Upgrading Umbraco is an essential step for maintaining security, ensuring optimal performance, and taking advantage of new features. However, many UK digital agencies fear that an Umbraco upgrade might disrupt their clients’ websites, leading to broken pages, functionality issues, or even complete site failures. 

The key to a successful Umbraco upgrade is a well-structured process that mitigates risks and ensures a seamless transition. In this guide, we’ll outline best practices for upgrading Umbraco without breaking client websites. 

Why Regular Umbraco Upgrades Matter 

Before diving into the upgrade process, let’s first understand why regular Umbraco upgrades are essential: 

1. Security Enhancements – Older versions may have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. 

2. Performance Improvements – Upgrades often come with optimizations for faster load times and better resource management. 

3. New Features & Functionality – Each Umbraco version introduces new tools and capabilities that enhance user experience. 

4. Bug Fixes – Previous issues are resolved, ensuring a smoother user and developer experience. 

5. Compliance & Compatibility – Staying up-to-date ensures compatibility with modern web technologies and third-party integrations. 

Step-by-Step Guide to a Risk-Free Umbraco Upgrade 

1. Assess the Current Umbraco Version and Dependencies 

Before initiating an upgrade, analyze your client’s website to understand: 

• The current Umbraco version. 

• Third-party plugins and packages in use. 

• Custom code modifications that might break. 

• Server requirements and hosting configurations. 

Use Umbraco’s official upgrade guide to check compatibility and potential breaking changes. 

2. Set Up a Staging Environment 

Never upgrade directly on a live website! Create a staging environment that mirrors the production site to test the upgrade safely. 

• Clone the website onto a separate staging server. 

• Ensure the staging environment matches the live version in terms of database, hosting, and configurations. 

• Test all critical functionalities before moving forward. 

3. Backup Everything Before Proceeding 

A full backup of the database and files is mandatory before making any changes. If anything goes wrong, you can restore the previous version instantly. 

• Use SQL backups for the database. 

• Zip and store all Umbraco files, media, and configurations. 

• Verify the backup by restoring it in a test environment to ensure it works. 

4. Review the Umbraco Upgrade Path 

Umbraco doesn’t always support direct upgrades from very old versions to the latest. You may need step-by-step upgrades to avoid breaking changes. 

• Check the upgrade path in Umbraco’s documentation. 

• Identify deprecated functionalities and APIs that might require manual intervention. 

• Update third-party packages and check if they are compatible with the target version. 

5. Update Dependencies & Third-Party Packages 

Many Umbraco projects rely on external libraries, packages, or APIs. Before proceeding: 

• Update all third-party dependencies. 

• Remove deprecated packages or find alternatives. 

• Test integrations with external services (e.g., payment gateways, CRMs). 

6. Perform the Upgrade in Stages 

Now it’s time for the actual upgrade. Follow these steps: 

1. Upgrade the database schema by running the Umbraco upgrade installer. 

2. Upgrade Umbraco files by replacing them with the latest version. 

3. Review config files to ensure new settings don’t conflict with existing ones. 

4. Test core features like login, content management, media library, and forms. 

7. Conduct Thorough Testing & Debugging 

Once upgraded, test the website thoroughly in the staging environment. Key areas to focus on: 

• Frontend testing: Ensure pages, layouts, and UI elements are intact. 

• Backend testing: Verify CMS functionalities, including content editing and publishing. 

• Forms & interactions: Test contact forms, lead capture forms, and e-commerce checkout flows. 

• Performance check: Run load tests to confirm the site operates smoothly post-upgrade. 

8. Implement SEO Safeguards 

To prevent SEO issues after an upgrade: 

• Check for broken URLs or redirects using a site audit tool. 

• Ensure meta tags and structured data remain intact. 

• Verify canonical tags, robots.txt, and XML sitemaps are correctly configured. 

9. Deploy to Production with a Rollback Plan 

Once you’ve thoroughly tested everything, it’s time to deploy the upgrade to the live site. 

• Schedule the deployment during off-peak hours to minimize disruption. 

• Keep a rollback plan ready in case of issues. 

• Monitor site performance post-deployment for any unexpected issues. 

10. Provide Post-Upgrade Support & Monitoring 

Even after a successful upgrade, continuous monitoring is essential. 

• Use uptime monitoring tools like Pingdom or UptimeRobot to check site availability. 

• Track error logs for unexpected issues. 

• Offer ongoing support to clients in case they face usability concerns. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Umbraco Upgrades 

🚨 Skipping the Backup: Always have a full backup before making changes. 
🚨 Ignoring Third-Party Dependencies: Ensure all plugins and integrations are compatible. 
🚨 Upgrading Directly on a Live Site: Always use a staging environment first. 
🚨 Skipping Testing: Test every aspect of the website after upgrading. 
🚨 Neglecting Performance Checks: Post-upgrade slowdowns can frustrate users and clients. 

Don’t Overlook Security During Umbraco Upgrades

While upgrading Umbraco ensures better performance and new features, security should always remain a top priority. A poorly managed upgrade can introduce vulnerabilities if security best practices aren’t followed. Check out our detailed guide on Umbraco Security Best Practices: Keeping Your Clients’ Websites Safe to learn how to safeguard your clients’ websites from potential threats.

Final Thoughts 

Umbraco upgrades are necessary to keep your client websites secure, high-performing, and feature-rich. However, a mismanaged upgrade can lead to downtime, functionality issues, and client dissatisfaction. By following a structured upgrade process—testing in staging, updating dependencies, and implementing rollback plans—you can ensure a seamless transition with zero disruptions. 

At iConnect, we specialize in assisting UK digital agencies with hassle-free Umbraco upgrades. Our expert team ensures smooth, risk-free updates, allowing agencies to focus on delivering value to their clients. 

🚀 Need help with Umbraco upgrades? Get in touch with our experts today!