How to update plugins and themes in WordPress

WordPress themes and plugins are software programs, and like all software will require some changes and updates which is done by the developers. It is important to ensure your plugins and themes are up-to-date so that your site can benefit from these updates immediately. Some of the updates may include a faster website, new website functionalities, a better presentation of the website, and improved security.

When a new version of a plugin or theme is available, an alert will be displayed in your WordPress admin menu and the corresponding plugin or theme will be highlighted.

WordPress plugins are PHP scripts of code that improve WordPress' capabilities. Plugins improve WordPress features or introduce new functionality to your website. Plugins also ensure that your website is secure.

You can check for plugin updates manually by going to the WordPress backend and following these instructions:

• Login to WordPress.
  URL example: www.yourdomainname.co.za/wp-admin
• Once logged in, select ‘Plugins’ from the left-hand side menu.

• Select the plugin that requires an update and click ‘update now’.
  
• Click on ‘Enable auto-updates' to have the updates done automatically.

Refresh your web browser to enable the additional functionality provided by the newly updated plugin.

A WordPress theme is a collection of files (graphics, style sheets, and code) that determine the look, style, and feel of your website. Themes govern anything from your website's layout to the colours of the hyperlinks. A theme enables you to control the presentation of your site.

You can look for plugin updates manually by going to the WordPress backend using the following instructions:

• Login to the WordPress. URL example www.yourdomainname.co.za/wp-admin
• Select ‘Updates’ on the left-hand side menu.

• On the updates page, scroll down to ‘Themes’.
• Select the theme and click on ‘Update Themes’.

Refresh your browser to enable the additional functionality provided by the newly updated theme.