How to Update WordPress 6.4.3 Maintenance & Security Release
This post, updated with each new release, will note any specific recommendations for each. If applicable, I’ll provide additional insight into new features and functionality. Plus, I’ll throw in some WordPress backup, updates, and other tips for your consideration.
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01.30.23: WordPress 6.4.3 Maintenance & Security Release
This security and maintenance release features 5 bug fixes on Core, 16 bug fixes for the Block Editor, and 2 security fixes.
Because this is a security release, it is recommended that you update your sites immediately.
12.06.23: WordPress 6.4.2 Maintenance & Security Release
This minor release features 7 bug fixes in Core. The fixes include a bug fix for an issue causing stylesheet and theme directories to sometimes return incorrect results.
This release also features one security fix. Because this is a security release, it is recommended that you update your sites immediately.
The security team addressed the following vulnerability in this release.
You can download WordPress 6.4.2 from WordPress.org, or visit your WordPress Dashboard, click “Updates”, and then click “Update Now”. If you have sites that support automatic background updates, the update process will begin automatically.
WordPress 6.4.1 Maintenance Release
This minor release features four bug fixes. You can review a summary of the maintenance updates in this release by reading the Release Candidate announcement or viewing the list of tickets on Trac.
Say hello to WordPress 6.4 “Shirley”
Named after the iconic jazz artist Shirley Horn. Her distinctive voice and extraordinary connection to the piano established her as one of the leading jazz musicians of her generation.
This latest version of WordPress introduces a new, versatile default theme and a suite of upgrades to empower every step of your creative journey.
Whether you’re new to WordPress or an experienced creator, “Shirley” has something for you. Discover the unmatched flexibility of building with blocks and let your ideas take flight.
WordPress 6.4 Feature Overview
This momentous release opens new possibilities for designers, creators, and builders to express themselves creatively. Powerful tools and refined controls give users confidence and allow them to manage their sites easily.
You can download WordPress 6.4 from WordPress.org or visit your WordPress Dashboard, click “Updates,” and then click “Update Now.”
Explore the WordPress 6.4 Field Guide
WordPress Hosting Recommendations:
Note: If you are in a legacy environment with only older PHP or MySQL versions, WordPress also works with PHP 5.6.20+ and MySQL 5.0+, but these versions have reached official End Of Life status and, as such, may expose your site to security vulnerabilities.
BEFORE UPDATING WORDPRESS
WARNING: The upgrade process will impact all files and folders included in the main WordPress installation. This includes all the core files used to run WordPress. If you have made any changes to those files, your changes will be lost.
WordPress Updating Tips
IMPORTANT
When updating WordPress themes or plugins, following a few simple steps can save you some headaches. First, double-check with theme and plugin developers *before* updating that they have tested to the latest version of WordPress.
You want to review if they have any concerns or comments about your theme and the new version. For example, some theme shops may ask you to delay updating if their testing reflects issues they must address first.
Your theme developer may then advise that you update your theme before updating WordPress. The benefit of using a quality premium theme and plugins means the developer(s) are always on top of this.
If you are unsure how an update will impact your current website setup, you can do a dry run in your staging area. Check out my article: What’s a Staging Site and Why Do I Need One?
Step-by-step WordPress Update Instructions
To help you safely and efficiently update to the most recent version of WordPress, check out my article Quick and Easy WordPress backup tips.
It is not just WordPress…
Don’t forget to update your plugins as required. With each WordPress update, you’ll see that plugin developers also update their plugins, which you can do with one click. In addition, you’ll see the nag bar under the plugin name in the plugins area with a link “update now.”
After an update, you have a couple of options if something is not working as it was.
When it comes to plugins, if the developer is not testing their plugin to work with the latest WordPress version, find another plugin whose developer is on top of these things.
Always Backup and Update Promptly
Updating should not be ignored or put off. Every update includes security hardening, and that’s why hackers always target sites that are not maintained.
That said, I generally wait a day or two (if it is not an emergency security update) to let any bugs that can be discovered once a new version is out in the wild. It is not uncommon to see maintenance releases come shortly after a primary release due to unforeseen issues. Let’s face it; there is no way to test for 100% of the environments and combinations on the millions of WordPress websites out there.
When you promptly address WordPress updates and stay on top of Premium Theme and plugin updates, you are in step with technology and ensure your website is secure and has the best chance to function error-free.
At your service,