Keeping WordPress updated is important for security, performance, compatibility, and stability. WordPress includes an automatic update feature that can install certain updates without requiring you to update them manually.
For many website owners, allowing automatic minor WordPress updates is a useful way to keep their websites secure while avoiding automatic updates for major WordPress releases.
What Are WordPress Minor Updates?
WordPress releases different types of updates. A major release may introduce new features and significant changes, while a minor release usually focuses on maintenance, bug fixes, security improvements, and compatibility issues.
For example, a version such as:
6.8 → 6.9
represents a major version change, while:
6.8.1 → 6.8.2
is a minor update.
Minor updates are generally intended to improve the existing WordPress version without introducing the same level of changes as a major release.
Why Enable Automatic Minor Updates?
Enabling automatic minor WordPress updates can save time and help keep your website updated.
Some important benefits include:
- Improved WordPress security
- Automatic bug fixes
- Less manual maintenance
- Faster installation of maintenance releases
- Reduced risk of running an outdated WordPress version
- Easier website management
However, you should still maintain regular backups and test important websites before making significant changes.
How to Enable Automatic Minor WordPress Updates
WordPress can be configured to automatically install minor core updates. There are several ways to control this behavior.
Method 1: Enable Automatic Minor Updates Using wp-config.php
One of the easiest methods is to add a small configuration line to your wp-config.php file.
First, access your WordPress files using your hosting File Manager or FTP.
Find:
wp-config.phpThis file is normally located in your WordPress root directory.
Open the file and add:
define( 'WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', 'minor' );Save the file.
This tells WordPress to automatically install minor core updates while preventing automatic installation of major core updates through this setting.
Where Should You Add the Code?
You should generally place the code before the line:
/* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */
For example:
define( 'WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', 'minor' );
/* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */Save the file and your WordPress installation will use the new update behavior.
Method 2: Use a Plugin
If you do not want to edit wp-config.php, you can use a WordPress update management plugin.
Update-related plugins can provide settings for controlling automatic updates for:
- WordPress core
- Plugins
- Themes
- Translations
This can be useful if you manage multiple websites or want a visual interface instead of editing configuration files manually.
However, avoid installing unnecessary plugins just to control one simple WordPress setting. For many websites, the wp-config.php method is lightweight and sufficient.
Should You Allow Automatic Major Updates?
This depends on your website.
For a simple personal website or blog, automatic major updates may be acceptable if you have reliable backups and a good testing process.
For business websites, WooCommerce stores, membership websites, or websites with custom code, it may be safer to review major WordPress releases before installing them.
Major updates can sometimes affect:
- Themes
- Plugins
- Custom code
- Page builders
- WooCommerce functionality
- Third-party integrations
A controlled update process can reduce the possibility of unexpected compatibility problems.
How to Check Your WordPress Update Settings
After changing your update configuration, log in to your WordPress dashboard.
Go to:
Dashboard → Updates
Here you can see the current WordPress version and available updates.
You should also check your hosting environment and any plugins that may override WordPress’s default automatic update behavior.
Important: Take a Backup Before Updates
Automatic updates are convenient, but no update process is completely risk-free.
Before enabling automatic updates on an important website, make sure you have:
- A recent database backup
- A backup of your WordPress files
- A reliable backup restoration process
- Sufficient hosting resources
- Updated plugins and themes
If something goes wrong, a backup allows you to restore the website.
Automatic Minor Updates vs Plugin and Theme Updates
WordPress core automatic updates are separate from plugin and theme automatic updates.
For example, you can configure your website to automatically install minor WordPress core updates while manually reviewing plugin and theme updates.
This can be a good approach for websites where stability is important.
Plugin and theme updates may contain larger functional changes, and compatibility can vary depending on the website’s configuration.
Common Problems With Automatic WordPress Updates
Although automatic updates are useful, problems can occasionally occur.
Common issues include:
Update Failure
A server timeout, insufficient resources, or file permission problem can cause an update to fail.
Plugin Compatibility
A plugin may not work correctly with a new WordPress release.
Theme Compatibility
Custom themes or themes with outdated code may require additional testing after an update.
Custom Code
Websites with custom PHP code or modifications may need extra attention before updates.
If an update causes an issue, restore a recent backup and investigate the compatibility problem before attempting the update again.
Best Practices for WordPress Automatic Updates
Follow these simple practices to manage automatic WordPress updates safely:
1. Keep Regular Backups
Create automatic backups and periodically verify that your backups can actually be restored.
2. Keep Plugins Updated
Outdated plugins can create security and compatibility problems.
3. Use a Staging Website
For important websites, test WordPress updates on a staging environment before applying major changes to the live website.
4. Monitor Your Website
After an automatic update, check important areas such as:
- Homepage
- Contact forms
- Login
- Navigation
- WooCommerce checkout
- Payment systems
- Custom functionality
5. Avoid Unnecessary Update Plugins
Only install update-management plugins when you actually need their additional features.
Enabling automatic minor WordPress updates is a simple way to reduce manual maintenance and help keep your website current.
For many websites, adding:
define( 'WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', 'minor' );to the wp-config.php file is an easy solution when you want WordPress to automatically install minor core updates without automatically applying major releases through this setting.
However, automatic updates should always be combined with regular backups, reliable hosting, and basic website monitoring. For important business and WooCommerce websites, consider testing major updates on a staging site before applying them to production.
