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Updating your WordPress site is essential for security, performance, and new features. However, a manual update can seem risky, especially if you’re concerned about potential downtime or errors. This guide will walk you through the safest way to perform a manual WordPress update without risking your site’s availability.
Preparation Before Updating
Before making any changes, it’s crucial to prepare your site. Start by backing up your entire website, including the database and files. Use a reliable backup plugin or your hosting provider’s backup tools. This ensures you can restore your site if anything goes wrong during the update.
Next, check your current WordPress version and review the update notes on the official WordPress website. Make sure your plugins and themes are compatible with the new version to prevent conflicts.
Manual Update Process
Follow these steps to manually update WordPress safely:
- Connect to your website via FTP or File Manager in your hosting control panel.
- Download the latest WordPress package from the official website.
- Deactivate caching plugins and enable maintenance mode to prevent visitors from seeing errors.
- Delete the old wp-includes and wp-admin folders from your site.
- Upload the new wp-includes and wp-admin folders from the downloaded package.
- Replace the root WordPress files, including wp-config.php and wp-login.php, with the new versions, but do not overwrite your wp-content folder.
- Run the WordPress update script by visiting yoursite.com/wp-admin/upgrade.php in your browser.
- Reactivate your plugins and themes, then disable maintenance mode.
Final Checks and Tips
After completing the update, verify that your site functions correctly. Check the front end and admin area for any issues. Clear your cache and test on different devices if possible.
Regular updates are vital for security, but always update during low-traffic hours to minimize impact. Remember, a well-prepared backup is your safety net in case you need to revert.