How to know if my PrestaShop is outdated and what risks I am running

If you have an online store on PrestaShop, it is normal to wonder from time to time if everything is still working correctly. Over time, the platform evolves, the modules are updated, and it is key to check that everything is up to date.

In this article, I will show you how to know if your PrestaShop is outdated, why it is important to keep it up to date, and what steps you can take if you find that you need an update.

1. How to know if my PrestaShop is outdated?

Check the current version of your store

The first thing you can do is check which version of PrestaShop you are using:

• Enter the administration panel (Back Office).
• Go to Advanced Parameters > Information.
• Look for the field that indicates the "PrestaShop version".

Once you have that information, compare it with the latest version available on the official PrestaShop website. If you are several versions behind, it is time to act.

Check if your modules are updated

Another important step to know if your PrestaShop is outdated is to check the modules you have installed:

• Go to Modules > Module Manager.
• See if any of them show an "update available" notification.
• Delete the modules you no longer use and update the ones that are active.

Old or abandoned modules are often responsible for many security and functionality problems in online stores.

Check the PHP version of your server

PrestaShop needs certain versions of PHP to function correctly. If your server uses an old version, you may have errors or you may not be able to update your store directly.

To check it:

• In the Back Office, go to Advanced Parameters > Information.
• Look for the PHP version and make sure it is compatible with the latest version of PrestaShop.

2. What are the risks of having an outdated PrestaShop?

Security vulnerabilities

This is the most critical point. Outdated versions of PrestaShop and its modules can have security holes that hackers can exploit to steal customer data, inject malicious code, or even take full control of your store.

Compatibility issues

As you update modules or want to add new ones, you may find that they are not compatible with your old version of PrestaShop. This limits your ability to improve your store and add new features.

Performance degradation

Updates often include performance improvements. An outdated store can be slow, which negatively affects the user experience and your SEO positioning.

Loss of sales

A slow, insecure store with errors generates distrust and causes customers to leave without buying. This directly translates into a loss of sales and revenue.

3. What should I do if my PrestaShop is outdated?

1. Make a backup

Before making any changes, make a complete backup of your store (files and database). This is essential to be able to revert the changes if something goes wrong.

2. Create a test environment

Never update a live store directly. Create a copy of your store in a test environment (a subdomain or a local folder) to perform the update without affecting your customers.

3. Update modules and themes

Before updating the PrestaShop core, update all modules and themes to their latest compatible versions. This will minimize compatibility issues.

4. Update the PrestaShop core

Follow the official PrestaShop instructions to update the core of your store. You can do this manually or using a module like the "1-Click Upgrade".

5. Test everything

Once the update is complete, thoroughly test your store in the test environment. Check that everything works correctly: the home page, the product pages, the checkout process, the contact forms, etc.

6. Apply the changes to the live store

If everything works correctly in the test environment, you can apply the changes to your live store. It is recommended to do this at a time of low traffic to minimize the impact on your customers.

Conclusion

Keeping your PrestaShop store updated is essential to ensure its security, performance, and functionality. If you are not sure how to do it or prefer to leave it in the hands of an expert, do not hesitate to contact me. I can help you with the maintenance of your PrestaShop store and ensure that it is always in the best conditions.