Do you want to enable automatic updates for major WordPress updates?
Automatic updates are enabled for minor releases of WordPress. This means that the WordPress.org team can automatically install security updates without any user intervention. However, we do not automatically update our website when a new major version is released. Fortunately, you can also easily enable automatic updates for major releases.
This article will show you how to enable automatic updates for major versions of WordPress.
How WordPress auto-updates work
The auto-update feature was introduced in WordPress 3.7. This allows WordPress to automatically install new minor versions to increase your website's security. WordPress has the option to turn off automatic updates. However, we recommend that you leave automatic updates enabled as they usually fix important security issues and vulnerabilities.
Now, if you're only running one or two WordPress websites, you can safely update your WordPress site when a new major WordPress release comes out by following our guide. However, manually updating WordPress can be time-consuming if you manage multiple sites. Luckily, managed WordPress hosting providers like WP Engine automatically update WordPress with every new release, not just small releases.
You can also enable automatic updates on shared hosting providers like Bluehost and SiteGround. But first, you should make sure you have a good backup system in place in case something goes wrong.
So let's see how easy it is to set up automatic updates for major WordPress releases. Here's what we'll cover in this tutorial:
- Preparing automatic updates in WordPress
- Method 1: Turn on automatic updates for major releases in Control Panel » Updates.
- Method 2: Enable WordPress auto-updates for major releases using a plugin
- Method 3: Manually enable automatic updates for major releases of WordPress
- Frequently asked questions about WordPress auto-updates
When you visit the Dashboard » Updates page in the WordPress admin area, you see the message "This site will only be automatically updated with WordPress maintenance and security releases." This is the minor release mentioned above.
To treat all WordPress updates the same way, simply click the "Enable automatic updates for all new versions of WordPress" link. Major releases of WordPress are now automatically installed as well. If you later decide to disable automatic updates, return to the Dashboard » Updates page and click the "Switch to automatic updates for service and security versions only" link.
Now major WordPress versions will not be installed automatically, just minor releases and security updates.
Method 2: Enable Automatic WordPress Updates for Major Releases Using a Plugin
The plugin method gives you more control over what gets updated on your site. For instance, it includes options to automatically update WordPress core, plugins, themes, and more. First, you need to install and activate the Easy Updates Manager plugin. Once activated, you will need to configure the plugin by visiting the Dashboard » Update Options page.
In the "Quick configuration actions" section you need to click on the "Custom" button. Then click the "Automatically update all releases" button in the "WordPress Core Updates" section.
"Note: Be cautious clicking the ‘Auto-update everything’ button under ‘Quick configuration actions’. This will turn on automatic updates for everything, including WordPress core, plugins, themes, and translations."
The plugin automatically saves your settings and allows you to automatically update major versions of WordPress.
Method 3: Manually Enable Automatic Updates for Major Releases in WordPress
To use this method, you need to add code to your WordPress files. First, you need to add the following line of code to your site's wp-config.php file.
There is one small problem with this code. Also includes so-called "nightly" updates or "nightly updates". It is still in development and may contain bugs, so it should not be installed on a real WordPress website. To disable nightly build and development updates, you need to add the following code to your theme's functions.php file or a code snippet plugin like WPCode.
This filter disables automatic updates for nightly builds or development updates. Your WordPress site is now ready to be automatically updated without any user intervention whenever a new version of WordPress is available.
Frequently asked questions about WordPress auto-updates
1. Why do I need to install WordPress updates?
WordPress is regularly maintained software. Thousands of developers contribute to making WordPress better and more secure. You should install WordPress updates as soon as they become available. This ensures your website has the latest security patches, new features, and maximum speed and performance.
2. Are updates safe for my website?
Updates from the world's most popular website builder are instantly available on millions of websites. The core team works very hard to make sure it is absolutely safe to install on any website. However, we recommend that everyone always back up their WordPress website before updating it. This allows you to quickly revert back in case something goes wrong after an update.
3. Can I also automatically update WordPress plugins?
By default, WordPress requires you to manually install plugin updates. However, you can enable automatic updates for plugins as well.
4. Can I install updates on all my websites from a single dashboard?
By default, all WordPress websites require you to log in to install updates. Fortunately, you can use this tool to manage multiple WordPress sites. These tools make it easy to install updates on any WordPress site without having to log in to each site.
We hope this article helped you learn how to enable automatic updates in WordPress for major releases.