You most certainly want to access the latest features. To keep your WordPress site safe and secure. Keep it updated with the latest update.
Are you not sure how to update WordPress safely?
The core of WordPress is automatically updating, but how can you do this manually?
For many users it is a lot of constant work to keep updated, safe and secure
Are you not sure how to update WordPress safely?
If you’re not sure how to update WordPress safely, we have a few resources to help you out. The first is our Update Guide, which will walk you through the process step-by-step. You can also watch one of our Update Videos, which show you how to update both manually and automatically.
Finally, if you’re still having trouble, you can always contact our support team and we’ll be happy to help.
The core of WordPress is automatically updating, but how can you do this manually?
For many users it is a lot of constant work to keep updated, safe and secure. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy ways to automate the update process. You can use one of our Update Plugins to update automatically, or you can use a service like Update Services to take care of it for you.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to always back up your site before updating. That way, if something goes wrong, you can easily restore your site to its previous state.
Updates 101: What You Need to Know
There are few 101s you need to know about updates before you start the process.
First, it’s important to know that there are three types of updates: major, minor, and security. Major updates are usually released once or twice a year and include new features and functionality. Minor updates are smaller in scope and are released more frequently (usually every few weeks). Security updates are also released frequently and address specific security issues.
Second, you need to decide whether you want to update automatically or manually. Update automatically if you want the process to be completely hands-off, or update manually if you want more control over when and how your site is updated.
Finally, it’s important to always create a backup of your site before updating. That way, if something goes wrong, you can easily restore your site to its previous state.
With that said, let’s get started!
How Quickly Should You Apply WordPress Updates?
Now we know that there are three different types of updates – how fast should you then apply them on your website?
Ideally, you should apply WordPress updates as soon as they’re available. That way, you can take advantage of new features and functionality, and keep your site safe and secure.
Of course, that’s not always possible. If you can’t update right away, aim to apply updates within a week or two of their release. And if you’re more than a month behind on updates, it’s time to play catch-up!
Why does WordPress Automatically Apply Updates?
But why do WordPress Automatically apply updates, if you doesn’t disable it? Well, there is some good reason and some not so good side effects.
The good reason is that it helps keep your site safe and secure by applying the latest security fixes as soon as they’re available. The not-so-good side effects is that it can sometimes break things (which is why you should always create a backup before updating).
All in all, we think the good outweighs the bad when it comes to automatic updates. But if you want more control over when and how your site is updated, you can always update manually.
How to Properly Prepare to Update WordPress
So, properly preparing for updating your WordPress site while using GMEngine is fairly simple. But it is always a good idea to create a backup before each update. It can be done through the tool Duplicator Pro. Duplicator is a plugin that helps you create a complete backup of your WordPress site.
With Duplicator Pro, you can easily create a full backup of your WordPress site in just a few clicks. Plus, it gives you the ability to schedule automatic backups, so you never have to worry about forgetting to back up your site again.
Once you have Duplicator Pro installed and activated, creating a backup is simple – find our guide here.
How to Update WordPress core manually
So, now we have taken the backup as expected but how do you Update WordPress manually?
It’s actually pretty easy through the WordPress backend on your website. Click on Dashboard, and choose Updates. On the Update WordPress page, select Update Now. WordPress will then download the latest files and update your site automatically.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully updated WordPress manually.
What if Something Goes Wrong After Updating?
If something does go wrong after updating, don’t panic! The first thing you should do is restore your backup. As long as you create a backup before updating, you can easily revert back to an earlier version of your site if something goes wrong.
How to Update WordPress Themes and Plugins
But, what about the plugins and Themes. It is actually simple, as we have enabled WS_METHOD for direct updates. In the backend, you should see a notice that there is an update available.
Click on Update Themes or Update Plugins, and then select Update Now. WordPress will then download the latest files and update your site automatically.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully updated WordPress themes and plugins manually.
Receive Email Notifications for Available Plugin Updates
You can receive an email notification for avilable plugin updates by following these simple steps:
In the backend of your site, go to Settings > Update Notifications.
Then, select the plugins you want to receive notifications for and enter your email address.
Click on Save Changes, and you’re all set! You will now receive an email notification whenever there is an update available for the plugins you selected.
How to Update PHP for WordPress
Using PHP 7.4 and wanting to upgrade to PHP 8.0? This can be done through GMEngines backend, by logging into your account. Click Domains, and select the domain name.
Click Settings, and change the PHP version.
Boom! In few seconds the PHP installation below your website have now changed, it took only few seconds.
Conclusion
As you can see, updating WordPress is actually pretty easy – whether you do it automatically or manually. Just remember to always create a backup before updating, so you can easily revert back to an earlier version if something goes wrong. And if you need any help, our guide on restoring to an earlier stage can be found here. Thanks for reading!
Now we know how to Update WordPress Safely both Automatically and Manually as well as when should we Update Plugins, Themes and finally our WordPress Core. We also looked into how we can upgrade your PHP version through GMEngine’s backend. Stay tuned for more interesting articles. Bye!
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