How do I update WordPress to the latest version?

Procédure

WordPress updates fix security vulnerabilities and bugs, and can also add new features. They apply to the WordPress core, as well as to the extensions and themes installed on your site.

This guide explains how to perform these updates 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 files and database. This will allow you to restore the previous state if an update causes an incompatibility.

Access available updates

1. Log in to your WordPress site administration.
   
2. In the menu on the left, click Dashboard (1), then Updates (2).
   

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

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

Update WordPress

When WordPress offers a new version, it appears at the top of the Updates page.

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

Once installation is complete, WordPress may ask you to update its database. If so, click Update WordPress Database, then follow the instructions displayed.

Update extensions

Extensions add features to your site. They should also be updated regularly.

1. From Dashboard > Updates, scroll down to the Extensions section.
2. Check the extensions you want to update.
   
3. Click Update extensions.
4. Wait for WordPress to confirm that each update succeeded.
   

When several extensions are offered, update them in small groups. This will make it easier to identify the extension involved if a problem occurs.

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

Update themes

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

1. From Dashboard > Updates, find the Themes section.
2. Check the theme or themes to update.
   
3. Click Update themes.
4. Wait until the message confirming the operation has finished appears.

If WordPress also offers a translation update, you can install it from the corresponding section. This updates the interface text in your site’s language.

Check that everything works

After the updates:

1. Go back to Dashboard > Updates and check that the relevant items are marked as up to date.
2. Open your site in a new tab.
3. Check the home page, menu, main pages, and forms.
4. If your site is an online store, also test the cart and placing an order without completing payment.
5. Clear the cache of WordPress and your browser if the old display is still visible.

Common issues

I do not see any updates

Your site may already be using the latest available versions. Click Check again from the Dashboard > Updates page.

Also make sure 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 an FTP client. Delete only the file named .maintenance, located in the main WordPress directory, then reload the site.

WordPress is asking me for FTP credentials

Enter the FTP credentials associated with your hosting account. WordPress needs them when it cannot directly modify the site files.

If you do not know these credentials, see the help corresponding to your panel to find them or change their password.

My site shows an error after the update

Do not launch any other updates.

If the WordPress administration area is still accessible, disable the extension that was updated just before the problem appeared. Also check that the PHP version used by your hosting is compatible with WordPress, your theme, and your extensions.

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

The changes are not visible

Clear the cache of your cache extension, then refresh your browser cache. If your hosting also uses a cache system, purge it from your panel.