Did you know that WordPress comes with minor release updates enabled by default? This implies that the WordPress.org team can install security upgrades without the need for user intervention.
We’ll show you how to enable automatic updates in WordPress for major releases in this article.
How WordPress Automatic Updates Work
In WordPress 3.7, the feature of automatic updating was introduced (October 24, 2013). This enabled WordPress to install a new minor release to increase the security of your website.
WordPress has a setting that allows you to turn off automatic updates. Automatic updates, on the other hand, are recommended because they usually address critical security issues and vulnerabilities.
You can turn on automated WordPress updates for major releases once you’ve set up automatic WordPress backups.
Method 1. Enable Automatic WordPress Updates for Major Releases Using a Plugin
This method is easier and recommended for all users.
The Easy Updates Manager plugin must first be installed and activated. See our step-by-step guide on installing a WordPress plugin for more information.
Upon activation, you need to visit Dashboard » Updates Options page to setup the plugin.
Select the ‘Custom’ option from the ‘Automatic updates’ column. Then, under the ‘Major WordPress Releases’ area, click the ‘Enable Major Releases’ option.
The plugin will remember your preferences and allow major WordPress releases to be upgraded automatically.
Method 2. Manually Enable Automatic Update for Major Releases in WordPress
This method requires you 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.
define( 'WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', true );There is one little flaw in this code. It also allows for nightly or development updates.
To disable nightly builds and development updates, you need to add the following code in a site-specific plugin or Code Snippets plugin.
add_filter( 'allow_dev_auto_core_updates', '__return_false');This filter will disable automatic updates for nightly builds or development updates.
Your WordPress site is now set to update itself whenever a new WordPress version is released, without your intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions about WordPress Automatic Updates
1. Why do I need to install WordPress updates?
WordPress is software that is updated on a regular basis. Thousands of developers work to improve and secure WordPress.
WordPress updates must be installed as soon as they become available. This ensures that your website has the most recent security fixes, new features, and the fastest and most responsive speed and performance.
2. Are updates safe for my website?
WordPress upgrades are promptly available to millions of websites as the world’s most popular website builder. The core team works really hard to ensure that they are completely secure to put on any website.
However, we always recommend that you back up your WordPress website before making any changes. This allows you to swiftly roll back an update if something goes wrong.
3. Can I also automatically update WordPress plugins?
WordPress requires you to manually install plugin updates by default. Plugins, on the other hand, can be updated automatically. See how to enable automatic updates for WordPress plugins in our guide.
4. Can I install updates on all my websites from a single dashboard?
To install updates, you’ll need to connect to each WordPress website by default. Fortunately, there are solutions available to help you manage many WordPress sites. These tools make it simple to update all of your WordPress sites without having to log in to each one individually.
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