How to Update WordPress Manually: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updating your WordPress site can seem daunting, especially when a new version is released, brimming with features that promise to enhance your website’s performance. If you’re eager to embrace these upgrades but unsure how to manually update WordPress, rest assured that this guide will simplify the process for you. Whether you’re a seasoned webmaster or a novice, we’ll walk you through the steps to ensure a smooth and successful update.

Why Choose Manual Updates for WordPress?

While WordPress offers automatic updates for minor releases, there are several compelling reasons to opt for manual updates:

• Compatibility Assurance: Manually updating allows you to check if your themes and plugins are compatible with the latest WordPress version, ensuring that your site remains functional.
• Testing and QA: You can create a staging environment to test the update before implementing it on your live site, helping you catch any potential issues early.
• Customizations Preservation: If you’ve made custom changes to your theme or core files, manual updates ensure these modifications aren’t overwritten.
• Security Enhancements: Timely manual updates help protect your site against vulnerabilities and exploits by applying the latest security patches.
• Complete Control: You can choose when to update, allowing you to schedule it during low-traffic periods and back up your site beforehand.

Preparing for a Manual Update

Before diving into the update process, there are crucial steps to take:

1. Backup Your Site: Always back up your website files and database to safeguard against any mishaps during the update.
2. Check Server Compatibility: Ensure your hosting environment meets the minimum requirements for the latest WordPress version.
3. Assess Themes and Plugins: Verify that your installed themes and plugins are updated and compatible with the new release. If unsure, reach out to the developers for confirmation.
4. Set Up a Staging Site: Consider creating a staging environment to test updates without affecting your live site.
5. Read Release Notes: Familiarize yourself with the new features and changes to make informed decisions about the update process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Update WordPress

1. Using the One-Click Update

The simplest method to update WordPress is through the one-click update option available in your dashboard:

1. Navigate to the Updates section in your WordPress dashboard.
2. If an update is available, click on the Please update now link.
3. Your site will enter maintenance mode during the update process, and once completed, you’ll be redirected to the welcome screen showcasing the new features.

2. Updating via FTP

If the one-click update fails, using an FTP client like FileZilla is a reliable alternative:

2.1 Install FileZilla

Download and install FileZilla from its official website.

2.2 Download the Latest WordPress Version

Visit the WordPress download page to get the latest version and extract the downloaded files.

2.3 Upload WordPress Files

Connect to your website using FileZilla:

• Navigate to the extracted WordPress folder on your local machine.
• Select all files and upload them to your site’s root directory, choosing to overwrite existing files when prompted.
• Be cautious with the wp-content directory to avoid losing custom themes and plugins.

3. Updating Using cPanel

For those whose hosting providers use cPanel, updating WordPress can be done directly through the File Manager:

1. Log into your cPanel account and access File Manager.
2. Open the public_html directory or the root folder of your WordPress installation.
3. Delete the wp-includes and wp-admin folders, but retain the wp-content folder.
4. Upload the zipped WordPress file you downloaded earlier and extract it within the root directory.
5. Move the wp-admin and wp-includes folders from the extracted files to your site’s root directory.
6. Log into your dashboard to follow any on-screen prompts for database updates if necessary.

By following these methods, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your WordPress site updated and functioning smoothly. Remember, staying updated is essential for both security and performance, so take your time to do it right!