Imagine your website as your house filled with valuable belongings and memories.  You would just leave your window broken, would you? Just as you’d repair your windows, install strong locks, and maybe add a security system, your website also needs different layers of protection to keep intruders out and things running smoothly. WordPress updates act like a regular home maintenance service—reinforcing your locks, fixing broken parts, and sometimes adding new features to make life easier. With the help of WordPress’s automatic updates feature, your site receives this critical “home care” without you having to lift a finger.

Why Automatic Updates Matter

Automatic updates in WordPress, by design, reduce risks related to outdated components that hackers may exploit. When core files, themes, or plugins fall behind on updates, it leaves gaps that malicious actors can use to compromise websites. Each new version released by WordPress, plugin developers, or theme authors usually includes fixes for known issues, making updates essential to your site’s health.

However, security isn’t the only benefit. WordPress updates often enhance performance, improve compatibility, and add new features. For example, a recent WordPress update improved the block editor’s speed and usability, adding tools that simplify content creation.

Types of WordPress Automatic Updates

There are four main types of updates in WordPress, each with a unique function:

1. Core Updates: WordPress categorizes these as either minor or major updates. Minor core updates are usually security-focused, whereas major updates introduce new features. Minor updates are automatic by default in WordPress, while major ones have been made automatic since WordPress version 5.6.
2. Plugin Updates: Plugins provide essential functionalities, from SEO enhancements to security layers. As plugins add functionality, keeping them updated ensures compatibility with WordPress core and other plugins.
3. Theme Updates: Themes dictate the look and feel of your site. When they update, they often bring compatibility tweaks or new features, which can prevent design issues and ensure smooth interactions with plugins.
4. Translation File Updates: For multilingual sites, automatic translation file updates can keep your site’s language files current, especially useful for maintaining localized content for global audiences.

Customizing Automatic Updates for Your Site’s Needs

Automatic updates in WordPress are convenient but sometimes need adjustments for specific site setups. WPX users can access these controls through the hosting panel for easy management. WPX provides you with options to turn on WordPress auto updates and turn off WordPress auto updates with a few clicks. You can also manage plugin updates and theme updates from the same menu.

If you’re using a different hosting provider, that does not offer this feature,  you can modify WordPress automatic updates in the wp-config.php file.

For example, to enable WordPress auto updates for only minor core updates, add this line:

define( ‘WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE’, ‘minor’ );

And if you want to disable WordPress auto updates, all you need to do is remove the line from the wp-config.php file. 

For more control, plugins like Easy Updates Manager offer user-friendly interfaces to manage updates, from enabling/disabling to scheduling them.

Advantages and Drawbacks of Automatic Updates

WordPress automatic updates offer ease and enhanced security, especially for users managing multiple sites or smaller sites that need minimal maintenance. However, some WordPress users prefer manual updates for full control, particularly for sites with customized themes or complex plugin setups, where compatibility issues may arise after an automatic update.

Best Practices for Automatic Updates

To get the most from automatic updates, consider these practices:

• Schedule Regular Backups: Ensure you have reliable backups, especially before major updates. WPX provides daily backups, which are invaluable in case an update causes issues.
• Monitor Your Site: Even with automatic updates, periodically check your site’s functionality. 
• Leverage Expert Support: With the WPX Fixed-For-You Guarantee, you can count on our support team to help you configure or troubleshoot anything, including WordPress automatic updates, which is especially useful if you’re unfamiliar with WordPress settings or run into unexpected issues. 

How WPX Supports Your Site’s Updates

WPX Hosting simplifies the process by offering automatic backups, site performance optimization, and 24/7/365 ready-to-help support. For WPX customers, support is just a click away, offering expertise in troubleshooting issues, configuring settings, and answering questions about update management.

Automatic updates are a powerful tool to keep your WordPress site secure, functional, and up-to-date. By understanding your options and using WPX resources, you can confidently manage these updates, whether you opt for full automation or a custom approach tailored to your site’s specific needs.

Final Thoughts

Just as you’d maintain your home’s security, regularly updating your WordPress site is key to its health and safety. WordPress Automatic updates help protect your site from vulnerabilities and keep it running smoothly without requiring constant oversight. By leveraging WPX’s easy-to-use update tools, you can enjoy the benefits of automatic updates with minimal effort. Whether you prefer fully automated updates or a more hands-on approach, WPX offers the resources and support needed to keep your site secure and performing at its best.