How do I update WordPress to the latest version?

Procédure

WordPress updates fix security vulnerabilities, bugs, and can bring new features. [PERSON_NAME], but also the extensions and themes installed on your site.

This guide explains how to perform [PERSON_NAME] from the WordPress dashboard and how to check that your site is working properly after the operation.

Before you begin

You must have a WordPress account with the Administrator role.

Also create a recent backup of your site’s files and database. This will allow you to revert to the previous state if an update causes incompatibility.

Access available updates

1. Log in to the administration area of your WordPress site.
   
2. In the menu on the left, click [PERSON_NAME] (1), then Updates (2).
   

This page brings together the available updates for WordPress, extensions, themes, and translations.

You can click Check again if an announced update does not yet appear.

Update WordPress

[PERSON_NAME] offers a new version, it appears at the top of the Updates page.

1. [PERSON_NAME] the section dedicated to the WordPress update.
   
2. Click Update now or the button showing the version to install.
3. Wait while the new version is downloaded and installed.

Once installation is complete, WordPress may ask you to update [ADDRESS]. In that case, click Update the WordPress database, then follow the displayed instructions.

Update plugins

Plugins add features to your site. [PERSON_NAME] must also be updated regularly.

1. From Dashboard > [PERSON_NAME] updated, scroll [ADDRESS] page to the Plugins section.
2. Select the plugins you want to update.
   
3. Click Update plugins.
4. Wait for WordPress to confirm that each update was successful.
   

When several plugins are proposed, update them in small groups. This will make it easier to identify the plugin concerned if a problem appears.

A premium plugin may require an active license to receive its updates. If no new version is offered, check the license in the plugin settings.

Update themes

Installed themes can be updated from the same page, whether they are active or not.

1. From Dashboard > [PERSON_NAME] updated, [PERSON_NAME] Themes.
2. Select the theme or themes to update.
   
3. Click Update themes.
4. [ADDRESS] until the message confirming the operation is complete appears.

[PERSON_NAME] also offers a translation update, you can install it from the corresponding section. This operation updates the interface texts in the language of your site.

[PERSON_NAME] everything works

After the updates:

1. Go back to Dashboard > [PERSON_NAME] updated and check that the items concerned are marked [PERSON_NAME]>
2. Open your site in a new tab.
3. Check the homepage, the menu, the main pages, and the forms.
4. [PERSON_NAME] your site is an online store, also test the cart and placing an order without completing payment.
5. Clear the WordPress cache and your browser cache if [PERSON_NAME] is still visible.

Common issues

I do not see any updates

[PERSON_NAME] site may already be using the latest available versions. Click Check again from the Dashboard > [PERSON_NAME] updated page.

Also check that your WordPress account has the Administrator role.

My site stays in maintenance mode

Wait a few minutes and refresh the page.

If the message “Unavailable due to maintenance” remains displayed, connect to your hosting files with the file manager or FTP software. Delete only the file named .maintenance, located in the main WordPress directory, then reload the site.

WordPress asks me for FTP credentials

[PERSON_NAME] FTP credentials associated with your hosting. WordPress needs them when it cannot modify the site files directly.

[PERSON_NAME] do not know these credentials, consult the help corresponding to your panel [PERSON_NAME] or change their password.

My site displays an error after the update

Do not start [PERSON_NAME]>

If the WordPress administration area is still accessible, disable the updated plugin just before the problem appeared. Also check that the PHP version used by your hosting is compatible with WordPress, [PERSON_NAME] extensions.

If the problem persists, restore the backup created before the update.

The changes are not visible

Clear your caching plugin’s cache, then refresh your browser cache. If your hosting also uses a caching system, purge it from your panel.