How to update WordPress

This is a more reliable way to update WordPress than using the auto update tool, which in many cases won’t work.  I have been using this method and never had an issue.

1. Backup your wordpress files and database.  Personally I ftp down the whole “Httpdocs” file and then backup the database using PHPAdmin.
2. Download the WordPress update patch and unzip it.
3. Deactivate your plugins in WordPress
4. Delete your current wp-include” and wp-admin directories
5. Upload the new wp-include and wp-admin folders
6. Edit the new wp-config-sample.php to reflect your current user name, password and database name. Then rename it wp-config.php (see your current wp-config.php file). Do not upload yet.
7. Delete all the current root files then upload all the new ones including the edited new wp-config.php
8. The content of the new wp-content folder now needs uploading, carry this out individually so as not to accidentally write over your current theme and plugin folders.
9. Browse to your web site and follow the instructions to update the database
10. Activate your plugins one at a time checking they work as you go.
11. That’s it all done