If you installed Wordpress by yourself, then the time will inevitably come when you need to update. Keep in mind that you could opt to never update, but you will want to reconsider that position. Wordpress is constantly providing upgrades that enhance the functionality of the blogging platform. But, intermittently, you will see security updates. You need to install these. If you don’t, this opens a security hole in your blogging platform and opens your site to attack. Let’s walk through the upgrade process.

The first thing you will want to consider, is getting the Maintenance Mode plugin. This plugin posts a message to users that your site is under maintenance. This is really helpful in times like this. Now, before you do a thing, back up your blog in its entirety. This includes the database and the content. If you have no idea how to backup your database, you’re in luck. Here is a nice guide to help you back up your database via PhpMyAdmin.

Now, go grab the latest version of Wordpress. Unzip the files and upload them to your server. Once it is done, you will have to click on the upgrade link to update your database. If anything goes wrong, you have a nice full backup! Also, once you are done and it is working, make sure you turn Maintenance Mode off.

The official upgrade instructions tell you to turn off plugins and so forth. I don’t like that method and troubleshoot it after the fact if something goes wrong. You may prefer to disable them before. That’s your call.