Update to WordPress 4.9.2, but have heavily customized theme

1. How do I update my WordPress theme without losing customization?
2. How do I manually update a WordPress theme?
3. Should I update my WordPress theme?
4. How hard is it to customize WordPress themes?
5. Does updating WordPress affect my theme?
6. What happens if I update my WordPress theme?
7. How do I update my WordPress theme in cPanel?
8. How do I upgrade to latest version of WordPress?
9. Does WordPress automatically update?
10. How can I update my WordPress for free?
11. Why should I keep WordPress up to date?

How do I update my WordPress theme without losing customization?

If your theme has no customizations, go to: Appearance > Themes > click “Update Now” on your active theme. If your theme features custom code, updating it with the latest versions will overwrite all your customizations. To safely update a customized theme, use a child theme.

How do I manually update a WordPress theme?

How to Update a WordPress Theme Manually

1. Step 1 – Install the Plugin. Go to Plugins>Add new. Search the plugin Easy Theme and Plugin Upgrades and click on Install Now. At the end you can click on Activate.
2. Step 2 – Upgrade your WordPress Theme. Go to Appearance>Themes>Add new>Upload Theme. Now you have to choose Yes from the select Upgrade existing theme?

Should I update my WordPress theme?

Upgrading your website's theme to the latest version is highly recommended, not only because it ensures you have all the latest features, but you'll also be up-to-date with any security patches. There are many ways to upgrade a WordPress theme.

How hard is it to customize WordPress themes?

Summary. Customizing your WordPress theme isn't all that difficult. ... Other times, you have to create a new child theme to add a new template file to a theme. The options you have for customizing your theme include using a plugin or the Customizer, editing the WordPress theme's code directly, or creating a child theme.

Does updating WordPress affect my theme?

A WordPress update only changes WordPress files. It does not change plugin or theme files. Plugin updates affect only that plugin.

What happens if I update my WordPress theme?

When a theme update becomes available, you'll also see a notification on the Appearance » Themes page. ... This will overwrite all old theme files installed on your website. If you manually added custom code to your WordPress theme files, then you'll lose those changes.

How do I update my WordPress theme in cPanel?

Method 1: Using a File Manager

1. Step 1: Visit the Public HTML Directory. Visit your site's cPanel or use an FTP program (e.g. Filezilla) to explore your site's root directory. ...
2. Step 2: Find the Target Theme Folder. Say, the name of the theme you want to update is “vocal”. ...
3. Step 3: Upload and Extract the Latest Theme Package.

How do I upgrade to latest version of WordPress?

Update WordPress via the Dashboard

Go to Dashboard > Updates or click Please update now to go to the Updates screen and begin the process. If you don't see the notice or the update list is empty, but you know there is a new version of WordPress available, click Check Again to refresh the list.

Does WordPress automatically update?

By default WordPress can automatically update itself when a security or minor release is available. For major releases, you have to initiate the update yourself. You also have to install plugin and theme updates yourself. ... You need to install updates for themes and plugins to get new features and fixes.

How can I update my WordPress for free?

Although WordPress.com is a free service, it offers enhancements for a fee. WordPress.com calls these items upgrades, and you can purchase the upgrades from within your WordPress.com Dashboard. Click the Store link on the Dashboard navigation menu to display the Store page.

Why should I keep WordPress up to date?

Keeping your site up to date will increase your security and help prevent malicious attacks. 83% of WordPress sites hacked are out of date. Updates to WordPress often include security patches to vulnerabilities and can help reduce the risk to your site from hackers.