No-Frills WordPress version update steps

  • Backup your database and files.*  Backup plugin suggestions: BlogVault.net, VaultPress.com, BackupBuddy from ithemes.com. 
  • Install and activate Classic Editor plugin (optional, useful if you are not ready to work with the new editor style)
  • Update your installed plugins
  • Update your install theme
  • Update WordPress version to 5.0 (the available version may be different depending on when you are implementing the steps in this article).
  • You might see a prompt to allow a database update.

*some webhosting plans include daily backups — ask your webhosting support team if that is an available option for your site