WordPress and its Constantly Improving Platform

WordPress is a platform that operates on the principle of constant improvement, constantly rolling out updates to enhance its functionality, fix bugs and security issues, and bring in new features. For some users, however, having WordPress update automatically can be inconvenient. This may especially be the case if one has extensively customized their site, or if the updates could cause compatibility issues with plugins and themes being used.

The Solution: Disabling Automatic Updates in WordPress

Fortunately, there are various ways to do so. These ways, including using plugins, editing code, and using the WordPress configuration file, will be discussed in this article.

1. Disable Automatic Updates via Plugins

One of the simplest and most effective ways to stop WordPress from updating automatically is to use a plugin. Several plugins are designed to manage updates and provide options to disable them. Here are some of the best plugins you can use:

Disable WordPress Updates

This plugin allows users to disable all types of updates in WordPress, including core updates, plugin updates, and theme updates. One must only install and activate the plugin, go to Dashboard > Settings > Disable Update Options, and check the boxes next to the updates they want to disable.

Note that disabling updates can leave a site vulnerable to security risks. Therefore, users should only do this if they have a valid reason and are able to manually update the site.

WP Config File Editor

This plugin is designed to give users access to the WordPress configuration file (wp-config.php). It allows users to modify various settings, including updates. To disable automatic updates using this plugin, one must go to Dashboard > WP Config File Editor, scroll down to the bottom of the file, and add the following code:

define( 'AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', true );

Save changes, and that’s it. This will disable all automatic updates on a site.

Easy Updates Manager

This plugin offers a more comprehensive approach to managing updates in WordPress. It allows users to customize various update settings, including the ability to disable all updates. To do this, one must go to Dashboard > Update Options and check the box next to “Disable All Updates.”

2. Disable Automatic Updates by Editing Code

If users are comfortable with editing code, they can disable automatic updates by modifying a couple of files. Before proceeding, it’s crucial to backup their site and know how to undo any changes made in case they encounter any issues.

The first file to modify is wp-config.php. One must open the file and add the following code at the bottom:

define( 'WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', false );

Save the file and close it.

Next, open the functions.php file in the theme’s folder and add the following code at the bottom:

remove_action( 'init', 'wp_schedule_update_checks' );

Save the changes, and that’s it. This will disable all automatic updates on a site.

3. Disable Automatic Updates Using the WordPress Configuration File

Experienced WordPress users who are familiar with working with server files can disable automatic updates in WordPress by using the configuration file (wp-config.php).

To do so, users must connect to their site using FTP or cPanel File Manager and locate the wp-config.php file in the root folder. From there, they must download the file, edit it, and add the following code:

define( 'AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', true );

Save the changes, upload the modified file back to the site’s root folder, and voila! All automatic updates on a site will be effectively disabled.

Conclusion

While automatic updates are essential for keeping a site secure and up-to-date, they can be inconvenient and even harmful in certain situations. Fortunately, there are ways one can disable automatic updates in WordPress using any of the above methods, depending on preference and level of experience.

However, users must remember that disabling automatic updates can leave their site vulnerable to security risks. They must exercise caution and only do it if they have a valid reason and know how to update their site manually.