Wordpress updates are extremely important. More than adding new features, updates regularly contain security fixes to patch against the latest bugs and make sure your site is secure. We recommend always keeping Wordpress up to date. It will make sure your site is both as fast and secure as possible.

NOTE: You should also update PHP to the most recent version (click here for a guide) as this also has a big impact on speed and security. If your site stops working after updating WordPress, try updating PHP to one of the most recent versions (7.0 or higher) and it will likely work again


Step 1 - Log into Wordpress



Note: If you've forgotten your Wordpress password or username, click here for a guide to reset it manually.


Step 2 - You should see a message near the top left telling you that a new version is available. If you don't see it, click on the W logo in the top left corner.




Step 3 - Click on the blue Update Now button to update Wordpress




Step 4 - Depending on your site, you may or may not see the below screen. If you do see it, click Update Wordpress Database.



Step 5 - Click Continue once the update completes




Step 6 - Wordpress is now updated. To update Plugin or Themes, hover the mouse over Dashboard then click on Updates.




Step 7 - Tick the plugins you want to update, or just tick Select All, then hit the Update Plugins button.




Step 8 - Once the update completes you will see this screen




Step 9 - Updating Themes is the same process as updating plugins.