Keeping WordPress and your plugins up to date is the single most important thing you can do for your website's security and performance.
WordPress updates aren't optional - they're essential. Every update contains security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements that keep your site safe and running smoothly. Yet a surprising number of WordPress sites are running outdated core software and plugins, leaving them vulnerable to attack.
Why updates matter
Over 90% of hacked WordPress sites are running outdated software. Hackers actively scan for known vulnerabilities in older versions of WordPress core, themes, and plugins. An unpatched site is essentially an open door. Beyond security, updates often include performance optimisations and new features that improve your site's speed and functionality.
Before you update: preparation
- Always create a full backup (files and database) before updating
- Test updates on a staging environment first if possible
- Read the changelog to understand what's changing
- Check plugin compatibility with the new WordPress version
- Schedule updates during low-traffic periods
Step-by-step update process
1. Update plugins first
Start with plugin updates before touching WordPress core. Update them one at a time, checking your site after each update. This makes it easy to identify which plugin caused an issue if something breaks.
2. Update your theme
If you're using a parent/child theme setup (which you should be), update the parent theme. If you've made modifications directly to a theme without a child theme, be aware that updates will overwrite your changes - another reason to always use child themes.
3. Update WordPress core
With plugins and themes up to date, you can safely update WordPress core. Minor updates (e.g., 6.3.1 to 6.3.2) are usually safe and focus on security patches. Major updates (e.g., 6.3 to 6.4) may introduce new features and should be tested more carefully.
Setting up automatic updates
WordPress supports automatic updates for minor releases by default. You can extend this to major releases and plugins, but proceed with caution - automatic updates without monitoring can occasionally cause conflicts. A managed hosting provider or maintenance plan typically handles this for you with proper oversight.
The best time to update was yesterday. The second best time is now.
If managing updates feels overwhelming, consider a professional WordPress maintenance plan - or our fuller WordPress website support service. Regular, monitored updates with staging environments and backups provide peace of mind and keep your site secure.
