How to check for and install WordPress updates in WordPress Admin Print

Keeping WordPress, plugins and themes updated helps protect your website and keeps it working correctly. This guide explains how to check for updates and install them from your WordPress dashboard.

Before you start: sign in with a WordPress Administrator account and make a current backup of both your website files and database. Confirm that you know how to restore it. Use a staging copy for major changes or websites with important bookings, payments or other business functions.

The images below are illustrative examples with dummy website, plugin and theme names. Colours, wording and available controls may vary on your website.

1. Sign in and check for updates

1. Open your normal WordPress login page, usually https://example.com/wp-admin/. Replace example.com with your domain, including any subdirectory where WordPress is installed.
2. Sign in, then choose Dashboard > Updates in the left menu.
3. Click Check again if shown to refresh the available updates.
4. Review the WordPress, Plugins and Themes sections. Some sites also show translation updates.

Example: open Dashboard > Updates, then refresh the list.

Choose a suitable order: review the compatibility information and release notes. If the updates support your current WordPress version, you can update plugins and themes first, then WordPress. If an update requires a newer WordPress version, update WordPress first and return to the remaining updates.

2. Update your plugins

1. In the Plugins section, tick the plugins you want to update.
2. For easier troubleshooting, update one plugin at a time and check the website between updates. You can use Select All when appropriate.
3. Click Update Plugins and wait for the completion message.

Example: select the plugins, then click Update Plugins.

You can also update an individual plugin from Plugins > Installed Plugins using its update now link. Paid plugins may need an active licence or subscription before their updates become available.

3. Update your themes

1. Return to Dashboard > Updates and find the Themes section.
2. Tick the themes you want to update, then click Update Themes.
3. Wait for the completion message and check the website’s appearance.

Custom theme changes: updates can overwrite edits made directly to theme files. If your developer has customised these files, check with them before updating. A properly configured child theme helps keep custom changes separate.

Example: select a theme and click Update Themes.

4. Update WordPress itself

1. On Dashboard > Updates, find the WordPress update near the top.
2. If an update is available and you have checked your backup and compatibility, click Update Now.
3. Keep the tab open. Avoid refreshing the page, clicking the button again or starting another update while it runs.
4. Wait for the success or welcome screen. If prompted to update the WordPress database, follow the on-screen instructions.

Example: click Update Now to install the available WordPress release.

Your website may briefly show a maintenance message during updates. If WordPress is already up to date, no core update is needed; Re-install is not required for routine checking.

5. Confirm that everything works

1. Return to Dashboard > Updates and check for remaining updates. Install translation updates if offered.
2. Open your website in a new tab and check the home page, menus, images and important pages.
3. Test important features such as contact forms, customer login and the shopping basket. Avoid placing a real paid order just to test an update.
4. If the website uses caching and displays old content or styling, clear the relevant cache and check again.

Example: confirm the update status, then test your website.

If an update fails or an option is missing

• No Updates menu or update button: check that you are signed in as an Administrator. Updates may also be controlled by your website manager, hosting configuration or, on a multisite installation, the Network Administrator.
• Update failed, FTP details requested or maintenance message remains: note the full message and contact support or your website developer. Do not change file permissions or delete files unless you have been given instructions for your site.
• A page or feature stops working: note which item was updated and what changed. Contact support or your developer with the website address, approximate update time and a screenshot of the error. Do not send your password.

Optional automatic updates

Some WordPress updates may already run automatically. For plugins, look for Enable auto-updates under Plugins > Installed Plugins. Theme auto-update controls are available in the theme details under Appearance > Themes, when enabled on your site. Keep regular backups and continue checking the website after updates.

Further information

• WordPress documentation: Updating WordPress
• WordPress documentation: Dashboard Updates screen
• WordPress documentation: Plugin and theme auto-updates