How to Update WordPress Version in 2025 (Fast & Easy Guide for Beginners)

Keeping your WordPress site updated is one of the most important things you can do to ensure security, performance, and compatibility. In 2025, WordPress powers more than 40% of the web, which also makes it a common target for hackers. Running an outdated version could expose your site to security vulnerabilities, plugin conflicts, or even complete site crashes.

The good news? Updating WordPress is much easier than you think. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through why updates matter, what to do before updating, and step-by-step instructions for updating your site safely and quickly.

Why You Should Update WordPress Regularly

Updating isn’t just about getting new features. Here’s why keeping your WordPress version up to date is crucial:

Improved Security → Updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers often exploit.
Better Performance → Each new version includes performance enhancements for faster load times.
New Features → Enjoy the latest WordPress editing tools, design options, and user experience improvements.
Compatibility → Ensure your themes and plugins work smoothly with the newest version.
Bug Fixes → Updates often fix issues found in previous releases.

👉 Bottom line: Skipping updates is like leaving your door unlocked for hackers.

Things to Do Before Updating WordPress

Before you click that update button, take a few precautions to avoid headaches:

Backup Your Site
Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus, All-in-One WP Migration, or your web host’s backup tool to save a copy of your files and database.
Check PHP & Hosting Requirements
Make sure your server supports the latest WordPress version. (In 2025, WordPress recommends PHP 8.2 or higher.)
Update Plugins & Themes First
Outdated plugins and themes may break after a core update. Update them before updating WordPress itself.
Use a Staging Site (Optional but Recommended)
If possible, test the update on a staging site before applying it to your live website.

Methods to Update WordPress in 2025

1. Update WordPress via Dashboard (Recommended)

The easiest method for beginners:

Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
Go to Dashboard > Updates.
If an update is available, you’ll see a notification.
Click Update Now.
Wait for the update to finish — your site will be running the latest version in seconds.

💡 Pro Tip: Always clear your browser cache and WordPress caching plugin after updating.

2. Enable Automatic Updates

If you don’t want to worry about updates, you can enable auto-updates:

Go to Dashboard > Updates.
Look for the Automatic Updates option.
Enable updates for major WordPress releases.

This ensures your site is always running the latest version without manual intervention.

⚠️ Note: Use this only if you have regular backups in place.

3. Update WordPress Manually (FTP Method)

If you can’t access your dashboard or the automatic update fails:

Download the latest WordPress version from WordPress.org.
Connect to your site via FTP (FileZilla or cPanel File Manager).
Delete the wp-admin and wp-includes folders.
Upload the new wp-admin and wp-includes folders from the downloaded package.
Replace all files in the root folder, except the wp-content folder.
Visit your site to confirm everything works.

What to Do After Updating WordPress

After updating, don’t just close your laptop. Run these quick checks:

Clear cache → Both browser and plugin caches.
Check your website functionality → Test your homepage, blog posts, and contact forms.
Review plugin and theme compatibility → Update or replace any plugin that breaks.
Check for errors → Use tools like Site Health (under Tools > Site Health).

Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Sometimes things don’t go smoothly. Here’s how to fix common update problems:

White Screen of Death → Usually caused by a theme or plugin conflict. Disable plugins via FTP and reactivate one by one.
Stuck in Maintenance Mode → Delete the .maintenance file in your root directory.
Internal Server Error (500) → Check your .htaccess file and PHP version.

Final Thoughts

Updating WordPress in 2025 doesn’t have to be scary. As long as you take precautions—like creating a backup and testing updates—you can keep your website secure, fast, and reliable.

👉 Our advice: Make updating a habit. Set a reminder to check for updates at least once a month (or enable automatic updates if you’re confident in your backups).

With just a few clicks, you’ll ensure your WordPress site stays protected and performs at its best.