How to Enable and Configure Auto-Updates in WordPress

Keeping your WordPress core software, themes, and plugins updated is the single most important step in protecting your website from malware and hackers. Outdated scripts are responsible for the vast majority of website security breaches.

At CeylonServers, you can configure your website to update itself automatically in the background, giving you peace of mind. Here are the two most efficient methods to set up and manage auto-updates.

Method 1: Configure Auto-Updates via "WordPress Manager by Softaculous" (Recommended)

This is the best method because it allows you to control your website's entire update policy directly from cPanel without even logging into WordPress.

• Log in to your cPanel dashboard directly.
• Look at the left-hand side dark blue navigation sidebar and click on "WordPress Manager by Softaculous".

• Locate your website domain from the list and click the downward arrow icon on the right side to expand its details panel.
• Scroll down to the "Info" or "Settings" section inside that panel. Here you will see toggle options for automated tasks:
• Auto Upgrade WordPress Core: We recommend selecting "Upgrade to Minor versions only" (e.g.: updating from 6.5.1 to 6.5.2 automatically to keep it secure without breaking themes) or "Upgrade to any latest version" for hands-free management.
• Auto Upgrade WordPress Plugins: Toggle this option to Enabled to let Softaculous update all your extensions automatically when new patches are released.
• Auto Upgrade WordPress Themes: Toggle this option to Enabled to automate theme security updates.

• Changes are saved instantly in the background!

Method 2: Manage Auto-Updates inside the WordPress Dashboard

If you prefer to manage individual settings for specific plugins or themes, you can do it straight from your WordPress administrator panel.

For WordPress Core:

• Log in to your WordPress Dashboard (yourdomain.com/wp-admin).
• Go to Dashboard ➔ Updates on the left menu.
• Right below the WordPress version notice, click the link that says "Enable automatic updates for all new versions of WordPress".

For Individual Plugins:

• Go to Plugins ➔ Installed Plugins.
• Look at the far right column named "Automatic Updates".
• Click "Enable auto-update" next to the specific plugins you trust.
• Pro-Tip: You can select all plugins using the top checkbox, choose "Enable Auto-updates" from the Bulk Actions dropdown menu, and click Apply.

Important Strategy for Business Websites:

• Major vs. Minor Updates: Minor core updates focus strictly on security and bugs, which almost never cause issues. Major updates (e.g., moving from version 6.5 to 6.6) add massive layout features. If you use highly customized page builders, always make sure you have a server backup before major updates run.
• Keep Plugins Clean: Delete any completely deactivated or unused themes and plugins, as even inactive scripts can contain server code vulnerabilities if left outdated.

Facing Update Loop Failures? If your background automated updates are failing or if your screen shows a temporary "Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance" block that won't go away, a script process might be stuck. Please Open a Ticket from your CeylonServers client room portal, and our support team will optimize your script memory execution execution limits instantly!