The ‘Another Update is Currently in Progress’ error in WordPress can be a frustrating hurdle, especially when attempting to update the core system or plugins. It usually surfaces when a background update process is already in motion, and a user initiates another update. The system places a lock on the WordPress database to prevent simultaneous updates, safeguarding against errors or potential data corruption.

Ideally, this error message should automatically dissipate within a brief span, typically around 15 minutes, once the update concludes. However, at times, the message persists, requiring manual intervention to resolve the issue.

Why Does the Error Occur?

When WordPress runs an automatic update, it places a ‘lock’ in the database to prevent overlapping update processes. If this process encounters an interruption or isn’t completed as expected, it might leave the ‘core_updater.lock’ file in the database, leading to the error message indicating that another update is already in progress.

Resolving the ‘Another Update in Progress’ Error

To tackle this issue effectively, you’ll need to remove the ‘core_updater.lock’ file from the database. This is a process that necessitates caution, ensuring that you back up your website before any modifications to the database. Here are detailed steps to resolve this error:

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide

1. Accessing the Database

• Log in to your hosting account’s control panel (cPanel) and find the ‘phpMyAdmin’ tool. The location may vary based on your hosting provider.
• Launch phpMyAdmin and select your WordPress database.

2. Navigating the Database Tables

• Within phpMyAdmin, locate and click on the ‘wp_options’ table. This table contains various rows of settings for your WordPress site.
• Click on the ‘Browse’ option to view the rows within the ‘wp_options’ table.

3. Locating the ‘core_updater.lock’ File

• Search for the row with the option name ‘core_updater.lock.’
• Click on the row to select it for deletion.

4. Deleting the ‘core_updater.lock’ File

• Once the ‘core_updater.lock’ row is selected, click on the ‘Delete’ option.
• Confirm the deletion to remove the lock file from the database.

Precautions and Best Practices

• Always create a complete backup of your website before making any changes to the database. This ensures that you can restore your site in case of unexpected issues.
• Be careful while working in the database. Accidental deletion or modification of essential files can have severe consequences on your site’s functionality.

Conclusion

By removing the ‘core_updater.lock’ file from the database using phpMyAdmin, you can successfully eliminate the error message, enabling you to resume your WordPress updates without any hindrances.

Final Thoughts

Resolving the ‘Another Update is Currently in Progress’ error is crucial for maintaining the functionality and security of your WordPress site. With proper understanding and cautious execution, you can swiftly overcome this obstacle and ensure the smooth operation of your site’s updates.