As we Know Moodle is a Open source Learning Management System that is used by tens of millions people worldwide.Moodle is having so many Plugin ,features and keeps coming up with newer versions with many user friendly updation. With launch of new version from time to time, Moodle recommend you to upgrade existing version to newer version.Upgrading an LMS can be a simple but a complicated process.

In this article, we will see step by step approach to upgrading Moodle LMS.

1. Take Backup

Before Upgrading your Moodle site to a new version always take a backup of your current setup of your entire Moodle file. A backup should contain the following items:

  • Moodle software: Take a backup of Moodle software files which is available in this location of your server (server/ htdocs/ moodle). The location can differ based on the OS.
  • Moodle Data: Moodle Data files backup can be taken with the help of this location (server/ moodledata). In most of the cases, the location will be relative to the above location.
  • Moodle database: Moodle database backup will be available in following location (server/phpmyadmin/moodle database).

2. Check Requirements

While upgrading the Moodle to the next level, check that the new version of Moodle updates system requirements so that the updated Moodle version runs smoothly.

System Requirements
PHP must be 5.3.2 or later versions:

  • Required PHP extensions: iconv, zip, curl, ctype, simplexml, pcre, spl, dom, json, xml
  • Required PHP memory_limit at least 40MB (if you have a choice 64MB or more recommended)
    Databases should be one of the following DB’s:
  • MySQL 5.0.25 or later (always recommended InnoDB storage engine)
  • MS SQL 2005 or later
  • Choose any standards supporting a browser from the past few years EX:
    Firefox 3 or later browser
    Google Chrome 4 or later browser
    MS Internet Explorer 7 or later browser

3. Maintenance Mode

When you are upgrading your Moodle, it is necessary to put your Moodle website in a Maintenance Mode (Site administration > Server > Maintenance Mode).

When Maintenance mode is enabled, an “Under Maintenance” banner is displayed on the website.Once that is done, download the upgraded version from https://moodle.org/ download link. After downloading the newer version of Moodle, copy and paste the folder where your older version folder is located.

4. Copy Back Files

Once you have replaced your old Moodle site with the upgraded version, you need to copy back some of the files from your previous backup. These files include the following:
1.Config.php
2.Previously installed plugins (check if the version is compatible with your Moodle version). Example: Block Plugins, Local Plugins, Auth Plugins etc.
3.Previously installed themes (check if there is an updated theme for your Moodle version).

5. Open your Moodle Dashboard

After you have copied the files from your older Moodle site to new site, run the Moodle by using your domain address or your local IP address in your browser.Open your Moodle Dashboard then you will be given an option to complete your Moodle upgrade.After the file upgrading is completed the continue button will persist on the window. Then click the continue button.

6. Turn OFF Maintenance Mode

Once you are done with the upgrade process, The login page of new Moodle version page appears. Enter your admin username and password to login.Now you can turn off the Maintenance mode on your site.

This will make your website live/accessible to all your users.