Plugins are the main component of WordPress that makes it better than other CMS Platforms, how often should you update them?
It’s already been established that inactive plugins pose a security threat and you should delete them from your site if you no longer require their functions.
How Often Should You Update WordPress Plugins?
Your WordPress Plugins are executable files and as such can be used to infect your site with Malware.
Therefore, you should update your WordPress Plugins as often as possible and by that I mean, whenever an update is available.
What I do on all of my websites is I set the Plugins to Automatically Update, here’s how you can do so:
- Login to your WordPress Dashboard
- Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins
- Find the Plugin that you want to auto-update and click on the enable Auto-updates action link.
You should do this for all the plugins that are loaded on your Site’s front end.
How do I Update a Plugin Automatically if it’s not on the WordPress Repository?
Firstly, you shouldn’t install plugins that are not on the WordPress Repository or Themeforest on your site unless it’s a trusted and renowned plugin developer.
If you downloaded a plugin from Themeforest or Codecanyon, then you should install the Envato Market Plugin so you can set the Plugins you downloaded to auto-update.
For Plugins from outside the WordPress Repository, Themeforest and Codecanyon, you should download the newer version of the plugin from the developers’ website, then install it like you’re installing a new plugin. Dashboard → Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin Button.
WordPress will prompt you to replace the new plugin you uploaded with the old one, you’ll review the details present and proceed.
Conclusion
You should always update your WordPress Plugins so your site will be more secure and you’ll get new features and bug fixes that come with the updates.
I feel like you need to learn more about WordPress Plugins, here are my recommendations:
- Can WordPress Plugins Contain Viruses?
- Do Inactive Plugins Slow Down your Website?
- Should you use nulled WordPress Plugins on your Website?
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