One of the key advantages of using WordPress is the ability to enhance its functionality through “plugins.” These are software components that you can install on your website to add features such as sign-up forms, reporting tools, or various types of media. Plugin developers continually fix issues and introduce new features. Regularly updating the plugins installed on your WordPress site improves security and allows you to access the latest features.
How to know when an update is available
There are several places you may see notifications of the update in your WordPress administration area.
- A total of all available updates for your WordPress installation can be seen in the top bar of the administration area. Here, you can see there are five total updates, and clicking on this notification will take you to the update screen.
- If you are on your WordPress dashboard (the default landing page after logging in), the total available updates are shown in the sidebar under the Dashboard menu item.
- If WordPress itself has an update available, the dashboard will show a notification letting you know with an update link.
- The dashboard will also show you separately any plugins that need updating with a notification. Each plugin is different, so some will not provide an update link. If this is the case, select the update icon in the top bar (1).
- An update badge will show next to the Plugins menu item, also. Here, you can see there are five total updates. However, only one of them is for a plugin.
How to Update WordPress Plugins
Once you have identified that an update is available, select one of the options above to go to the update screen.
- First thing to do is select which of your available updates you want to install. You can select the plugins individually via each check box, or you can “Select All”.
- Once you’re happy with your selection, select the “Update Plugins” button to start the installation process.
Once selected, WordPress will automatically update your plugins to the latest version. When the update process has completed, WordPress will display a success message to let you know the updates are complete.
That’s it, your job is done. Well, not quite. When updating plugins or WordPress itself, make sure you check your site across all your browsers, including mobile. Plugin and WordPress updates can make changes to how content is displayed, and sometimes (more often than most of us would like to admit) errors may appear. Checking your site after an update is therefore a must.
Now you’re done! You can continue creating fantastic content. Learn how to change your WordPress password in our next article.