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How to Keep WordPress Updated Safely: A Complete Guide for Website Owners (2026)

How to Keep WordPress Updated Safely
Keeping your WordPress website updated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve security, performance, and stability. WordPress regularly releases updates for its core software, themes, plugins, and PHP compatibility. These updates often include security patches, bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.

However, updating your website without taking the proper precautions can sometimes lead to plugin conflicts, broken layouts, or unexpected errors. That’s why it’s important to follow a safe update process.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to keep WordPress updated safely, minimise risks, and ensure your site continues to run smoothly.

Quick Summary: How to Keep WordPress Updated Safely

  • 1. Create a full website backup
  • 2. Test updates on a staging site
  • 3. Update WordPress core first
  • 4. Update themes and plugins carefully
  • 5. Keep PHP up to date
  • 6. Check website functionality after updates
  • 7. Remove unused plugins and themes
  • 8. Schedule regular maintenance
  • 9. Monitor website performance
  • 10. Enable automatic updates where appropriate

Why WordPress Updates Matter

WordPress updates do much more than introduce new features. They help protect your website against security threats and improve compatibility with modern browsers and technologies.

Benefits of regular updates include:
  • Improved website security
  • Better performance
  • Bug fixes
  • New features
  • Improved plugin compatibility
  • Better SEO performance
  • Enhanced user experience
Ignoring updates can expose your website to security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.

What Should You Keep Updated?

A healthy WordPress website includes several components that require regular updates.
These include:
  • WordPress core
  • Themes
  • Plugins
  • PHP version
  • Web server software (managed by your hosting provider)
Keeping every component updated helps ensure your website remains secure and reliable.

Safe WordPress Update Process

Following the steps below is the most reliable way to keep WordPress updated safely without risking downtime or broken functionality.
Step Purpose
Backup website Protect your data
Test on staging Identify conflicts before going live
Update WordPress core Apply security and feature updates
Update plugins Maintain compatibility
Update themes Improve functionality and security
Test website Ensure everything works correctly
Monitor performance Detect any issues early

10 Steps to Keep WordPress Updated Safely

1. Create a Full Backup

The first rule to keep WordPress updated safely is never skipping your backup. Before making any updates, always create a complete backup of your website.
Your backup should include:
  • Website files
  • Database
  • Images
  • Themes
  • Plugins
If anything goes wrong, you can quickly restore your website.

2. Use a Staging Website

A staging site is a copy of your live website where you can safely test updates.
Benefits include:
  • Detect plugin conflicts
  • Test new features
  • Avoid downtime
  • Prevent broken pages
Many hosting providers offer one-click staging environments.

3. Update WordPress Core First

Knowing how to keep WordPress updated safely starts with the core software, which receives regular updates that improve security, performance, and functionality.
Always:
  • Read the update notes
  • Backup first
  • Update to the latest stable version
  • Test your website afterwards
Avoid skipping multiple major versions if possible.

4. Update Plugins Carefully

Outdated plugins are one of the most common causes of WordPress security issues.
When updating plugins:
  • Update trusted plugins regularly
  • Check compatibility with your WordPress version
  • Update a few plugins at a time on larger websites
  • Test important functionality after each update
If a plugin is no longer maintained, consider replacing it.

5. Keep Themes Updated

Theme updates often include:
  • Security patches
  • Bug fixes
  • Performance improvements
  • Compatibility updates
If you’re using a custom theme, ensure updates don’t overwrite your custom changes. Using a child theme is recommended for customisations.

6. Update PHP

PHP is the programming language that powers WordPress.
Running a supported PHP version offers:
  • Better security
  • Faster performance
  • Improved compatibility
  • Lower server resource usage
Before updating PHP, confirm that your plugins and themes support the new version.

7. Test Your Website After Every Update

Once updates are complete, check that everything is working correctly.
Review:
  • Homepage
  • Contact forms
  • Navigation menus
  • Blog pages
  • Service pages
  • Online shop (if applicable)
  • Login functionality
  • Mobile responsiveness
Catching issues early helps prevent problems for your visitors.

8. Remove Unused Plugins and Themes

Unused software still needs updating and can become a security risk.
Regularly:
  • Delete inactive plugins
  • Remove unused themes
  • Replace abandoned plugins
  • Keep your installation clean
A lean website is generally easier to maintain and performs better.

9. Monitor Website Performance

Updates can sometimes affect speed or functionality.
After updating, monitor:
  • Page loading times
  • Core Web Vitals
  • Error logs
  • User feedback
  • Search engine performance
This helps identify any unexpected issues quickly.

10. Enable Automatic Updates (When Appropriate)

WordPress supports automatic updates for:
  • Minor core releases
  • Plugins
  • Themes

Automatic updates can improve security, but they’re best used for trusted plugins and websites with reliable backups and monitoring.

For larger business websites, many owners prefer manual updates to maintain greater control.

How Often Should You Update WordPress?

A good maintenance schedule includes:

Weekly

  • Check for plugin updates
  • Review theme updates
  • Perform backups
  • Test website functionality

Monthly

  • Review inactive plugins
  • Optimise your database
  • Check security logs
  • Test forms and user journeys

Every Few Months

  • Review PHP version
  • Audit website performance
  • Update outdated content
  • Check hosting performance
Consistent maintenance helps prevent larger problems later.

Common Update Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:
  • Updating without a backup
  • Ignoring update notifications
  • Updating directly on a live site without testing
  • Using abandoned plugins
  • Running outdated PHP versions
  • Updating everything at once without checking compatibility
  • Ignoring website testing after updates
Following a structured update process significantly reduces the risk of issues.

Signs Your Website Needs Immediate Updates

Watch for these warning signs:

  • Security alerts
  • Plugin compatibility warnings
  • Slow performance
  • Website errors
  • Broken layouts
  • Failed contact forms
  • Browser compatibility issues
  • Unexpected login problems
If you notice any of these, review your website’s updates as soon as possible.

WordPress Maintenance Checklist

  • Full backup completed
  • WordPress core updated
  • Plugins updated
  • Themes updated
  • PHP version reviewed
  • Website tested
  • Forms working correctly
  • Security scan completed
  • Performance monitored
  • Unused plugins removed
  • Database optimised
  • Automatic backups enabled

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I update WordPress to keep it safe?
To keep WordPress updated safely, check for updates at least once a week. Security updates should be installed as soon as possible, while major updates should be tested before being applied to a live website.
Most updates install without issues, but conflicts can occasionally occur due to outdated plugins, themes, or custom code. Creating a backup and testing updates on a staging site helps minimise the risk.
Automatic updates can help you keep WordPress updated safely for minor releases and trusted plugins. For larger business websites, manual updates with proper testing are often the safer option.
Restore your latest backup, identify the conflicting plugin or theme, and test updates on a staging site before applying them again. Contact your developer or hosting provider if needed.
Yes. Outdated plugins are one of the most common causes of security vulnerabilities. Keeping plugins updated is just as important as updating WordPress core.
The safest way to keep WordPress updated safely is to back up your site first, test all updates on a staging environment, and update one component at a time — core, then plugins, then themes — checking functionality after each step.

Keep WordPress Updated Safely with GetWebsite.io

Learning how to keep WordPress updated safely is essential for maintaining a secure, fast, and reliable website. At **GetWebsite.io**, we provide professional **WordPress maintenance services** for UK businesses, including safe updates, security monitoring, backups, performance optimisation, and ongoing technical support.
Book a Free Consultation

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