How often should I update WordPress?
These are very popular question even we get asked when working with WordPress clients.
How often should I update WordPress / Should I update WordPress to the latest version? How often should I run plugin updates?
It goes without saying but with each new release of WordPress, developers fix bugs add/remove features, patch security vulnerabilities and enhance compatibility. Therefore by not updating WordPress you’re not only putting your website as risk but potentially missing out on new features.
How do you know if a WordPress update is available?
Log in to your WordPress dashboard and you’ll see a red circle within the Dashboard section. Take a look at our features image for an example of what to look for.
How should I go about updating WordPress?
Firstly NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE UPDATE, ensure your website is backed up. If you do not have a regular hosting backup solution (recommended) there are 3rd party plugins available. Have a look at the list below for a good starting point or read out full article on the top 5 best backup solutions for WordPress.
Once you are confident you have your backup and you can confidently jump back in time, press the scary update button. If you have various updates and you’re not overly experienced with WordPress configurations do ONE update at a time. After each update check the site is still live and you’re not presented with the scary “White Screen of Death” or that you’re stuck in “WordPress maintenance mode”. To resolve these “scary” incidents have a read of this article.