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To turn on automatic updates for major WordPress core releases, sign in to WordPress, open Dashboard > Updates, and select “Enable automatic updates for all new versions of WordPress.” If that link is missing or disabled, a configuration constant, filter, or version-control checkout may be controlling updates instead.
Enable major core updates from the WordPress dashboard
- Sign in to your WordPress administration area.
- Open Dashboard > Updates.
- Look for the notice that the site receives maintenance and security releases only.
- Select “Enable automatic updates for all new versions of WordPress.”
When major updates are enabled, the core settings interface states that WordPress is automatically kept up to date with each new version. This control applies to WordPress core, not to plugins or themes.
What the dashboard setting changes
WordPress distinguishes between maintenance and security releases and major releases. A site receiving only maintenance and security updates can still be protected and corrected without automatically moving to a new major version. The link above changes that core-update policy so new WordPress versions can be installed automatically.
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If the dashboard control is unavailable, an administrator can define the core update policy in wp-config.php:
define( 'WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', true );The value true enables development, minor, and major core updates. It therefore does more than simply switch on major releases. The value 'minor' enables minor updates while leaving major updates disabled, and false disables the core update types controlled by this constant.
When WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE is defined, it overrides the user-controllable setting on the Updates screen. A dashboard link may consequently be absent or unable to change the effective policy.
Choose the right configuration route
| Route | Best fit | Effect | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dashboard > Updates | Site owners who can manage the WordPress admin area | Turns on automatic updates for all new core versions when the control is available | Cannot override a higher-priority constant, filter, or environment restriction |
WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE set to true |
Sites whose update policy is managed in configuration | Enables development, minor, and major core updates | Overrides the dashboard’s user-controllable setting |
allow_major_auto_core_updates filter |
Developers who need selective code-based control | Allows major-update behavior to be tailored in code | Requires a loaded WordPress code context and should be managed carefully |
Use a filter for selective control
WordPress provides the allow_major_auto_core_updates filter when a developer needs more selective behavior than the dashboard or the broad true constant provides.
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Why the major-update switch may be unavailable
A constant is enforcing another policy
Check whether WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE is defined. Its value determines which core update types are enabled and takes precedence over the dashboard control.
Automatic updating has been disabled globally
A defined AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED constant can prevent automatic updates. Other updater restrictions or filters can have a similar effect.
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WordPress detected version control
WordPress can detect a version-control checkout and alter automatic-update behavior. This is especially relevant to new installations, for which major updates are normally enabled unless such a checkout is detected.
The site is an existing installation with older defaults
Automatic background updates began with WordPress 3.7. Starting with WordPress 5.6, new installations have minor and major core updates enabled by default unless WordPress detects a version-control checkout. Existing installations keep their prior behavior unless an administrator, constant, or filter enables major updates.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check your production workflow before enabling major releases
Major releases can affect custom code, themes, plugins, and integrations. If the site is customized or managed through version control, test the release on a staging site first when your workflow allows it. Staging provides time to identify compatibility problems before applying the major update to production.
Enabling core major updates does not enable automatic updates for plugins or themes. Those have separate controls, including per-plugin and per-theme settings.
Quick Recap
Quick verification checklist
- Confirm the path is Dashboard > Updates.
- Use the exact link “Enable automatic updates for all new versions of WordPress.” when it is offered.
- Check
wp-config.phpforWP_AUTO_UPDATE_COREandAUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED. - Look for update filters, must-use plugins, or other environment restrictions.
- Check whether the installation is under version control.
- Keep plugin and theme update policies separate from the core setting.
- For customized production sites, test major releases on staging before relying on automatic deployment.
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