How to Check & Upgrade Your WordPress Version

Maintaining current with the most recent software and security updates is essential in the always-changing world of website maintenance. One of the most widely used content management systems, WordPress frequently releases new versions that include improved features, bug fixes, and security updates. 

The significance of keeping your WordPress version updated, how to check your current version and detailed steps for upgrading your WordPress installation safely are all covered in this post.

The Importance of Updating Your WordPress Version

Maintaining a secure and functional website requires more than just incorporating the newest aesthetics into your WordPress version. WordPress updates its core code, fixes security flaws, and tackles vulnerabilities with each new release. 

Ignoring these upgrades exposes your website to potential security risks and plugin and theme incompatibilities. Your website will run optimally, remain stable, and offer a great user experience with frequent upgrades.

Checking Your Current WordPress Version

Before you embark on the upgrade process, it's important to determine your current WordPress version. To do this, follow these simple steps:

1: Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.

2: Navigate to the "Dashboard" menu.

3: In the "At a Glance" section, you will find your current WordPress version displayed.

Alternatively, you can scroll down to the footer of your admin dashboard, where the version number will also be listed.

Upgrading Your WordPress Version Safely

Now that you've identified your current version, let's delve into the step-by-step process of upgrading your WordPress installation:

Backup Your Website: 

Always make a complete backup of your website before making any modifications. For this, you can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackWPup. In the event that something goes wrong during the upgrading process, this guarantees that you have a restore point.

Update Themes and Plugins: 

Make sure all of your themes and plugins are compatible with the latest version of WordPress before updating it. Compatibility problems may result from outdated plugins and themes. Put the most recent iteration of these in.

Put Your Website in Maintenance Mode: 

Turn on the maintenance mode to keep your visitors from experiencing any disruptions. Use a maintenance mode plugin or incorporate a maintenance mode code snippet into your website to accomplish this.

One-Click Update: 

WordPress provides a convenient one-click update option. When a new version is available, you'll see a notification at the top of your admin dashboard. Click on the "Please update now" link, and WordPress will automatically download and install the latest version.

Manual Update (Advanced): 

The most recent WordPress version is available for download from the official website (wordpress.org), in case the one-click update doesn't work or you prefer a manual method. Using an FTP client like FileZilla, extract the downloaded file and replace the old files on your server with the new ones.

Update the Database: 

In some cases, a WordPress update might include changes to the database structure. When you log in after the update, WordPress will automatically prompt you to update your database. Click the "Update WordPress Database" button to complete the process.

Test Your Website: 

Test your website carefully after the upgrade to make sure everything is operating as it should. Verify various sites, forms, and functionality to make sure there are no problems.

It's essential to regularly review and upgrade your WordPress installation to maintain the performance, stability, and security of your website. 

You can confidently handle the update process by following the instructions in this tutorial, keeping your WordPress installation up to date, and giving your visitors the best possible experience. 

To ensure a smooth upgrade to the most recent WordPress version, constantly back up your website, check that plugins and themes work, and carry out extensive testing.

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