There are several reasons to try and keep your software current such as the latest security features, or access to the latest templates that only work with the newest version. Looking at the instructions can sometimes be a little intimidating. Relax, it's not that bad. We'll walk you through it step by step.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 10 Mins
Here's How:
- Backup Your Database. Your host probably provides you with phpMyAdmin, to administer your databases, including the one your WordPress uses. Even if you have never used it before, you should be able to backup your database fairly easily.
- Backup Your Files. This party is simple... just download your entire site. This can be done with an FTP program, or a lot of hosting companies let you do it right though the web.
- Deactivate Your Plugins. If you have have any plugins active, deactivate them. This can be done right from WordPress in the "Plugins" section, when logged in as the administrator.
- Download the new version of WordPress.
- Upload the new files to your hosting. The majority of these have the same names as your old files, so be sure you choose "OVERWRITE"!
- Run the upload file from your browser. It can be found at http://yoursite.com/wp-admin/upgrade.php or http://yoursite.com/blog/wp-admin/upgrade.php (depending on your URL... it's inside your wp-admin folder)
- Your site should now be upgraded! It has probably defaulted back to its original template.
- Go through one by one reactivating your plugins. Again, this can be done from the "Plugins" menu when logged in as an admin. You will probably also need to reassign your theme.
Tips:
- Since we are backing up everything before we install, you can always use these backups to restore to the old version.
- While you are updating, your site might not display properly. This is normal, and after the 10 minute install it should load correctly again.
What You Need:
- Know where phpMyAdmin is located (ask your host!)
- Your phpMyAdmin login information
- FPT and Web Hosting login information
- WordPress login information
- If you are running any plugins in WP
