![Ultimate Guide to Upgrade WordPress for Beginners [Infograph]](https://cdn4.wpbeginner.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/upgradewordpressinfograph-180x180.gif "Ultimate Guide to Upgrade WordPress for Beginners [Infograph]")
Having the most up to date version of WordPress is crucial for your blog’s security. WordPress blog went to extreme measures on emphasizing the point that users must upgrade their blog for security reasons. For this article we have created an infograph featuring a research that Syed has conducted over the past two years with hacked WordPress blogs. This infograph also shows a step by step guide to upgrade WordPress.
Many people feel hesitant to upgrade because the plugins will break and the site might not function well. But is it better to fix the small problem, or is it better to get your site hacked, then restore everything, and upgrade and fix everything later. It is best if you take the first route as it will be easier and time saving.
Click on the Image to see the full chart.
This should be your reference guide at all times when making an upgrade to your WordPress blog. We must emphasize that it is extremely crucial that you stay up to date with the latest version.
While this is not the only step to increase security, this is certainly one of the most important ones. If you want to see how else you can protect your WordPress blog, check out our WordPress security post.
A lot of people do not pay attention to plugin upgrades, but Plugins can play a huge factor in your blog’s security. Each time a developer releases an update, they also post a bug fix report. A lot of times, they mention some of the security loopholes they fixed. Now when the hacker sees that you are using an older version of a plugin, they already know how to break your site. Don’t make their job easy. Upgrade now.
If you need any assistance in upgrading your WordPress blog, WPBeginner is glad to help out for a small fee. If you are having any other issue, do not post in the comment. It is best to email us using the contact form.
If you have any suggestions for new users who are upgrading their WordPress blog, please post it in the comment area.
Credit:
While we had plans to release this in advance, the steps in the flow chart were inspired from Kuzzuk Sabba and used with his permission.
Where can I find out information on just what is included in upgrade package. Also does an upgrade include all of the websites I manage?
Hi Mike,
WordPress updates are for the WordPress core software. Plugins and themes release their own updates.
I hate to ask the most obvious questions but the flow chart starts with “start wordpress update” where do I go in my admin section to actually find the updates? All I can find is the upgrade section which seems to be different.
Go to WordPress admin area. In the left sidebar you will see Dashboard icon clicking on it will display Updates menu under it. WordPress will also notify you when there is a new version available for you to download and install. You can also access the update page directly by accessing the url:
http://www.example.com/wp-admin/update-core.phpDon’t forget to replace example.com with your own domain name.
Does this only apply to wordpress.org blogs?
yes it applies to self-hosted WordPress sites only.
While upgrades are important, certainly no harm in waiting a few days.
None of the security issues are life threatening.
Never a bad idea to let others do the beta testing first… Stay frosty!
WoW
Awesome article. Thanks for sharing this nice post.
This is a nice guide, but it’s the UPGRADE step that intimidates me! I look at the instructions on wordpress.org and I tense up, scared. Is there an easy “how to upgrade” guide anywhere for people like me?
You follow the directions in this infograph and click on Upgrade Now button in your WP-Admin panel.
Updating is critical for WordPress users who want to avoid the inevitable. Hackers are searching out older versions of WordPress for the exploit vulnerabilities widely publicized. Follow this guide to lock down your WordPress site now.
I completely agree. I keep my blog up to date, both the plugins and the WordPress built.