Introduction
Upgrading Joomla is said to be an update. This is true if all the existing extensions (Components, Mouldules and Plugins) are compliant! By using the Joomla Next update method then these extensions will be checked. It will also check that your PHP level and Database version meet the minimum standards
The images opposite show the principal requirements for Joomla5 and Joomla6 The main change in these is that the minimum PHP level for Joomla6 is now PHP 8.3.0 and the recommended level PHP 8.4.0 .
J5 and J6 also require PHP Modules:
1. json,
2. simplexml,
3. dom,
4. zlib,
5. gd,
6. mysqlnd or pdo_mysql, or pdo_pgsql.
If you are unsure of how to select a higer version of PHP or to enable the required modules it is suggested that you consult your hosting sevice provider.
Getting to Joomla Next
In the 
the first step is to click on the 
button. Then in the 
section, click on 
.
Next Click on the
button at top right. This shows the Update Source so use the pull down, as indicated opposite' to select option Joomla Next.
the first step is to click on the button. Then in the section, click on .Next Click on the
button at top right. This shows the Update Source so use the pull down, as indicated opposite' to select option Joomla Next. Compatibility Check
This instigates the 'checking' process.
It typically brings up the view as shown opposite as the reqirements for Joomla 5 and 6 are similar.
However if there is a Requirement problem it may be useful to contact your hosting service.if you are unsure how to solve the problem.
In this exampe all the main requirements are set to Yes. However the Update button is not active and the Extensions indicate a possible problem.
So click on the
as indicated opposite.
This presents the detailed report as shown opposite which is querring the jDownloads System Plugin.
Actually the jD System Plugin is OK.
Apparently it is the way the system plugin is coded. Apparently it does not totally conform to Joomla practice.
If you scroll further down you will see a report as shown below.
If you now scroll down to the bottom of the report you will find
This then gives an 'Are you Sure Message' where you need to click on OK. The 
button is now active so click on it.
Actually the jD System Plugin is OK.
Apparently it is the way the system plugin is coded. Apparently it does not totally conform to Joomla practice.
If you scroll further down you will see a report as shown below.
If you now scroll down to the bottom of the report you will findThis then gives an 'Are you Sure Message' where you need to click on OK. The button is now active so click on it.Updating
Click on the "I'm aware..." message and then on the 
as indicated opposite.
This will start the Update
After a little time it becomes
as indicated opposite.This will start the Update
After a little time it becomesYour site has now been upgraded.
Note that the update channel has been reset to "Default" so when the next update to Joomla becomes available it will be notified in the normal way.
That is click on the button then in the
section click on .
Note that the update channel has been reset to "Default" so when the next update to Joomla becomes available it will be notified in the normal way.
That is click on the
button then in thesection click on .Colin M rewritten Febuary 2025 updated June 2026, July 2026