WordPress does require regular updates, and keeping your site current is important for security, stability, and performance. Updates include the WordPress core system, plugins, and themes each of which can receive improvements, bug fixes, or security patches over time. Ignoring these updates can leave your site vulnerable or cause features to break as web standards evolve.
Whether updates are done manually or automatically depends on how your site is set up. WordPress includes built-in auto-update options, which can be enabled for the core software, plugins, and themes individually. This is a great option for users who want to keep their site protected without logging in frequently, especially for lower-maintenance setups or smaller sites.
Manual updates offer more control and are recommended for sites with custom functionality or specific compatibility needs. In these cases, it’s best to test updates in a staging environment first to avoid conflicts. With manual updates, you or your developer can decide when and how to apply changes, making sure nothing breaks unexpectedly.
At Wemaxa, we help you choose the right update strategy based on your setup and comfort level. For most clients, we recommend automatic updates for minor releases and manual updates for major ones. We also offer maintenance packages that include regular update management, backups, and performance checks so you never have to worry about staying current on your own.
🔄 Types of WordPress Updates
| Component | What Updates | Manual by Default? | Can Be Automated? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | WordPress itself | ⚠️ Major versions | ✅ Yes |
| Themes | Design and layout files | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Plugins | Functionality add-ons | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Translations | Language files | ❌ Auto by default | ✅ Yes |
🔧 Manual Updating
To update manually:
- Go to Dashboard → Updates
- Click “Update Now” for core, plugins, or themes
You should back up your site before running updates manually—especially for major WordPress versions.
⚙️ Automating Updates
You can configure WordPress to auto-update:
1. Enable via Admin Panel
- Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins
- Click “Enable auto-updates” next to each plugin
- Do the same under Appearance → Themes
2. Use a Plugin
- Easy Updates Manager
- ManageWP (for multiple sites)
- MainWP (self-hosted)
3. Edit wp-config.php for core updates:
phpCopyEditdefine( 'WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', true ); // Enables all core updates
🛑 When to Avoid Auto-Updates
- Your site uses custom code that might break
- You run critical business functions on your site
- You want to test updates on a staging site first
✅ Best Practice Summary:
| Task | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Plugins & themes | Auto-update or update weekly |
| WordPress core | Allow minor auto-updates, review major ones manually |
| Backup | Always before major updates |
| Staging site | Test updates on staging if site is critical |