How do I update Joomla?
Back up first, then open System → Update → Joomla and click Update. Patch updates (like 6.2.1 → 6.2.2) take a minute and keep your content and settings.
Why update, and why it is usually safe
Updates fix security problems and bugs. Joomla releases them often, and most are patch releases that change only what is broken. Your content, settings, template and extensions stay as they are.
Minor updates (6.1 → 6.2) can add features, so Joomla shows a Pre-Update Check first.
Update
- Make a backup (for example with Akeeba Backup).
- Click Update Now in the Home Dashboard notifications, or go to System → Update → Joomla.
- For minor updates, read the Pre-Update Check and update or disable any extension it flags.
- Click Update, tick the box that confirms your backup, and click Start Update.
- Wait for 100%. Then view your site and reload it with Shift + Reload.
After the update
- Open System → Maintenance → Database. If it lists problems, select them and click Update Structure.
- Check System → Install → Discover for new core extensions and install them.
Good to know
- Turn on the Joomla! Update Notification plugin to get an email when an update is out.
- From Joomla 5.4 you can let Joomla install core updates automatically (see "Can Joomla update itself automatically?").
Sources
- Version Update – Joomla User Guide
- Joomla! Update Notification – Joomla User Guide
