Upgrading Plesk: What You Need to Know Before You Upgrade

Plesk is a popular web hosting control panel used by administrators, developers, and hosting providers to manage websites, applications, and servers. It simplifies many aspects of server management, from email configuration to security, but like any software, it evolves over time with regular updates and new versions. Upgrading Plesk can offer new features, security improvements, and performance enhancements, but it’s important to approach an upgrade carefully to avoid issues.

Here’s what you need to know before upgrading Plesk to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Understand the Benefits of Upgrading

Upgrading Plesk can provide several key benefits, such as:

• Enhanced Security: New versions of typically include fixes for known vulnerabilities. Security patches and improvements help protect your server and the websites you host from cyber threats.
• New Features: It regularly introduces new tools and capabilities. For example, recent updates have added features for managing Docker containers, enhanced WordPress support, improved user interface, and more automation.
• Performance Improvements: Each Plesk upgrade may include optimizations that improve server performance, resource management, and speed, making it easier for you to manage your hosting environment.

2. Check Compatibility with Your Server and Software

Before upgrading, ensure that your server and the software running on it are compatible with the new version of Plesk. This includes checking:

• Operating System Compatibility: New versions of Plesk may not support older operating systems. Verify that your current OS version (e.g., CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, etc.) is compatible with the version of Plesk you’re planning to upgrade to. Some older operating systems may require you to upgrade them first.
• Third-Party Applications: If you’re using third-party software or custom modules, verify that they are compatible with the new version of Plesk. Incompatible software can lead to functionality problems or even downtime.
• PHP and Database Versions: Ensure that the versions of PHP, MySQL, or other databases running on your server are compatible with the new Plesk version. The latest Plesk releases often require newer versions of PHP or database management systems.

3. Backup Your Server and Websites

Upgrading Plesk is generally safe, but as with any major software change, there’s always a risk of something going wrong. To avoid data loss:

• Create Full Backups: Backup all your server data, including website files, databases, email accounts, DNS settings, and configurations. Plesk has a built-in backup tool that can help you create full, incremental, or scheduled backups.
• Test Your Backups: It’s important to verify that your backups are working correctly. Test restore procedures on a test environment if possible.
• Backup Configuration Files: If you’ve made custom modifications to your Plesk configuration files, back them up before proceeding with the upgrade to avoid losing your settings.

4. Plan for Downtime

Although Plesk upgrades are typically smooth, the upgrade process will likely cause some temporary downtime. This is especially true if you’re upgrading a live server with numerous websites. Plan the upgrade during off-peak hours or during a maintenance window to minimize the impact on your users and customers. Make sure to notify stakeholders in advance.

5. Review Plesk Version and License Requirements

Make sure that your current Plesk license is compatible with the new version. Some major Plesk upgrades may require a new license or a different type of license depending on the features you need. For instance, a Plesk Web Host license may be limited compared to a Plesk Web Pro or Plesk Web Enterprise license, and you may need to upgrade or adjust your license accordingly.

• Check for License Activation: Plesk licenses are tied to specific versions. When upgrading, ensure your license key will work with the new version of Plesk. If needed, contact Plesk support to ensure a smooth transition.

6. Test the New Version in a Staging Environment

If possible, create a staging environment that mirrors your production setup. Installing the latest version of Plesk in a staging environment allows you to:

• Test Compatibility: Check that your website, server settings, and applications work properly with the new version.
• Run Performance Tests: Verify that the new version doesn’t introduce any unexpected performance issues, especially if you’re upgrading to a major release.

7. Review Plesk Changelog and Documentation

Before proceeding with the upgrade, carefully review the Plesk changelog and the release notes for the version you plan to upgrade to. This will give you an understanding of what’s new, what’s changed, and what issues have been addressed. It also helps you become aware of any known bugs or issues associated with the new release.

• Consider Release Stability: If you’re running a production server, it’s sometimes wise to wait for a minor update after a major version release to allow time for any unforeseen bugs to be addressed.

8. Follow the Official Upgrade Process

Plesk provides a well-documented, straightforward upgrade process through the Plesk interface. Ensure that you follow the recommended upgrade steps, including:

• Using Plesk’s Update Tool: You can upgrade Plesk directly from the Plesk interface by navigating to Tools & Settings > Plesk > Plesk Updates.
• Command-Line Upgrades: If you’re comfortable using the command line, Plesk also supports upgrades via command-line tools. These methods may provide more control, but they require a deeper technical understanding.

9. Post-Upgrade Testing and Monitoring

After upgrading, thoroughly test your server and websites:

• Check Website Functionality: Make sure all your websites are functioning as expected and that no features have been broken during the upgrade.
• Monitor Server Performance: Keep an eye on your server’s performance and log files to detect any potential issues. Look for unusual CPU, memory, or disk usage patterns after the upgrade.

Conclusion

Upgrading Plesk offers numerous benefits, including improved security, better performance, and new features. However, it’s crucial to plan the upgrade carefully to avoid disruptions to your service. By ensuring compatibility, creating backups, and testing in a staging environment, you can minimize risks and ensure a smooth upgrade process. Taking these steps will help you make the most of your Plesk upgrade and keep your server and websites running smoothly.