Perplexing and Bursting Guide: Updating WordPress on Localhost

WordPress is a bewildering platform for bloggers, website owners, and developers. While updating WordPress on a live website is a breeze, updating it on your local computer or localhost can be quite a conundrum for some. In this perplexing and bursting article, we will guide you through every step of updating WordPress on localhost.

The Importance of Keeping WordPress Updated

WordPress releases its new versions regularly. The latest version of WordPress offers new features and updates that enhance security, performance, and user experience. Therefore, updating WordPress keeps your website secure, bug-free, and optimized. Furthermore, it also ensures compatibility with plug-ins and themes.

Updating WordPress on Localhost

Updating WordPress locally can be challenging but essential. However, with proper steps, you can keep your WordPress installation hassle-free. Now the question arises, how to update WordPress on localhost? Let’s dive into the process.

Step 1: Backup Your Local WordPress Site

Before you start any updating process, it’s essential to backup your website. You can take a backup of your website files and database through FTP clients like FileZilla, which lets you access your website’s data on your local computer.

However, the easiest way to take a backup is through a plugin. Several WordPress backup plugins are available, such as UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, etc. After installing a backup plugin, you can create a backup of your site by following some simple steps provided by the plugin.

Step 2: Check Compatibility Of Your Website

Before updating WordPress on localhost, check if the new version of WordPress is compatible with your website’s theme, plugins or not. Outdated software can create problems, delay your work, or lead to security issues.

The easiest way to check compatibility is through a Plugin named “PHP Compatibility Checker.” It identifies which components of your website may face issues when updated to the latest version of PHP. It also suggests suitable ways to fix those issues.

Step 3: Download Latest Version Of WordPress

To update WordPress on localhost, you need to download the latest version of WordPress from the official WordPress website. After downloading the Zip file, extract it and keep the extracted files in a new folder. Rename that folder if you want.

Step 4: Replace the Current WordPress or Update Manually

Now, you have two options to update your WordPress on localhost: You can either replace the current WordPress directory with the latest version extracted from the zip file, or you can update it manually.

Option 1: Replace the Current WordPress

To replace the current WordPress, you need to follow the below steps:

• Go to the directory where you have installed WordPress on your local computer.
• Delete all the files except wp-config.php and wp-content folder.
• Copy and paste the extracted WordPress files into the same directory from where you deleted previous files.
• When it asks you to overwrite existing files, say yes.
• Now, open your website in a browser and log in.
• WordPress will now upgrade your database automatically, and your website will be up to date.

Option 2: Update Manually using FTP

The second way to update WordPress on localhost is by updating it manually using FTP clients like FileZilla or WinSCP.

• Login to your Localhost using FTP.
• Go to the directory where WordPress is installed.
• Delete the wp-admin and wp-includes folders.
• Upload wp-admin and wp-includes folders from extracted zipped WordPress folder.
• Now upload all remaining files from the extracted folder to your WordPress directory, except for wp-config.php file and wp-content folder.
• When uploading the files, it will prompt you to overwrite the existing files. Check the box ‘Overwrite the existing files’ and then click on ‘Ok.’
• Once you’ve done it, go to your WordPress site, and it will automatically update its database if required.

Step 5: Reactivate Your Plugins and Theme

After updating your WordPress on localhost, the next step is to reactivate all your deactivated plugins and theme.

• Log in to your WordPress site
• Go to the ‘Plugins’ section.
• Reactivate all your deactivated plugins.
• Now, go to the ‘Appearance’ section.
• Open the ‘Themes’ option.
• Reactivate your previously used theme.

You’re done now. Your WordPress on localhost is updated to the latest version.

Final Thoughts

Updating WordPress on localhost may seem complicated, but it’s a simple process if followed step-by-step. Keeping WordPress up-to-date on your local computer is essential as it helps in ensuring compatibility, security, and performance. It also helps in preventing your website from any security breaches.

We hope this perplexing and bursting article helped you in updating your WordPress on localhost. Do share your feedback and experience with us. Happy updating!