---
title: Check if plugins are up to date
canonical: https://wpsecurityninja.com/docs/security-tests/check-if-plugins-are-up-to-date/
---
Outdated plugins are a common way sites get compromised. Security Ninja’s “Check if plugins are up to date” test (`plugins_ver_check`) compares installed plugin versions to the latest versions available from the WordPress.org plugin directory (and flags what it can detect as behind).

## Why updates matter

Plugin updates often include security patches. Leaving known-vulnerable versions installed increases risk. Updates can also fix bugs and improve compatibility with WordPress core.

## How to run the test

1. Go to **WP Security Ninja → Security Tests**.
2. Run **Check if plugins are up to date**.
3. For any flagged plugin, update from **Dashboard → Updates** or **Plugins**, after taking a backup.

## Abandoned or rarely updated plugins

If a plugin has not been updated for a long time (for example over a year), it may be abandoned. Prefer an actively maintained alternative, or confirm with the author that it is still supported. Premium/custom plugins may not update through wordpress.org, follow the vendor’s update process.

## Tips

- Prefer staging when testing major updates.
- Automatic updates can help, but watch for compatibility issues on complex sites.
- Also run the [vulnerability scanner](https://wpsecurityninja.com/docs/vulnerabilities/scanner/) for known CVEs, which is a different check from “is there a newer version?”

## Related

- [Vulnerability scanner](https://wpsecurityninja.com/docs/vulnerabilities/scanner/)
- [Outdated plugins (vulnerability module)](https://wpsecurityninja.com/docs/vulnerabilities/outdated-plugins/)
- [Plugin compatibility check](https://wpsecurityninja.com/docs/security-tests/plugin-compatibility-check/)