Updating WordPress Core Files Manually

Updating WordPress Core Files Manually

Updating WordPress core files manually can be necessary if you’re unable to update automatically through the dashboard or if you’re troubleshooting certain issues. The upgrade process will affect all files and folders included in the main WordPress installation. This includes all the core files used to run WordPress. If you have made any modifications to those files, your changes will be lost.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to update WordPress core files manually:

Step 1: Backup Your Website

Before making any changes, it’s crucial to create a full backup of your website, including the database and all WordPress files.

• You can use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to backup your site.
• Alternatively, use your hosting provider’s backup tools.

Step 2: Download the Latest Version of WordPress

1. Go to the official WordPress website at WordPress.org.
2. Download the latest version of WordPress as a .zip file to your computer.

Step 3: Access Your Website Files

You will need access to your website’s files through FTP (using a client like FileZilla) or your hosting provider’s File Manager.

1. Connect to your website using your FTP credentials.
2. Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation (this is where the wp-admin, wp-includes, and wp-content folders are located).

Step 4: Upload the New WordPress Files

1. Extract the .zip file** you downloaded from WordPress.org on your local computer.
2. Upload the following files and folders to your website’s root directory via FTP, overwriting the old ones:
   • wp-admin folder
   • wp-includes folder
   • All loose files in the root directory (e.g., index.php, wp-config-sample.php, etc.)

Important: Do not overwrite the wp-content folder, as it contains your themes, plugins, and media files.

Step 5: Update the WordPress Database (if needed)

After replacing the files, WordPress may prompt you to update the database.

1. Log into your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. If you see a message like “Database Update Required,” click Update WordPress Database to complete the process.

Step 6: Verify the Update

After updating the files and database, check that your site is functioning correctly:

1. Visit your website to ensure everything is working as expected.
2. Check the WordPress dashboard under Dashboard > Updates to confirm you are running the latest version of WordPress.

Why Update WordPress Manually?

• Automatic updates fail due to server limitations or permission issues.
• Custom code conflicts with automatic updates.
• Troubleshooting: If certain errors arise, manually updating core files can resolve corrupted or missing files.

By following these steps, you can manually update WordPress core files while ensuring your website remains secure and functional.