## The Ultimate Guide to Upgrading WordPress for Beginners (Infographic Included)
**By Naveed Ahmed**
With over 15 years of experience in the digital world, I’ve seen firsthand how a simple WordPress upgrade can either be a smooth transition or a complete disaster. As a seasoned website builder and content creator, I’ve learned that the key to successful upgrades lies in preparation, understanding, and a bit of caution.
This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to confidently upgrade your WordPress website, making the process simple and stress-free. We’ll cover the why, the how, and the what-ifs, all in a clear, concise, and beginner-friendly manner. And to make things even easier, we’ve included an infographic that visually summarizes the essential steps.
### Why Should You Always Update WordPress?
The simple answer is: **security and performance.** WordPress is a dynamic platform constantly evolving to address new security threats and improve user experience. Here’s a breakdown:
* **Security:** Outdated WordPress versions, plugins, and themes are prime targets for hackers. They exploit vulnerabilities in older versions, leading to potential data breaches, website disruptions, and financial losses. Regularly updating ensures you’re always protected by the latest security patches.
* **Performance:** New WordPress versions often include performance enhancements and speed optimizations, making your website load faster and improving user engagement. A faster website means happier visitors and potentially better SEO rankings.
* **New Features:** Updates introduce exciting new features and functionalities that can enhance your website’s capabilities. These could include improved design elements, enhanced user interaction tools, or new integrations with popular platforms.
Think of WordPress updates as regular maintenance for your car – you wouldn’t skip oil changes or tire rotations, right? Updating WordPress is just as important for keeping your website running smoothly and securely.
### Things to Do Before Updating WordPress
The most important thing you can do before upgrading WordPress is to create a **complete backup.**
**Why is a backup essential?**
Imagine updating your website and suddenly encountering a major error. Your website might become inaccessible, your content could disappear, or even worse, your entire site might get hacked. Having a backup allows you to restore your website to its previous state, minimizing downtime and data loss.
Here’s what a complete WordPress backup should include:
* **WordPress database:** This stores all your website’s content, including posts, pages, comments, user information, and settings.
* **Images and media uploads:** These are the files that make your website visually appealing.
* **WordPress plugins and themes:** These are the tools that add functionality and style to your site.
* **WordPress configuration files:** These control your website’s settings.
* **Core WordPress files:** These form the foundation of your website.
**How to create a backup:**
1. **Manual backup:** You can manually back up your files and database using FTP and phpMyAdmin, but this can be time-consuming and technical.
2. **Backup plugins:** Using a backup plugin is the easiest and most recommended way to create backups. Popular options include:
* **Duplicator:** This plugin allows you to create complete website backups and easily migrate them to a new location.
* **UpdraftPlus:** This plugin offers automated backups, cloud storage options, and easy restore capabilities.
* **BackUpWordPress:** This plugin is known for its simplicity and reliability, offering both manual and scheduled backups.
**Pro Tip:** Once you’ve created a backup, store it in a secure location, such as a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or a separate hard drive. Never rely solely on backups stored on your website’s server, as they could be compromised in a hack.
### Updating WordPress to the Latest Version
Now that you’ve secured your website with a backup, it’s time to upgrade! There are two main methods:
**Method 1: Updating WordPress Using the Built-in System (1-Click)**
This is the simplest and most recommended method for beginners.
1. **Log in to your WordPress dashboard:** Navigate to **Dashboard » Updates**.
2. **Initiate the upgrade:** You’ll see a notification about the new version available. Click the “Update to version X.X.X” button.
3. **Monitor the progress:** WordPress will download and install the latest version for you. You’ll see the update progress on your screen. During this process, your website will enter maintenance mode, meaning users can still visit your site but you can’t install any new plugins or themes.
4. **Complete the update:** Once the update is complete, you’ll be redirected to the WordPress welcome screen. You might see a page explaining new features and updates.
**Method 2: Manually Update WordPress Using FTP**
This method requires a bit more technical knowledge and is only recommended if the built-in system fails.
1. **Download the latest WordPress version:** Head over to the [WordPress download page](https://wordpress.org/download/) and click “Download.”
2. **Extract the zip file:** Your browser will download WordPress as a zip file. Extract it to your computer.
3. **Connect to your website via FTP:** Open your FTP client (FileZilla, Cyberduck, etc.) and connect to your website using the credentials provided by your hosting provider.
4. **Upload the WordPress files:** Navigate to the extracted “wordpress” folder in your local files and upload all files to your website’s root folder (usually “public_html” or your domain name).
* **Important:** You’ll be asked what to do with files that already exist. Select “Overwrite” and check the box for “Always use this action” to ensure the new versions replace the older ones.
5. **Complete the update:** Once the upload is finished, visit your WordPress dashboard. Sometimes, a database update is required. If you see a message prompting a database update, click “Update WordPress Database.”
### Things to Do After Updating WordPress
Once the update is complete, it’s time to test and troubleshoot.
1. **Visit your website:** Open a new browser window and visit your website to ensure everything is working as expected.
2. **Check for compatibility issues:** If you encounter any problems like broken layouts or missing features, it could be a compatibility issue with your theme, plugins, or other tools.
3. **Troubleshoot errors:** If you encounter any errors, refer to our comprehensive guide on [common WordPress errors and their fixes](https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/beginners-guide-to-troubleshooting-wordpress-errors-step-by-step/).
**Pro Tip:** If you’re unsure about troubleshooting, reach out to your hosting provider’s support team or a WordPress developer.
### Expert Guides Related to WordPress Updates
For further guidance and in-depth information, explore these helpful resources:
* **Why You Should Always Use the Latest Version of WordPress:** [https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/why-you-should-always-use-the-latest-version-of-wordpress/](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/why-you-should-always-use-the-latest-version-of-wordpress/)
* **Should I Update WordPress or Plugins First? (Proper Update Order):** [https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/should-i-update-wordpress-or-plugins-first-proper-update-order/](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/should-i-update-wordpress-or-plugins-first-proper-update-order/)
* **How to Check and Update to the Latest WordPress Version:** [https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-check-and-update-to-the-latest-wordpress-version/](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-check-and-update-to-the-latest-wordpress-version/)
* **How to Check for WordPress Security Updates (Beginners Guide):** [https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-check-for-wordpress-security-updates-beginners-guide/](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-check-for-wordpress-security-updates-beginners-guide/)
* **How to Use WordPress Recovery Mode:** [https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-use-wordpress-recovery-mode/](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-use-wordpress-recovery-mode/)
* **How to Better Manage Automatic WordPress Updates:** [https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-better-manage-automatic-wordpress-updates/](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-better-manage-automatic-wordpress-updates/)
* **How to Enable Automatic Updates in WordPress for Major Versions:** [https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-enable-automatic-updates-in-wordpress-for-major-versions/](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-enable-automatic-updates-in-wordpress-for-major-versions/)
* **How to Disable Automatic Updates in WordPress:** [https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-disable-automatic-updates-in-wordpress/](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-disable-automatic-updates-in-wordpress/)
### Conclusion
Upgrading your WordPress website is a crucial aspect of website maintenance. By understanding the reasons behind updates, preparing thoroughly, and following the right steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful upgrade process. Remember, always prioritize security and performance, and never hesitate to seek help from experts if needed.
### FAQs
**Here are some common questions about upgrading WordPress:**
**
What Happens If I Don’t Update WordPress?
**
If you don’t update WordPress, you’re leaving your website vulnerable to security threats, performance issues, and missing out on new features. This can lead to your website being hacked, slow loading times, and a poor user experience.
**
How Often Should I Update WordPress?
**
It’s best to update WordPress as soon as new versions are released. You can set your WordPress to automatically update minor releases, but for major releases, it’s recommended to manually update after testing on a staging site (if available) or performing a full site backup.
**
Can I Update WordPress Without a Backup?
**
While it’s possible, it’s highly discouraged. If something goes wrong during the update, you could lose your entire website. Always create a backup before updating, and store it in a secure location.
**
Will Updating WordPress Break My Website?
**
It’s unlikely that updating WordPress itself will break your website. However, updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues with your theme, plugins, or other tools. This is why testing after the update is crucial.
**
What If I Encounter Errors After Updating WordPress?
**
Don’t panic! Most errors can be fixed. First, check your website for any obvious issues. If you’re unsure about troubleshooting, reach out to your hosting provider’s support team or a WordPress developer. You can also refer to the WordPress troubleshooting guide for common errors and their solutions.
**
Can I Roll Back to a Previous Version of WordPress?
**
Yes, you can roll back to a previous version of WordPress if necessary. However, this is usually only recommended if you encounter major problems after updating and you have a recent backup. Consult with your hosting provider or a WordPress developer for guidance on rolling back.
**
What About Updating Plugins and Themes?
**
It’s essential to keep your plugins and themes updated as well. They often receive security patches and bug fixes. You can update plugins and themes from the “Plugins” and “Appearance” sections of your WordPress dashboard.
**
How Can I Enable Automatic Updates for WordPress?
**
You can enable automatic updates for minor WordPress releases. Go to “Dashboard » Settings » General” and check the box next to “Automatic updates.” You can choose to update the entire site or just the core files. For major releases, it’s generally recommended to manually update.
**
What is a Staging Site and How Can It Help With Updates?
**
A staging site is a copy of your live website that you can use for testing purposes. This allows you to test updates, new plugins, or theme changes without affecting your live website. If you encounter problems on the staging site, you can fix them before going live. Many hosting providers offer staging environments.
If you’re interested in learning more about tech news and WordPress updates, feel free to visit my website: [www.naveedahmed.me](https://www.naveedahmed.me). Happy updating!