WordPress Manual Update: A Simple Guide

WordPress, one of the most beloved and popular Content Management Systems (CMS) out there. It’s a platform that enables individuals, bloggers, and companies to create their own bloat-free websites and blogs with ease. But, did you know that despite the automatic update features, many website owners prefer to update their websites manually? Perplexing, isn’t it?

Why Manually Update Your WordPress Website?

Okay, this might burst your bubble, but manually updating your WordPress website can present some benefits. For one, regular updates ensure you have access to the latest features, bug fixes, and security enhancements. Secondly, updating manually is preferred over WordPress’s automatic update since it helps website owners monitor their website’s updates proactively.

The Manual Update Process

If you’re ready to update manually, there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure a seamless transition. Walk with us:

Step 1: Backup Your Website

Before you begin the manual update process, it’s best to create a backup of your website. This will help protect your data in case of any mishap. Your backup should have your website files, database, plugins, and themes in use. You can use trusted backup plugins like BackupBuddy, UpdraftPlus or Duplicator to create a backup of your precious WordPress site.

Step 2: Download Latest WordPress Version

Time to update! First things first, head on over to WordPress’s official website and download the latest version. WordPress releases new versions regularly- to maintain top-notch performance, fix bugs, and prevent security threats. Once you download the .zip file, unzip it to your computer.

Step 3: Disable Your Website’s Plugins

Before starting the update process, disable all your website’s plugins. This is because the chances are high that some plugins may not be compatible with the new WordPress update, which can cause errors or malfunctions. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins on your WordPress dashboard and select all plugins. Click on the bulk action tab and select Deactivate from the dropdown menu.

Step 4: Replace Existing WordPress Files

Now that your plugins are out of the way, it’s time to replace your website’s existing WordPress files with the new ones you downloaded. Use a trusted File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client like FileZilla to transfer the files from your computer to your website’s server.

To do this, connect to your server using the FTP software and navigate to your website’s root directory. Select all the WordPress files and folders, including the wp-content folder, and delete them from the root directory. Once you’ve got rid of the old files, upload the new folders and files from your computer to the root directory.

Step 5: Run the WordPress Upgrade Script

Great! You’re almost there. The next step is to run the WordPress upgrade script. To do this, open your website’s URL in a web browser and end it with “/wp-admin/upgrade.php.” For instance, yourwebsite.com/wp-admin/upgrade.php. This will activate the upgrade script and prompt you to log in using your WordPress credentials. After logging in, WordPress will upgrade your database to its latest version. This process can take a while, depending on your database size.

Step 6: Reactivate Your Website’s Plugins

Now that the upgrade process is complete, reactivate your website’s plugins. Navigate to Plugins >Installed Plugins on your WordPress dashboard, select all the plugins, and click on the bulk action tab. Then, select Activate from the dropdown menu.

Step 7: Test Your Website

Last but not least, it’s essential to test your website’s functionality once everything’s done. Check if all pages and posts are accessible, if the plugins are working as expected, and if the website’s design is still intact.

If you run into any errors or issues, you can troubleshoot them by disabling the plugins one by one and reinstating them

Wrapping Up

WordPress manual updates may sound complicated at first, but they’re relatively simple if you follow the outlined steps keenly. Remember to backup your website, disable plugins, replace old files, run the upgrade script, reactivate plugins and test your website. This will keep your website up-to-date, secure, and running smoothly!