How To Update WordPress Version Automatically Via The WP Dashboard
The WordPress development team frequently releases new version updates to add security and bug fixes or to upgrade the functionality of its features.
In this tutorial you will learn how to update your WordPress site to the latest version using the built-in WordPress “automatic updates” feature.
About WordPress Automatic Updates
WordPress has a built-in feature that allows you to automatically transfers data like new software versions, plugins and themes from the main WordPress site (WordPress.org) to the WordPress installation files in your server. It also automatically uploads, extracts and places all data directly into the correct folders in your web server.
The ability to perform updates automatically directly inside your WordPress admin area is extremely convenient, but it may not always work in your particular webhosting or server environment.
Even WordPress themselves acknowledge this. As stated on the official WordPress site: “If the automatic upgrade doesn’t work for you, don’t panic, just try a manual update.”
As you will learn in the tutorials below, the automatic updating feature in WordPress is useful for:
- Updating WordPress automatically to the latest version.
- Uploading and installing WordPress Plugins to your server.
- Updating WordPress plugins automatically to the latest version.
- Uploading and installing WordPress Themes to your site.
- Updating WordPress Themes automatically to the latest version.
Watch the video below and then refer to the step-by-step tutorial to learn how to update WordPress automatically via the WP dashboard.
Upgrading WordPress Automatically Using The WP Dashboard
WordPress automatically notifies you inside your administration area whenever there is a new update available …
You can also check which version of WordPress you are currently using and what the latest version is from your WordPress dashboard …
To upgrade WordPress to the latest version using the built-in automatic upgrade method, click on the “Update to X.X.X” button inside your WordPress dashboard …
The “WordPress Updates” screen appears, giving you the option of either upgrading automatically or downloading the latest version to your hard drive (so you can download the files and perform a manual upgrade installation – learn how to upgrade WordPress manually) …
Always backup your WordPress site, including your database and files before updating WordPress. This way you will be able to restore your site if anything goes wrong!
If you’re ready to proceed with the upgrade, click on the “Update Now” button to begin the automatic update process…
If you are upgrading your WordPress installation for the first time, you may need to enter your FTP details in the “Connection Information” screen.
Enter your “Hostname”, “Username” and “Password” and click “Proceed” to start the upgrade process …
If your upgrade installation is successful, you will receive a “successful upgrade” notification …
You will also get redirected automatically to the About WordPress screen containing information about the latest updated features …
Your WordPress installation upgrade has been completed successfully!
You can check anytime what version of WordPress you are using by going to your WordPress dashboard …
Note: If your upgrade installation is unsuccessful, you will see a message displaying the words “Installation Failed” …
If this happens, see these tutorials: