How to Upgrade Magento 2 to the Latest Version?
Introduction
Magento updates are regularly released to enhance the user experience, improve performance, and fix existing issues. Running an older version of Magento 2 can leave your store vulnerable to security threats. It can even cause the Magento website to break down. Upgrading to the latest version of Magento 2 is essential for the long-term success of your online store. Many store owners avoid upgrading their Magento 2 stores for fear of data loss or technical know-how.
In this article, we will provide a simple and complete guide on how to upgrade Magento 2 to the latest version. One of the latest version is Magento 2.4.5, released on August 09, 2022. Magento 2.4.6 release is have general availability by March 14, 2023.
We will walk you through the step-by-step process, including creating a backup, turning on maintenance mode, running Magento 2 upgrade commands, and verifying the upgraded Magento 2 version. If you get stuck you can always hire a Magento 2 developer to help out. Let's get started with the Magento 2 upgrade process!
Why Should you Upgrade your Magento 2 website?
Benefits of upgrading your Magento 2
Upgrading to the latest version of Magento 2 is important for several reasons. The new version comes with several advantages that can help improve the overall performance and security of your online store. Here are some of the benefits of upgrading to Magento 2 latest version:
| Benefits and Reasons to Upgrade Magento 2 Version | Description |
|---|---|
| Improved Performance | The latest version of Magento 2 is optimized for speed and performance, which can help improve the loading time of your online store. |
| Fixes Issues in the Existing Version | Upgrading to the latest version can help fix any existing issues and ensure that your online store runs smoothly. |
| Adds New Features | The latest version of Magento 2 comes with several new features that can help enhance the functionality of your online store. |
| Enhances the Store Experience | The new version comes with a more modern and user-friendly interface, which can help improve engagement and encourage customers to return to your store. |
| Security Updates and Vulnerability Fixes | The new version comes with several security updates and vulnerability fixes that can help protect your online store from potential security threats. |
How to Upgrade Magento 2 to Latest Version?
Preparing for the Magento 2 Upgrade
Before upgrading your Magento 2 online store, take necessary precautions to ensure a smooth upgrade process.
Here are two essential steps to prepare for the upgrade:
1. Creating a Backup for Magento 2
Magento 2 backups ensure that you have a restore point in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process. You can create a backup of your store using the Magento 2 backup tool or by using a third-party backup tool.
2. Turning on Maintenance Mode
It is recommended to turn on maintenance mode in Magento 2 before upgrading to the latest version. It ensures that your customers do not experience disruption while you are upgrading your store.
You can turn on maintenance mode by running the following command:
php bin/magento maintenance:enable
Once you have completed these two steps, you are ready to proceed with the Magento 2 upgrade process.
Steps to Upgrade Magento 2 to the Latest Version
Upgrading Magento 2 to the latest version involves several steps. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade Magento 2 to the latest version:
1. Enable Maintenance Mode
As mentioned in the preparation section above, it is essential to enable the maintenance mode. Get the in-depth tutorial here 👉 How to Enable Magento 2 Maintenance Mode. Enable maintenance mode in Magento 2 by running the following command:
php bin/magento maintenance:enable
2. Upgrade Magento 2.x
To upgrade Magento 2 to the latest version, you need to run the following commands:
composer require magento/product-community-edition 2.4.x --no-update
composer update --ignore-platform-reqs
The first command specifies the version of Magento you want to upgrade to. Instead of "x" you have to add the latest Magento version. For March 2023 release, it is Magento 2.4.6 version. The second command updates the dependencies of your Magento 2 store.
3. Run Upgrade Commands
After upgrading Magento 2, you need to run the following commands to complete the upgrade process:
php bin/magento setup:upgrade
php bin/magento setup:static-content:deploy -f
php bin/magento cache:flush
php bin/magento setup:di:compile
php bin/magento indexer:reindex
These commands help run the upgrade module, clear cache, reindex, and compile the code for better performance.
4. Verify Upgraded Magento 2 Version
Once the upgrade process is complete, you can verify the upgraded Magento 2 version. Run the following command:
php bin/magento --version
The above command will display the version of Magento 2 that you have just upgraded to.
With these steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful Magento 2 upgrade process.
Magento 2 Upgrade: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about upgrading Magento 2:
1. How do I upgrade Magento 2.4.3 to 2.4.4?
To upgrade Magento 2.3 to 2.4.5, you need to follow the steps outlined in the tutorial below. Before upgrading, make sure to check the compatibility of your extensions with the latest version of Magento 2.
2. How do I upgrade Magento 2.3 to 2.4?
Magento 2.4 version comes with the support for PHP 8.1. You get the new flagship features in PWA, B2B capabilities, and 250+ fixes. Here is a simple tutorial to upgrade from 2.3 to 2.4 Magento version:
Get the Guide: How to Upgrade Magento 2.3 to 2.4?
3. What is the difference between Magento Open Source and Adobe Commerce?
Magento Open Source is a free, open-source version of Magento 2. While Adobe Commerce is a paid, enterprise-level version of Magento 2.
Get the detailed comparison between Magento Open Source vs Adobe Commerce.
4. Is there a Magento upgrade service?
Yes, there are many Magento upgrade services available that can help you with Magento 2 upgrade or any system upgrade related to Magento.
The services specialize in providing assistance for the Magento 2 upgrade process. The expert team can help you to upgrade your Magento store to the latest version of Magento.
If you're considering upgrading your Magento store, it's a good idea to work with a Magento upgrade service.
5. What is the "bin/magento setup:upgrade" command used for?
The bin/magento setup:upgrade command is used for system upgrade or upgrade process in Magento. It updates the Magento database schema and data, as well as applies any necessary system upgrades.
6. What does the php bin/magento setup:upgrade command do in Magento 2?
The php bin/magento setup:upgrade command is used to update the Magento database schema and data, as well as apply any necessary system upgrades. It is used in the Magento 2 upgrade process and ensures that your Magento store runs smoothly with the latest updates and features.
Summary
Upgrading Magento 2 to the latest version is an essential process for any online store owner.
By upgrading, you can ensure that your store is secure and up-to-date. It then has access to the latest features and functionalities. You can delegate the task and use Magento upgrade service to update your Magento version or other system upgrade.The magento upgrade service team ensures a smooth Magento upgrade.
In this article, we have outlined the benefits of upgrading Magento 2 and the steps involved in the upgrade process. We have also answered some of the most frequently asked questions related to Magento 2 upgrades.
Get more Magento how-to guides on MGT Commerce Tutorials.
