How to fix cms version on WordPress.org

Steps for WordPress.org

1. Log in to wp-admin. The Dashboard > Home screen will show a banner if WordPress core is out of date.
2. Go to Dashboard > Updates to see pending WordPress core, plugin, and theme updates all in one place.
3. Click 'Update Now' under WordPress core. WordPress will download and apply the update automatically.
4. On the same Updates screen, select all outdated plugins (including WooCommerce if installed) and click 'Update Plugins', then repeat for themes.
5. If you are more than one major version behind (e.g., on 5.x and current is 6.x), read the official upgrade guide at wordpress.org/support/article/upgrading-wordpress before proceeding.
6. Use the free 'Health Check & Troubleshooting' plugin or WP Staging to test updates safely before pushing to production.

What is cms version?

Every website is built on a content management system (CMS) — software like WordPress, WooCommerce, Shopify, Wix, or Magento that powers your store behind the scenes. Just like your phone's operating system, this software releases regular updates that fix bugs, patch security holes, and add new features. Running an outdated version means your store is using software the vendor no longer actively protects — and that attackers actively target. A "cms_version" finding means your platform or a core component of it has been detected as out-of-date or approaching end-of-life.

Outdated CMS versions are the single most common entry point for store hacks: attackers maintain public databases of known vulnerabilities tied to specific version numbers, and they run automated bots that scan millions of sites daily looking for easy targets. A successful breach can result in stolen customer payment data (triggering PCI-DSS fines and card-network penalties), customer account takeovers, malware injected into your storefront that drives customers away, and Google Safe Browsing warnings that tank your organic traffic overnight. Beyond security, running end-of-life software means you stop receiving performance improvements and compatibility updates — slowing your site and hurting your search rankings. Many payment processors and hosting providers will also suspend service for stores running critically outdated platforms.

See the complete Cms version guide for every platform and the full background.