The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To check whether your WordPress site needs updates, open Dashboard > Updates in the admin area. Before installing anything, make a restorable backup of both the site files and database. Then update WordPress core, plugins, and themes through their dashboard screens when possible, and verify key pages and functions afterward.
How do I check if my WordPress site is outdated?
- Sign in to your WordPress admin area.
- Open Dashboard > Updates. Review the notices for WordPress core, plugins, and themes. Check this screen at the time you plan to update; the available release status can change.
- Open Tools > Site Health to review critical issues and recommended improvements. In its information view, check the installed WordPress version and technical details that may help explain an update problem.
The Updates screen is the direct place to see pending updates; Site Health provides additional information about the installation. WordPress.org Documentation says, “You should always update WordPress to the latest version.”
How do I update WordPress safely?
1. Make a backup you can restore
Before patching, back up both the site files and the database. WordPress maintenance guidance recommends keeping backup copies on the hosting server and on a computer. Confirm how to restore the backup before you begin: a copy is useful only if it contains the data you need and can be restored. An external hard drive can hold a separate computer-side copy, but it does not replace a working backup process or restore plan.
2. Update WordPress core from the dashboard
Start from the update notice or open Dashboard > Updates, then select Update Now. WordPress says its one-click update works on most servers, making it the normal first route when the dashboard offers it.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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3. Use manual core replacement only when needed
If the built-in update does not work and you can safely manage site files, follow WordPress’s manual procedure: replace the WordPress core directories and root files, then visit /wp-admin and complete the database upgrade if WordPress prompts you.
Keep the existing wp-content directory and its contents. It holds themes and plugins, so do not replace it wholesale with a fresh copy. Any changes made directly to WordPress core files are lost during an update; customizations should not depend on edits to those files.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How should I update plugins and themes?
Update extensions from Dashboard > Updates or from the relevant Plugins and Themes screens. Automatic updates are another option, but enable them only when you have a recent backup available for rollback.
Plugin and theme automatic updates rely on scheduled WP-Cron tasks. If an update does not run, check Tools > Site Health for reported problems rather than assuming the schedule is working.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which update route should I choose?
| Route | Best fit | What to account for |
|---|---|---|
| Dashboard one-click update | First choice for core updates when the dashboard offers the update and the host supports it. | WordPress says it works on most servers. Back up first, then complete any database upgrade prompt. |
| Manual core file replacement | Fallback when the built-in route is unavailable or does not work and you can manage files safely. | Preserve the existing wp-content, replace core files carefully, and visit /wp-admin for a database upgrade prompt. |
| Dashboard plugin or theme update | Updating an individual plugin or theme, or applying pending extension updates from the Updates screen. | Have a recent rollback backup available before updating. |
| Plugin or theme automatic updates | When you want updates applied automatically and can retain a rollback option. | Scheduling depends on WP-Cron; check Site Health if updates are not running. |
What should I check after updating?
- Complete any database upgrade WordPress requests.
- If you deactivated plugins for manual work, reactivate them when appropriate.
- Clear relevant caches so you are checking the updated site rather than cached pages.
- Visit important pages and test key functions, such as forms or other features visitors rely on.
- If the update causes problems, restore the backup. WordPress also documents replacing files with files from the previous release where appropriate.
Is updating PHP part of a WordPress patch?
No. Site Health may flag an outdated PHP version, but changing PHP is a separate compatibility change, not a routine step in every WordPress update. WordPress recommends backing up, updating WordPress, themes, and plugins, checking the site, and checking compatibility before changing PHP. Compatibility-checker results are not guarantees: they can miss issues or report false positives. Confirm support with your host and the relevant plugin and theme maintainers before switching PHP versions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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