Joomla! 5.4.0 introduced the option of enabling Automatic Core Joomla Updates (aka 'Automated Updates').
The Automatic Core Joomla Updates extension is disabled by default.
Should you enable it?
See the arguments for and against at the bottom of this article.
We have no plans to use it with our own websites at this time.
Reason: we adopt a 'hands on' approach to administering our websites.
How does the new extension work?
The extension enables a Joomla! CMS website installed on a publicly accessible server to automatically fetch and install core updates as and when they are released by The Joomla! Project.
The updates are not pushed but are rather pulled by your website's Joomla! CMS.
Third Party Extensions are excluded from 'Automated Updates'.
Security is maintained by means of website registration with the update server using a unique authentication token.
When done the website administrator will receive a system email to confirm the 'Automated Update' has been performed.
Tip: check Global Configuration - Mail settings are correct and working before you register for Automated Updates.
Registration is apparently only required once via the Joomla! Updates: Options screen - see below.
Note: you should be able to unregister your website if you change your mind, but we have not yet confirmed this.
Automated Updates can be disabled under the Automated Updates tab - see below.
Read more: Automatic core updates in Joomla (JCM October 2025 Issue)
Getting started
After updating your Joomla! CMS to v5.4 or later, you will see a new button labelled 'Automated Updates are disabled' in the Home Dashboard of your website - see image below.
And a Post Installation Message prompting you to activate Automated Updates - see image below.
When you select the 'Activate Automated Updates' button you will see the Joomla! Updates: Options screen.
You will see two tabs.
Automated Updates tab
This tab will be open. See image below.
Toggle Automated Updates from No to Yes if you want to enable Automated Updates.
Toggle Yes to No if you later decide to disable Automated Updates.
Update Source tab
There should be no need to change the default settings shown in the image below.
Before enabling Automated Updates, check the following settings apply:
- Update Channel = Default, and
- Minimum Stability = Stable.
For and Against enabling 'Automated Updates'
There are arguments both for and against enabling Automatic Core Joomla Updates.
For
Convenience.
Saves time.
Eliminates the risk of running on out of date Joomla! CMS.
Reduces risk of website compromise.
Against
Any one 'Automated Update' could result in unforeseen consequences.
Example: one or more Third Party Extensions may stop working because they are not compatible with the latest Joomla! CMS version or release.
Result: broken website.
Any one 'Automated Update' might conflict with your plans for website maintenance or development.
Prepare for the unexpected
If you do choose to enable 'Automated Updates' then first take steps to protect your website from unexpected issues arising from any one update.
Installing an automatic backup extension is absolutely vital.
But first check:
- for available disk space for storing backup archives on the server hosting your website, and
- decide upon the location outside the document root and quantity of backups to be stored.
If your website breaks following an 'Automated Update' then you will be able to roll back.
Also ensure that you install Third Party Extension updates as soon as they are announced by developers.
Read more: How to back up your website.
What is the 'document root'
'Document root' is the generic term for 'httpdocs' and 'public_html'.
In other words, the 'document root' is the main directory on a web server where all the files for a website are stored and accessed.
The 'document root' is the folder which contains the publicly accessible content of a website.
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WYNCHCO Solutions help and support managers responsible for Joomla! CMS websites in UK business and third sector organisations across Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and North West England.
