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This article describes how to update a WordPress site manually.
There are other ways to update WordPress:
  • You can update WordPress using Softaculous. For information about how to do this, please see this article.
  • You can update WordPress using the command line. For information about how do this, please see this article.

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Updating WordPress manually

You should update a WordPress installation frequently to ensure it is running the latest version. There are several reasons for this:
  • Security: WordPress updates contain fixes that patch security vulnerabilities. One of the most important things you can do to maintain a more secure WordPress site is apply updates regularly.
  • Stability: WordPress updates contain fixes that patch bugs and other issues. Your site is more stable when you apply the latest updates.
  • New features: WordPress is continually improving, and by running the latest version, you have access to the latest features and functionality.
To update WordPress, follow these steps:
  1. Log in to WordPress as the administrator.
  2. In the left sidebar, click Dashboard, and when updates are available, the number of updates are indicated in a red circle:
    WordPress dashboard - updates
  3. Click Updates. WordPress displays any updates available for the WordPress core installation, plugins, and themes:
  • To update WordPress, click Upgrade Automatically.
  • To update plugins, select the plugin or plugins that you want to update, and then click Update Plugins.
  • To update themes, select the theme or themes that you want to update, and then click Update Themes.
  1. To keep the WordPress site updated automatically, click the Switch to automatic updates… link:
The previous procedure describes how to update WordPress manually. However, you can configure WordPress sites for automatic updates by combining cron jobs and the WP-CLI program. For information about how to do this, please see this article.