a staging site?

If you don’t have a staging site, you can still test updates by creating a backup of your website before installing the update. If you encounter any issues, you can restore your website from the backup. However, this method can be more time-consuming and may require more technical knowledge.

What are the risks of enabling automatic updates?

The primary risk associated with automatic updates is the potential for compatibility issues with your plugins or themes. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, such as creating backups and testing on a staging site, you can minimize these risks.

What are some good ways to monitor my website after enabling automatic updates?

After enabling automatic updates, it’s a good idea to monitor your website closely for any unexpected issues. You can check your website’s performance using tools like Google Analytics. You can also monitor your website’s security by using a security plugin like Wordfence.

Do I need to enable automatic updates for every WordPress website I own?

It’s a good idea to enable automatic updates for all of your WordPress websites. This ensures that all of your websites are secure and up-to-date. However, you may want to consider disabling automatic updates for websites that are not live or that are under development.

Is there a way to automatically update my plugins and themes as well?

Yes, you can enable automatic updates for your plugins and themes as well. This is a great way to streamline your workflow and ensure that your website is always running on the latest versions of everything.

How do I know if my plugins and themes are compatible with the latest WordPress version?

You can check the plugin or theme documentation or visit the developer’s website to see if they have a compatible version available. You can also use a plugin like WordPress Update Checker to see if any of your plugins or themes need updating.

How often should I check for updates?

It’s a good idea to check for updates regularly, at least once a week. You can do this through your WordPress dashboard’s Updates page.

What if I have a problem with a WordPress update?

If you have a problem with a WordPress update, you can try to revert to a previous version. You can do this by restoring your website from a backup. You can also contact your hosting provider for assistance.

I hope this guide has been helpful in explaining how to enable automatic updates in WordPress for major releases. Remember, staying current with updates is a critical aspect of maintaining a secure, efficient, and successful website.