# Update guide

Don't be afraid of updates! This guide will help you to perform Shopware and/or ThemeWare® updates efficiently while minimising potential errors and problems.

By updating regularly, creating backups, checking changelogs and deactivating incompatible extensions, you can make the update process more secure and smooth.

## Your update guide

1. Perform updates as regularly as possible in order to always receive new features, improvements and fixes and to avoid issues with large version skips.
2. Wait a few days with updates if possible.
3. Test updates in advance in a test system.
4. Always create a complete [backup](https://docs.shopware.com/en/shopware-6-en/update-guides/updating-shopware) before every Shopware update.
   * **Tip**: Many hosters offer backup options via the administration interface.
5. Check the previous [Shopware releases](https://www.shopware.com/en/news/features-and-releases/) before the Shopware update.
6. Check out our previous [news and announcements](https://service.themeware.design/en/news) before Shopware and/or ThemeWare® updates.
7. Check the [Shopware changelog](https://www.shopware.com/en/changelog/) before every Shopware update.
8. Check the [ThemeWare® changelog](https://service.themeware.design/en/changelog) before every ThemeWare® update.
9. Deactivate incompatible extensions before the update and only activate them once you have made sure that the version in your shop is compatible. (see [shopware-compatibility](https://knowledge.themeware.design/knowledge-base/basic-knowledge/shopware-compatibility "mention"))
   * **Tip**: Clear the entire Shopware cache and reload the administration.
10. Follow our update instructions for updates:
    * ThemeWare® update: [updating-themeware](https://knowledge.themeware.design/knowledge-base/tutorials/administration/updating-themeware "mention")
    * Shopware update: [shopware-updates-and-themeware](https://knowledge.themeware.design/knowledge-base/tutorials/administration/shopware-updates-and-themeware "mention")
11. Clear the entire Shopware cache after updates and reload the administration.
12. Reload the storefront and the administration once with a "cache refresh".
    * Windows: **Ctrl + F5**
    * Mac: **Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + R** or **Command (⌘) + Option/Alt (⌥) + R**

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We are always happy to receive [feedback](https://service.themeware.design/en/support#feedback) on our updates and constructive suggestions to further improve our products.
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## Further information

You can find out which ThemeWare® version is compatible with which Shopware version in the ThemeWare® Service Portal:

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ThemeWare® Service Portal
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