WordPress is an ever-evolving platform, and updates are a natural part of this progression. Automatic updates help keep WordPress sites secure and feature-rich.
However, there may be circumstances where a website administrator might need to use or test an older version of WordPress, making it necessary to disable automatic updates. Here’s how you can achieve this.

Description

Disabling automatic updates in WordPress is a two-edged sword. On one hand, it allows flexibility to choose a version, run compatibility tests, or maintain a setup that depends on a specific version of WordPress.
On the other hand, using an outdated version can expose your site to security risks and compatibility issues with plugins and themes.

Here’s how you can safely disable auto updates:

Step 1: Download wordpress from WordPress.org

First go to wordpress.org and download a fresh copy of your desired wordpress version. Open the archive on your computer and search for a file called wp-config.php.

Step 2: Edit the wp-config.php File

This file contains configurations for your WordPress site and can be found in the root directory of your WordPress installation.

1. Open the file: Use an FTP client or your hosting cPanel’s file manager.
2. Find the line: Search for /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */.
3. Insert the code: Just above that line, insert define('WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', false);.
4. Save and exit: This code snippet disables core updates.

Why would you disable automatic wordpress updates?

Example 1: Running a Legacy Plugin

You might have a legacy plugin that’s critical for your website but hasn’t been updated to work with the latest WordPress version. In this scenario, disabling automatic updates allows you to run an older version of WordPress that’s compatible with the plugin.

Example 2: Staging Environment

If you’re testing a website in a staging environment and want to replicate the exact version of WordPress used on the live site, you can disable automatic updates to ensure the versions match.

Conclusion

Disabling WordPress automatic updates has its place, especially when working with older versions or specialized environments. However, it’s vital to recognize the potential risks and ensure proper security measures.
If you’re uncertain, consulting with a WordPress specialist or developer is advised. By following the steps outlined, you can control your WordPress version and updates according to your specific needs.