How to update Drupal version

Update Drupal regularly to keep your website secure, stable, and compatible with the latest platform requirements. Before updating, make sure you review the release notes, create backups, and verify that your hosting environment meets the requirements of the target Drupal version.

Before you update

Before proceeding with the update, perform the following:

• Secure a backup of your Drupal website files.
• Secure a backup of your Drupal database.
• Check the system requirements of the new version by reading its release notes and make sure that it is compatible with the current features of your hosting account.
• Put your Drupal website into maintenance mode before performing updates.

Ways to update Drupal

There are two ways to update your Drupal version:

• Via the Drupal Admin Page
• Via Softaculous in cPanel

Via the Drupal Admin Page

Use this method if your Drupal installation supports updates through the administrative interface.

1. Access your Drupal dashboard using yourdomain.com/user/login (replace yourdomain.com with the domain of your website).
2. Log in to your Drupal administration page. If you can't remember your login credentials, refer to our How to reset your Drupal logins guide.
3. Navigate to Reports > Available updates.
4. Review the available updates. Drupal will display updates for the core software and any installed modules or themes. Pay special attention to updates marked as security releases.
5. Verify that you have completed all recommended backups before proceeding.
6. Open the available update option and review the version information and release notes.
7. Confirm that you want to proceed with the update.
8. Allow Drupal to perform the update process. The system will run validation checks and apply the available updates.
9. Wait for the update process to complete.
10. If prompted, apply any required database updates and review any update messages displayed by Drupal.
11. Verify that both the website front end and administration pages load correctly.
12. Confirm that the Drupal version displayed in the administration dashboard reflects the updated release.
13. Disable the maintenance mode to make your website publicly accessible again.

Via Softaculous in cPanel

This is only applicable if your Drupal site is installed and managed through Softaculous.

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Click the Softaculous Apps Installer icon found under Software menu.
3. Make sure PHP is chosen at the top, then click the Installations button.
4. Locate your Drupal installation. If an update is available, Softaculous will display an update icon beside the installed version.
5. Open the update screen.
6. Select the option to create a backup before proceeding.
7. Review the update details, then click Upgrade to begin the process.
8. Follow any post-update instructions displayed by Softaculous. If Drupal reports pending database updates, apply them and ensure all update requirements have been completed.
9. Test both the website front page and administration area to confirm the update was successful.
10. Disable the maintenance mode to make your website publicly accessible again.

After the update

• Verify that your website loads correctly.
• Check important site functions and forms.
• Monitor logs for any errors or warnings.
• Confirm that the Drupal version displayed in the administration dashboard reflects the updated release.