Magento 2 upgrade to the latest version helps your store stay secure and high-performing, but some merchants hold back, fearing errors or disruptions.
If that is you, you have nothing to worry about. The upgrade itself is usually less complex than you think with the proper preparation and a clear plan in place.
Check this post to explore why it’s worth upgrading, how to plan ahead, and how to upgrade to Magento 2 using three common strategies.
Why Should You Upgrade Magento 2 to the Latest Version?
Magento upgrade is not just keeping up. It speeds up your store and makes it more flexible and user-friendly.
Partnership with a Magento development agency ensures a smooth upgrade process and unlocks new features and performance enhancements to cater to your business needs. Here’s why it matters.
- Security Fixes. Adobe Commerce regularly releases patches to fix found vulnerabilities and avoid future exploits. Running on older versions exposes your Magento store to known security issues.
- Performance Improvements. Each new release typically brings performance improvements that lead to faster loading, indexing, and a streamlined checkout process.
- New Features. Merchants get new functionality and tools with each new release to grow their e-commerce retail business. Here we will list PWA improvements, improved admin UI, or support for new payments.
- Extension Compatibility and Support. Knowing how to upgrade Magento 2 to the latest version helps you keep pace with third-party module updates and avoid compatibility issues.
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Compliance and Long-Term Viability. Older versions of Magento won’t be supported forever. Staying current helps you remain compliant and avoid risks tied to outdated software.
Prepare for the Latest Magento 2 Upgrade
Before you upgrade your Magento site, take the time to prepare it to reduce risks and ensure a smooth process.
Review the Release Notes
Read the Magento Release Notes to understand what has been changed. Identify features or fixes that may impact your customizations or extensions.
Back Up Your Data
Be prepared for the unexpected. A solid backup of your Magento data ensures you have something to fall back on.
Check Version Compatibility
Ensure your current PHP version, database engine, and extensions are supported by the new Magento release. Upgrade or replace any outdated parts beforehand.
Create a Staging Environment
Instead of updating your online store directly, create a staging environment for it. This approach will give you the choice to test the procedure in detail without inconveniencing customers or orders.
Audit and Clean up
Audit old plugins, themes, and customizations that may no longer be necessary. Clean as much as possible to remove complexity and potential conflicts.
Alert Your Team
Notify all relevant team members and stakeholders about the upgrade schedule, expected downtime, and testing phases. Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities during the process.
3 Main Methods to Upgrade Magento 2 to the Latest Version
There are three primary methods for upgrading your Magento 2 store. The right one for you depends on your level of technical expertise and the complexity of your store setup.
Composer-Based Upgrade
When it comes to how to upgrade Magento 2, using Composer is the most preferred and widely recommended method. It suits developers or development teams that can work with the command line.
Composer gives you complete mastery of the upgrade process. It is flexible, plays well with version control tools like Git, and can be simply embedded into staging and deployment procedures.
The upgrade typically involves several necessary steps: backing up your site, updating the composer.json file, running ‘composer update,’ clearing the cache, and running database updates as needed.
Magento Web Setup Wizard
This method is best for older Magento installations that are not using Composer.
First, log in to the Admin Panel and navigate to System > Web Setup Wizard. From there, you can continue with the system upgrade using the wizard-based steps that are integrated.
Its greatest benefit is the ease of use of its interface, which makes it even usable for nontechnical persons.
That being said, there are some disadvantages to keep in mind. Web Setup Wizard is deprecated in recent versions of Magento, so it won’t be here forever. It’s also not ideal for larger or more complex stores, since it’s unstable with large amounts of data.
Lastly, it’s generally slower and less flexible than updating with Composer.
Manual Upgrade
It works best for highly customized Magento setups where unique needs make it difficult to automate the upgrade.
Here’s how you do it:
- Download the latest Magento version from the official site first.
- Then manually overwrite the core files over SSH or via FTP. Be careful when overriding or merging custom files. Do it with utmost care not to mess anything up.
- After placing the files, perform the setup and upgrade commands.
The best advantage of this approach is having full control over all directories and files, which is especially helpful in intricate, highly personalized installations.
But don’t forget that it has its disadvantages. Without appropriate experience, it’s very easy to ruin. It’s also time-consuming and attention-grabbing.
Conclusion
Deciding how to upgrade Magento 2 to the latest version is more than just a technical task. it’s a strategic investment in your store’s performance, security, and longevity. Whether you’re looking to unlock new features, boost speed, or tighten security, staying on the latest version is key.
Preparation is paramount above all. Go through your current configuration, do the upgrade in a staging environment, and have backups readily available at all times. Composer is often the safest and most adaptable route to an upgrade for most stores.
Don’t just upgrade. Optimize your site by applying proven web Magento development best practices to get the most out of your store.
If you’re unsure about the upgrade process or have a complex Magento instance, don’t hesitate to work with a certified Magento partner. A professional team can help minimize downtime, avoid data loss, and ensure everything runs smoothly post-upgrade.
