Joomla! Documentation™

The "J2.5" namespace is a namespace scheduled to be archived. This page contains information for a Joomla! version which is no longer supported. It exists only as a historical reference, it will not be improved and its content may be incomplete and/or contain broken links.

This is the recommend method of updating a Joomla CMS website.

Not only is this the recommended method, it is the easiest method of updating the Joomla CMS. Sometimes this method is referred to as a One click update. If you are unable to use this method because of specific use cases (distributions, languages, host speed), you can update the Joomla CMS using the install method.

This method is suitable for the following

• All Joomla CMS ≥ 2.5.4 to 2.5.x - updates (maintenance update)
• Joomla CMS ≥ 2.5.0 and ≤ 2.5.3 to 2.5.x - (you must use the Step 2b - install method)
• All Joomla CMS ≥ 2.5.4 to ≥ 3.x.x - migration! (must read Planning for Mini-Migration - Joomla 2.5 to 3.x)

Not suitable for

• Joomla CMS 1.0 to 2.5.x see {link coming soon}
• Joomla CMS 1.5 to 2.5.x read Planning Migration - Joomla 1.5 to 3. (Joomla CMS 2.5 has reached End of Support (EOS))
• Joomla CMS 1.6 to 2.5.x see the {link coming soon}
• Joomla CMS 1.7 to 2.5.x see the {link coming soon}

How to Update

Step 1: Backup

Make sure you have a CURRENT BACKUP of your site! In many cases, your host will make periodic site backups. DO NOT rely on these backups! It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED you preform your own backup.

Step 2a: Find and install updates

1. If your site is prior to 2.5.4, see Step 2b instead
2. In the back end of your Joomla site, navigate to Components → Joomla Update.
3. Click on Install the Update
   
4. IMPORTANT: This process will take a few minutes. Wait until the process completes and it tells you that you are already on the current release, similar to the screen shown below.
   
5. Congratulations! At this point, your site is updated.

Important: Clear your browser cache and check that your site is working correctly. See below Checking Your Site

Step 2b: Find and install updates (versions < 2.5.4)

You can find more specific details about the install method on the page, Updating Joomla (Install Method).

1. In the back end of your Joomla site, navigate to Extensions → Extension Manager and open the Update tab.
2. Click on the Purge Cache icon to clear out the cache.
3. Click on the Find Updates icon in the toolbar. If there is an available update, the screen will list it, similar to the screen shown below.
   
   Note that available upgrades for extensions used in the site will also show in the list.
4. Select the update (using the checkbox) and click on the Update icon in the toolbar.
5. IMPORTANT: This process will take a few minutes. Wait until the process completes and the success message shows, similar to the screen shown below.
   
6. Congratulations! At this point, your site is updated.

Important: Clear your browser cache and check that your site is working correctly. See below Checking Your Site