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Why is it so important to keep the WP Core updated?
WordPress core updates are foundational for the security and health of any website. Timely updates serve a multi-faceted purpose, including providing crucial security patches, fixing bugs, and improving site performance. Ignoring these updates can leave a site vulnerable to a variety of security threats. The value of an update service from WMS NZ lies not merely in the act of clicking an “update” button but in the comprehensive, risk-mitigation process that surrounds it.
At WMS NZ, my team and I handle core, plugin, and theme updates with a high success rate by implementing a structured, cautious approach. We can perform updates on a weekly basis, often scheduling them during low-traffic hours to minimise the risk of negative impacts on the site. A core part of this process can be the use of a staging environment, which acts as a crucial safety net. A DIY user might simply update their live site, risking a site-wide crash if a conflict arises. By contrast, on sensitive sites, my team can use a staging site as a sandbox to test the update. This step-by-step de-risking process is the core value proposition that justifies the cost and transforms a simple task into a sophisticated service.
Benefits and Risks of Timely Updates
Benefits:
- Enhanced security and protection from vulnerabilities. Regular updates close security holes that could be exploited by hackers.
- Improved site performance. Updates often include code optimizations that lead to faster loading times.
- Compatibility with the latest features. Updating ensures that the site remains compatible with the newest plugins, themes, and other technologies.
Risks:
- Compatibility issues and conflicts. A new update can clash with an existing plugin or theme, causing functionality issues or even a “white screen of death”.
- Site crashes. If an update is interrupted or conflicts are not handled properly, the website can become non-functional.
- Unwanted changes. Updates can introduce changes that negatively impact the site’s appearance or user experience.
Quote by Ben Kemp: “When my team and I handle your WordPress core updates, we do it with a 99.99% success rate. On mission-critical sites, we can follow a meticulous, risk-mitigation process that includes testing every change on a staging site first, so you never have to worry about an update breaking your website.“
WordPress core updates are foundational for the security and health of any website. Timely updates serve a multi-faceted purpose, including providing crucial security patches, fixing bugs, and improving site performance. Ignoring these updates can leave a site vulnerable to a variety of security threats. The value of an update service from WMS NZ lies not merely in the act of clicking an “update” button but in the comprehensive, risk-mitigation process that surrounds it.
Plugin & Theme Updates
At WMS NZ, my team and I handle core, plugin, and theme updates with a high success rate by implementing a structured, cautious approach. We can perform updates on a weekly basis, often scheduling them during low-traffic hours to minimize the risk of negative impacts on the site. A core part of this process is the use of a staging environment for sensitive sites, which acts as a crucial safety net.
A DIY user might simply update their live site, risking a site-wide crash if a conflict arises. In contrast, my team can use a staging site as a sandbox to test the updates before applying them to the live site. This step-by-step de-risking process is the core value proposition that justifies the extra cost of a Corporate Maintenance Plan as it transforms a simple task into a sophisticated service.
Benefits and Risks of Timely Updates
Benefits:
- Enhanced security and protection from vulnerabilities. Regular updates close security holes that could be exploited by hackers.2
- Improved site performance. Updates often include code optimisations that lead to faster loading times.5
- Compatibility with the latest features. Updating ensures that the site remains compatible with the newest plugins, themes, and other technologies.
Risks:
- Compatibility issues and conflicts. A new update can clash with an existing plugin or theme, causing functionality issues or even a “white screen of death”.
- Site crashes. If an update is interrupted or conflicts are not handled properly, the website can become non-functional.
- Unwanted changes. Updates can introduce changes that negatively impact the site’s appearance or user experience.
Reference Links:
- https://devrix.com/tutorial/wordpress-core-updates/
- https://www.wix.com/blog/website-audit-checklist
- https://avada.com/blog/updating-wordpress-core-themes-plugins/
Every feature has some maintenance cost, and having fewer features lets us focus on the ones we care about and make sure they work very well.
David Karp
Page last Updated on Saturday, September 20, 2025 by the author Ben Kemp
