How to Check and Update to the Latest WordPress Version (2023)
Are you running the most current version of WordPress? If not, you could be missing out on important security fixes, performance improvements, and exciting new features.
With WordPress powering over 43% of all websites, it‘s a prime target for hackers and malware. Each new WordPress release includes patches for recently discovered vulnerabilities, making it crucial to keep your site updated.
Beyond security, updates often include backend enhancements to make WordPress run faster and smoother. They also add compatibility for newer PHP and MySQL versions.
And let‘s not forget about those shiny new features! WordPress 6.1, released in November 2022, included a revamped block editor, more template options, and improved accessibility. The upcoming WordPress 6.2, expected in March 2023, will bring even more goodies.
Luckily, checking and updating your WordPress version is easy. Here‘s a step-by-step guide to keeping your site current and secure in 2023.
How to Check Your Current WordPress Version
First, log in to your WordPress dashboard. Once there, look in the bottom right corner for a line that says "Thank you for creating with WordPress!" followed by a version number. That‘s the version you have installed.
You can also visit Dashboard > Updates to see if WordPress core is labeled as up-to-date.
Still not sure? Install the free Site Health plugin. In the Site Health screen under the Status tab, you‘ll see your current WordPress version listed.
It‘s a good idea to check this regularly to catch any available updates. If your version is more than a few months old, or if a one-click update is showing in your dashboard, it‘s time to update.
How to Safely Update WordPress
I know what you‘re thinking – updating sounds a bit scary. What if something breaks? Don‘t worry, updating is typically a smooth process, especially if you follow some best practices:
- Backup, backup, backup
Before doing any updates, it‘s crucial to fully back up your WordPress files and database. That way, if anything goes wrong, you can quickly restore your site to its previous state.
There are a few ways to backup:
- Use a WordPress backup plugin like UpdraftPlus, BackWPup, or Jetpack Backup
- Use your web host‘s built-in backup tool, if they offer one
- Manually export your database via phpMyAdmin and download your WordPress files via FTP
Store a copy of your backup off-site, either on your computer or a cloud storage service, just in case.
- Update your plugins and themes too
Before updating WordPress itself, make sure your plugins and themes are all up-to-date and compatible with the newest WordPress release. Out-of-date extensions are a common cause of issues after updates.
Go to Dashboard > Updates and update any plugins or themes listed there. If your theme doesn‘t have an update available, check the developer‘s website to see if they‘ve tested it with the latest WordPress version.
- Update WordPress core
With an off-site backup and everything else updated, you‘re ready to update WordPress itself. Go to Dashboard > Updates. If a new WordPress version is found, you‘ll see a notice to "Update Now". Click that button to start.
WordPress will enter maintenance mode and the update process will run. You‘ll see a progress bar as WordPress downloads and installs the new files. Don‘t navigate away from this page until it‘s done.
After a few moments, you should see a "WordPress updated successfully" message. That‘s it! Click the "Continue" link to go back to your dashboard.
- Test your site
After updating, give your site a thorough check to make sure everything still looks and functions as it should. Click through your most important pages and test key features like forms, sliders, or ecommerce checkout.
If you notice any issues, turn to the plugin or theme developer first. They may have already addressed that issue in their support forums or documentation.
If the problem persists, you can restore your pre-update backup to revert your site. Then contact the developer or your web host‘s support team for assistance.
Keeping WordPress Updated Automatically
Don‘t want to manually check for updates? Good news: WordPress has your back. By default, WordPress installs minor security and maintenance updates automatically.
This is a safe default since those minor updates rarely break anything. It ensures your site stays secure even if you‘re not checking in regularly.
However, major updates to WordPress core, like version 6.1 to 6.2, are not automatic by default. You can enable auto-updates for major versions by installing the free Easy Updates Manager plugin. It lets you set exactly what updates to allow or disable.
Prefer to keep major updates manual? Instead of auto-updating, you can get notified by email when new versions are available. Install the free WP Updates Notifier plugin to get email notifications about new updates so you remember to update.
Advanced users can also set up auto-updates via code. Add this line to your wp-config.php file to allow all core updates:
define( ‘WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE‘, true );
Or to allow only minor core updates:
define( ‘WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE‘, ‘minor‘ );
I recommend enabling automatic updates in most cases, but there are some exceptions. If you have a complex, mission-critical site with lots of custom code, you may want to keep updates manual and test them thoroughly first.
Properly Testing WordPress Updates
Speaking of testing updates, let‘s talk about how to do that safely. It‘s always smart to test major updates on a separate development site before applying them to your live site.
The best way is to create a staging site – an exact copy of your live site in a separate environment. Most managed WordPress hosts like WP Engine, Flywheel, and Kinsta offer one-click staging. If yours doesn‘t, you can create one manually:
- Manually backup your WordPress files and database
- Create a new WordPress installation in a subfolder like /staging
- Import the database backup into the staging site‘s database
- Update the staging site‘s wp-config.php file to use the new database
- Copy your live WordPress files, plugins, and themes into the staging folder
An even easier option is to use the free WP Staging plugin. It can create a staging clone of your site with a few clicks.
With your staging site set up, you can thoroughly test how WordPress updates will behave before applying them to your production site. Run the update on staging first, then click through to make sure nothing breaks. If all looks well, you can confidently update your live site.
Staging sites are also handy for testing other changes like new plugins and themes. It‘s the safest way to experiment without affecting your real site.
The Bleeding Edge: WordPress Nightly Builds
For advanced users who want to test the absolute latest development code, WordPress offers nightly builds. These are beta releases that include work-in-progress features and fixes.
Installing a nightly build lets you access upcoming changes before everyone else, but they are not stable enough for production. Only install them on a local or staging test site.
To use nightly builds, install the WordPress Beta Tester plugin. It will replace your WordPress core files with the latest nightly build and continue to update them each night.
After testing, you can report any bugs you find to help improve WordPress. And be sure to leave the plugin deactivated on your live production site.
Stay Up-to-Date for Success
Checking and updating your WordPress version is an essential part of running a successful, secure WordPress site. Updates safeguard your site from threats, enhance your dashboard experience, and ensure compatibility with the latest web technologies.
By following this guide and making updates part of your regular site maintenance process, you‘ll keep your WordPress site in tip-top shape for 2023 and beyond. Don‘t put off those updates – install them safely and enjoy that peace of mind.
