“How often should I update plugins?” has a short answer — regularly — and a more useful one: it depends on what kind of update it is. A security fix, a routine bug-fix release and a new major version deserve different timing.
A practical rhythm
- Security releases: as soon as possible, ideally within days.
- Minor and bug-fix releases: on a regular schedule — weekly or every two weeks.
- Major releases: planned, after reading the changelog, tested on staging where the plugin shapes the front end or checkout.
The same thinking applies to themes and WordPress core. The goal is never to fall far behind, because many small updates are easier to handle than one enormous batch.
Why security updates can’t wait
When a vulnerability is fixed, the fix is public — and so, often, are the details of what was wrong. Automated attacks target known vulnerabilities on sites that haven’t updated yet. The window between a fix being released and being exploited can be short, which is why security releases get priority.
Why major releases can wait a little
Major versions bring new features and changes to how a plugin works. They’re also where most compatibility problems appear. Waiting a few days, reading the changelog and checking the plugin’s support forum lets early issues surface — and often get fixed in a quick follow-up release.
Automatic updates: when they make sense
WordPress lets you enable automatic updates for each plugin and theme. They’re a good fit for:
- small, well-maintained plugins that don’t change how the site looks or works,
- sites with reliable off-site backups and monitoring,
- security and minor releases of WordPress core.
They’re riskier for page builders, WooCommerce and its extensions, and anything with custom code built on top. Recent WordPress versions can roll back an automatic plugin update that causes a fatal error, but they can’t spot a broken layout or form — see rolling back a plugin update.
Fewer plugins, fewer updates
The easiest update is the one you don’t need. Every plugin adds maintenance: updates, compatibility, licences. Review your list every few months and remove what you no longer use — including deactivated plugins, which still sit on the server.
Make it a routine
Whatever rhythm you choose, the steps around each update matter as much as the timing: a fresh backup, updates in small groups, and a check of key pages afterwards. We walk through that in how to update WordPress safely, and it’s part of the WordPress maintenance checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn on automatic plugin updates?
For well-maintained plugins on a simple site, automatic minor updates are reasonable — as long as backups and monitoring are in place. For page builders, WooCommerce and anything checkout-related, controlled updates with checks are safer.
Is it bad to update plugins immediately?
Security releases should be applied quickly. For major feature releases, waiting a few days and reading the changelog lets early bugs surface and get fixed first.
What happens if I never update plugins?
Known vulnerabilities stay open, compatibility with newer WordPress and PHP versions erodes, and eventually a large, risky batch of updates becomes unavoidable.
Do I need to update deactivated plugins?
Yes — or delete them. Deactivated plugins remain on the server and can still be a security risk.
