Updates fix security and compatibility issues, but production changes need a recovery path.
Steps
- Read release notes and compatibility requirements.
- Take matching files-and-database backups and confirm they open.
- Use staging first for major updates; update core, then active theme and plugins in small groups.
- After each group, test login, pages, forms, checkout and scheduled tasks.
- If the site fails, capture the error, disable only the faulty component or restore the verified backup.
Verify the result
Clear caches and confirm Site Health has no new critical issue.
Important: Do not edit WordPress core or vendor plugin files; updates overwrite those changes.
